118 LAWN AND SHADE TREES. 



prominent place for ornament in the shrubbery. All of the 

 varieties grow freely in any good garden soil. 



The SNOW-DROP TREE Halesia. When in flower, the snow- 

 drop or silver-bell tree is one of the most beautiful objects 

 among shrub trees. The tetraptera or four-winged halesia 

 produces a profusion of pure white flowers, like snow-drops, 

 hanging in small clusters of four to eight all along its branches, 

 that open during the last of April or earjy in May, before the 

 leaves have grown, giving to the tree a most unique and 

 beautiful effect from its waving, drooping mass of snowy white 

 laced with the lines of dark brown from its branches. It makes 

 a tree in height from fifteen to twenty feet. 



The diptera or two- winged halesia does not bloom as early as 

 the four-winged, but its flowers are larger and even more pure 

 white, so that when in bloom the tree excites the admiration of 

 all beholders. The foliage is larger and broader than the tetrap- 

 tera, and altogether it is a variety that should be planted in all 

 collections of any extent. As small lawn trees, or for prominent 

 positions in small yards, both varieties are worthy a place, and 

 when planted in front of a cluster of evergreens their beauty is 

 much increased in effect. 



The SWEET- SCENTED SHRUB Calycanthus. The sweet- 

 scented shrub or allspice calycanthus floridus is a low shrub 

 with broad, dark brownish green foliage and dark brown wood, 

 producing a dull, dusky, chocolate-colored flower highly per- 

 fumed, as is also the foliage, but less strong ; and it is 

 from this peculiar and agreeable perfume that the plant 

 obtains universal favor and introduction into even the smallest 

 gardens. Its growth is usually three to four feet high and as 

 many broad, blossoms mostly produced in June, although, in 

 some seasons, occasional flowers are produced until autumn. 

 There are quite a number of varieties, varying in the form of 

 foliage ; and where room can be had for a cluster, their intro- 



