ORNAMENTAL SHRUBS. 215 



we have an ample variety. Man}' of these are perfect in form 

 and striking in foliage, giving good examples of trees in minia- 

 ture. Others are better in groups, or extended banks which may 

 suggest bird's-eye forest views. But a principal use will be for 

 belts of irregular outline, either along the borders of our lot or in 

 other positions concealing the limits of the place and creating vis- 

 tas which may transform the appearance to a surprising degree. 

 An impression of vigor and luxuriance of growth ma}' be pro- 

 duced by looking down upon foliage, which is wholly lost when 

 trees of larger growth are used. 



Again we are to consider that shrubs will give us immediate re- 

 sults. It requires but a year or two to bring most kinds to a good 

 degree of effectiveness. We do not have to wait for growth, as 

 in the care of trees, for they will at once add to the beauty of the 

 place. They are easily manageable in size, are inexpensive, either 

 to propagate or to purchase, and are easily transplanted. And if 

 the arrangements and combinations shall be found at any time to 

 be unsatisfactory it will be perfectly practicable to re-arrange. 



The inflorescence of shrubs is, as a rule, conspicuous to a 

 marked degree. There are a few of our hardy trees that are dis- 

 tinguished by their show}- flowers, notable among which are the 

 Magnolias, Virgilia, Catalpa, and Laburnum. But nearly' all of 

 our shrubs are gay and attractive in their flowers ; and these are 

 extended in some varieties throughout the entire season. Many 

 are prized mainly for their inflorescence, like Eoses ; or like the 

 August flowering Hydrangeas, or the Althaeas in September. 



And we have marked contrasts in foliage, both in the color and 

 the form, which are readil}^ available to produce most pleasing 

 eflfects. The colors, the sizes, and the habits of growth are so 

 well known that we can with certainty grade the combination of 

 groups so as to crown the outline entirely to suit our purpose. 



Thus we recognize in shrubs many good qualities rendering 

 them peculiarl}' suited to the adornment of our suburban homes. 

 With such material it is surprising how easily and quickly we may 

 change the boundaries of a rectangular lot of perfect plainness 

 and stiffness into flowing lines of grace and verdure. 



And how trifling will be the cost in comparison with that of 

 architectural additions which may seek a similar purpose. A 

 very few dollars judiciously spent in planting shrubs will give a 

 living beauty which in some cases may transform the whole char- 



