1891.] ■ ESSAYS. 145 



• 



ful when in bloom of any shrub at the same time, and is a 

 decided acquisition. 



The Halesia, or Silver Bell, blooms in May with white bell- 

 shaped flowers ; it forms a shapely shruli and has a pretty leaf. 



The Viburnum, or Snow-ball, is an old and pleasing shrub 

 with a gorgeous wealth of white flowers. The Viburnum Plica- 

 tum, of quite recent introduction from Japan, is the most 

 ornamental of the family ; both the flowers and leaves are very 

 beautiful ; the shrul) is proving perfectly hardy, and thus far 

 free from insects, and is a decided acquisition. 



Lonicera, or Tartarian Honeysuckle, are old and hardy 

 shruljs of a half dozen sorts, with a pleasing variety of flowers, 

 and when properly trained makes a beautiful bush, and thrives 

 in most soils and situations. 



The Altheas are flne late flowering shrubs, sometimes growing 

 half tree size. They are kind enough to bloom when but few 

 other shrubs are in flower, and remain in flower for several 

 weeks ; they require but little care and often are very showy. 



Calycanthus is a sweet fragrant shrub ; the flowers are not 

 pleasing to the eye, but quite agreeable to the smell. It is an 

 old shrub and when well grown is desirable. 



The Hydrangeas as a class are late flowering shrubs, which 

 are very much esteemed. The Hydrangea Paniculata Grandi- 

 flora is the most desirable, and thrives especially well about 

 Worcester, where it is largely grown and much esteemed for its 

 very gorgeous display of large blooms varying in color from 

 white to pink. I have in my grounds the largest I have ever 

 seen, and when in bloom it forms a perfect bank of flowers. It 

 thrives best in a deep loam, retentive of moisture, and will bear 

 liberal treatment. 



The Azalea in their variety are one of the most satisfactory 

 shrubs. The natives — commonly called swamp pinks — flower 

 in June and July ; when properly transplanted, in a moist, 

 peaty soil, make fine, large bushes, and when in bloom are very 

 fragrant. 



The Ghent varieties afford an opportunity for a fine display of 



diflferent colors of all shades ; they do best in a soil composed of 

 ♦12 



