430 SHEPHERDIA AKGENTEA. 
Variety. S. a. fructu luteo. "Yellow-fruited Silvery-leaved Shepherdia, said 
to be found in the Rocky Mountains by Mr. Wyeth. 
Geography and History. The Shepherdia argentea, in its native state, is 
wholly confined to the northerly and western regions of North America. Dr. 
Richardson observed it on the banks of the Saskatchewan, in latitude fifty-four 
degrees ; Major Long's party saw it growing near Rainy Lake, in about latitude 
forty-nine degrees; and Mr. Nuttall found it on the borders of La Platte, on the 
banks of the Missouri, which he considered as its southernmost limit. 
This species was first propagated east of the Rocky Mountains, in about the 
year 1826, by Messrs. Winships, of Brighton, near Boston, in Massachusetts, by 
a few seeds sent them from the banks of the Missouri, by Colonel Snelling. 
From this source, probably, originated most, if not all, the cultivated plants at 
present existing, both in Europe and in the United States. One of the original 
trees is now growing in their nursery, which has attained a height of nearly 
twenty feet, and is still vigorous, and increasing in size. These gentlemen have 
continued to cultivate this plant for the purpose of forming hedges, and rows of 
them may be seen at this time, on many of the seats in the vicinity of Boston, 
and in many other places in the northern states, where it thrives well. 
This tree was first introduced into Britain, in 1815, by Mr. Thomas Nuttall, 
and kept in the green-house of the Liverpool botanic garden ; but, for the want 
of proper management, it soon after died. It has since been re-introduced, and fine 
specimens of it are to be met with in the London Horticultural Society's garden, 
in the Twickenham botanic garden, and in numerous other European gardens 
and collections. 
Soil, Propagation, <$~c. The Shepherdia argentea is perfectly hardy in every 
part of Europe and of America, south of the fifty-fourth parallel of north latitude ; 
and it will grow in any soil where our common orchard fruits will thrive. It 
may be propagated from seeds, by cuttings, or suckers ; and when trained to a 
small tree, it is particularly well adapted for suburban gardens. When employed 
as a hedge-plant, and kept down by the shears, it becomes close and compact, 
and has the advantage of being thorny, green, or rather silvery, till late in 
autumn ; and is not attacked by insects, nor is subject to any disease or blight. If 
cultivated for fruit, a male tree should be planted by the side of the female. 
Properties and Uses. Independently of the use of the shepherdia for the pur- 
poses of ornament, its fruit makes an excellent jelly or preserve. Although 
small, it is juicy, but not watery, is of a pleasant, subacid taste, mixed with a 
sweetness, which renders it highly agreeable. Made into sweet jelly, in the man- 
ner of currants, these berries are thought to be preferable to that fruit by most 
persons who have tasted them. 
