THE BERBERRY. 101 



by cultivation in rich soil. There are also varieties of this in 

 Europe with pale yellow, white, and purple fruit, which are not 

 yet introduced into this country, and which scarcely differ in 

 any other respect than the colour. Finally, there is a so-called 

 sweet variety of the common Berberry from Austria, (B. v v 

 dukis,) but it is scarcely less acid than the common. 



2. STONELESS. 



B. v. Asperma. 



Seedless. 



Vinetier saus noyeau. 



The fruit of this, which is only a variety of our common bar- 

 berry, is without seeds. But it does not appear to be a perma- 

 nent variety, as the plants frequently do produce berries with 

 seeds ; and it is stated in the New Duhamel that in order to 

 guard against this, the sort must be propagated by layers or 

 cuttings, as the suckers always give the common sort. It is 

 considered the best for preserving. 



3. BLACK SWEET MAGELLAN. Loudon. 



Berberis dulcis. D. Don. 

 B. ratundifolia. 



A new evergreen sort from the Straits of Magellan, Soutn 

 America. It is very rare, and has not yet fruited in this coun- 

 try, but it is likely to prove hardy. Loudon, in the Suburban 

 Gardener, says it bears round black berries, about the size of 

 those of the black currant, which are used in its native country 

 for pies and tarts, both green and ripe. It has ripened fruit in 

 Edinburgh, in the nursery of Mr. Cunningham, who describes 

 it as large and excellent. 



4. NEPAL. 



Berberis aristata. 



This is a new variety from Nepal, India. We have culti- 

 vated it three or four years, and find it tolerably hardy, but, 

 though it has produced flowers, it has yet given no fruit. It is 

 said to yield " purple fruit, covered with a fine bloom, which in 

 India are dried in the sun like raisins, and used like them at 

 the dessert." 



The MAHONIAS, or Holly leaved Berberries, from Oregon are 

 handsome low evergreen ornamental shrubs, with large deep 

 green prickly leaves, and yellow flowers, but the fruit is of no 

 value. 



14* 



