74 TOWN PLANTING 



sidered as a fairly satisfactory shrub; but in 

 the more confined parts of London it cannot 

 be recommended. 



The Dwarf variety of the Common Holly 

 may be considered as probably better than 

 the species for London generally, though 

 both Ilex Hodginsii and /. Balearic a (the 

 Minorca Holly) have distinct claims, parti- 

 cularly the former, on the town planter. /. 

 Hodginsii, owing to its strong constitution, 

 sturdy habit and smooth leaves, would appear 

 to do well under unfavourable conditions, 

 and, when established, wears quite a present- 

 able appearance even in moderately smoky 

 localities. All the Hollies want a light, but 

 rich loamy, soil if their best qualities as town 

 shrubs are to be brought out, and, as they 

 bear pruning well, are equally adapted either 

 as standards or hedge plants. A distinct dis- 

 advantage with the Holly is that soot and 

 smoke adhere persistently to the leaves. 



THE ENGLISH YEW (Taxus baccatd) can 

 hardly be recommended as a suitable tree for 

 smoky localities, although in suburban dis- 



