ORNAMENTAL SHRUBS. 217 



I would give Viburnum plicatum a prominent rank. The abun- 

 dant globular clusters of pure white flowers are more delicate than 

 those of the well-known Snowball and the plicated foliage is much 

 richer and handsomer. The habit of the tree is also better and 

 less liable to disease. 



We need not fear to introduce our common little Clethra alnifoUa 

 into the ver}' best society'. Its sweet modesty will always have 

 a charm. Its foliage is attractive and the delicious fragrance of 

 its numerous spikes of flowers in late summer will be the more 

 prized at this season when there are so few shrubs in bloom. 



What a contrast there is in the immense Hydrangea grandiflor a ; 

 grand indeed for simple show but as to modest merit laying no 

 claim to our regard. Yet it has great value for August effect. 



The foliage of nearly all the Spiraeas is well adapted for group- 

 ing and for borders. Spiraea Thunbergii, being low, with delicate 

 leaves and flowering very early, is well suited for the outer 

 rank. The prunifolia, the arioifolia, and the lance-leaved varieties 

 would well follow and be crowned with the stronger sorbifoUa, or 

 perhaps better still with the upright Josikea lilac. 



The Exochorda is worthy of a place by itself and is rather too 

 open for grouping. 



We have considerable range in color among deciduous shrubs 

 and are able to make many pleasing combinations and contrasts. 

 The Purple Hazel has very large dark rich purple leaves and is 

 the best for strong eflTects in this color. 



The Purple Berberry has a softer and more delicate hue which 

 is very beautiful. 



The Golden variety of the Black Elder gives the brightest yel- 

 low for enlivening. Its effect in a group is like that of a beam of 

 sunshine. 



The Golden Spirsea, if kept vigorous and well cut back, is also 

 good for the same purpose. 



Buist's Variegated Althaea is the most distinct and constant in 

 its marking of any light variegation. 



Two new varieties of the red-twigged Cornel, Cornus Siberica 

 variegata and Cornus elegantissima, are exceedingly beautiful and 

 eff"ective in their bright and varied colors. They are equally 

 hardy to endure the heat of summer and the cold of winter. 



Most of the forms of the Japan Maple {Acer polymorphum) are 

 delicate in growth and suffer more or less under the full glare of 



