176 PASTURAGE. 



lar stalks growing out of the same root. It propa- 

 gates either by seed, layers- or cuttings, and is a 

 vigorous grower and perfectly hardy. The wood is* 

 short jointed, having three leaves growing out of each, 

 forming a triangle. The leaves are about four inches 

 long, by one and one-half wide, and tapering at both 

 ends. The color is a lively green, of waxen appear- 

 ance. The flowers are formed at the termination of 

 the current year's growth, globe shaped and about 

 one inch in diameter ; being composed of numerous 

 flowerets, thrown out of the seed-vessel, of the same 

 shape and about one-third the size of the expanded 

 flower. These are placed in threes, opposite each 

 other, the same as the leaves, there being generally 

 either two or three sets, terminated by a single one, 

 making either four, seven, or ten on each terminal 

 branch, according as it is more or less thrifty. They 

 are of a creamy white color and emit a pleasant fra- 

 grance. Where a portion of this shrub is submerged 

 till late in the spring, it retards the season of bloom ; 

 the first flowers appearing about the first of July and 

 continuing in succession for full two months, affording 

 an abundant supply of honey during the season it is 

 in bloom. Strong colonies will store from one to 

 three pounds of surplus honey per day, besides the 

 amount deposited in the main apartment, to be con- 

 sumed by the bees. 



There are places where large quantities of this 

 bush grow, that should not only be preserved, but 

 additional grounds planted ; it will be found a pay- 

 ing investment, perhaps equal to a sugar plantation. 



