FLORAL LITERATURE OF CALIFORNIA. 35 



Miscanthus, or Eulalia, as it is more commonly called, is represented 

 in California gardens by different forms, probably deriving all from 

 M. Sinensis (Eulalia Japonica). None of them grow more than a few 

 feet, and they are eminently suitable for small grounds, being orna- 

 mental alike for their differently-variegated leaves, as for their pretty 

 inflorescences. 



Gymnothrix Latifolia is another very hardy ornamental grass, 

 which has quite a bold appearance, with its broad foliage and dark- 

 colored stalks. Erianthus Ravennse and Saccharum JEgyptiacum can 

 be used in large places for the sake of variety, their effect being about 

 similar to Gynerium. 



For obtaining tropical effects, nothing is better than Panicum Ex- 

 t-urrens, which, in the shade of trees, and with plenty of moisture, will 

 grow several feet high, and have leaves four or more inches wide. It 

 will not stand frost, but, as it comes up readily from seed, it can be 

 treated as an annual where it will not go through the winter. 



There are quite a number of other ornamental grasses suitable for 

 California, of which the merit resides principally in their flowers rather 

 than in the mass of their foliage, such as Pennisetum Longistylum, 

 and P. Ruppelianum, Tricholsena Rosea, etc. I will close, recommend- 

 ing to make use, at proper places, of our native Elymus Condensatus, 

 that will give very good effects and will stand cold and intense heat 

 well. 



Santa Barbara, Gal. 



FLORAL LITERATURE OE CALIFORNIA. 



BY CHARLES HOWARD SHIN-V. 



Somehow, the transplanting of a civilized race from a familiar 

 region, whose resources are fairly well understood, to a new and very 

 different land, greatly stimulates its energies. The arts of home build- 

 ing and garden-making develop under such conditions, and in time find 

 expression in a local literature. Pioneers, if we make due allowance for 

 their difficulties, often accomplish more, proportionally, in the way of 

 creating fair gardens than do their immediate successors. We have 

 few millionaires to-day who dream of paying such prices in trouble 

 and money for rare plants and beautiful grounds as did the Beards, the 

 Ralstons, and the great-hearted founders of some of the pioneer fam- 

 ilies of California. 



Sometimes, too, we are inclined to think that the literature of the 

 garden began on the Pacific Coast in the age of steam presses, tele- 

 graphs, and transcontinental railroads. It is not so. The "first fine 

 rapture" of discovery and conquest gave birth to a splendid enthusiasm 



