ORNAMENTAL DECIDUOUS SHRUBS. 101 



comes next in growth, then crenate-leaved, while gracilis is quite 

 a dwarf, say from one to two feet in height. 



The Elder tiambueus. Although a common wild shrub, the 

 broad cymes of delicate white flowers followed by dark purple 

 or reddish fruit produced on the elder, render it desirable for 

 planting in all large groups of shrubs ; and for use in making 

 bouquets, one or more plants of it should be in every collection. 

 There are quite a number of varieties ; some with white fruit, 

 others of a reddish tinge ; some growing into small trees with 

 single trunks, others forming clusters of stems ; some with 

 variegated foliage, and one with a leaf lasciniated so as to be 

 termed parsley leaf. All are of easy cultivation in good deep 

 rich soils. 



The Golden Bell Shrub Forsythia. The Forsythia viridis- 

 si/na, although comparatively of recent introduction, is so easily 

 grown that it has become quite common. It is not perfectly 

 hardy in all locations, but generally succeeds when planted so 

 that it will be shaded from midday or afternoon sun. Its flowers 

 are bright yellow, bell-shaped, produced very early in spring 

 on spurs or wood of two years old or more, and gives most effect 

 when seen against an evergreen as a background. The young 

 wood is a bright greenish yellow ; foliage bright lively green, 

 and in shaded positions often retained until Christmas. 



The Hawthorn Crataegus. In England the Crataegus oxycantha 

 is largely used as a hedge plant ; but trials of it in this country 

 prove it not well suited to endure, when clipped, our strong hot 

 suns and frequent dry seasons. As an ornamental plant, where 

 large groups or masses are to be formed, the beauty of some 

 varieties with their double white, pink, or scarlet flowers in 

 May, render their planting almost a necessity. Left to them- 

 selves when planted alone, as is sometimes done on lawns, they 

 form very regular round-headed little trees of ten to fifteen feet 

 high. All may be budded or grafted, and the numerous 



