WINTER AND SUMMER EFFECT 279 



the growths should only be shortened back to within 

 three eyes of the base annually. 



SAMBUCUS. The Elder family, like the preceding, 

 is a large one, and fortunately adapts itself to almost 

 any soil and situation. First and foremost must be 

 mentioned Sambucus nigra aurea, a bold and beautiful 

 tall-growing Elder, and its rich golden foilage pro- 

 duces a marvellous effect in the landscape. Large 

 bold masses of this should always be used where 

 practical in a half-open position. Hard pruning in 

 this case must be carried out, cutting the summer's 

 growth close to the ground annually in the last week 

 of March. The effect of the greenish-grey wood in 

 winter when treated in this way is pleasing ; the 

 silvery variegated form, though not so showy, is 

 worthy of a place where the grounds are extensive. 

 Should be planted on poor soil in an open position, 

 and pruned hard annually. S. n. laciniata (the 

 Parsley-leaved Elder) is a beautiful and distinct 

 form of the cut-leaved Elder, which attains its true 

 character and makes splendid beds ; it requires the 

 same kind of treatment as to pruning as the above. 

 S. racemosa serratifolia aureis is unquestionably the 

 finest variety in cultivation ; but unfortunately is 

 not so robust as many of the others, and it is far too 

 rare and expensive at present to plant to any extent. 

 It does best on a deep rich soil in a fully-exposed 

 position, and prune back hard early in April. The 

 cuttings should be propagated in pots in a cold 

 frame. The whole of the Elders should be planted 

 3 feet apart. 



