TREES AND SHRUBS. n 



Eerberis aquifolium 



(Mahonia) is invaluable as an evergreen that will 

 thrive in any soil, even in clay and under the drip of 

 trees. Apart from this it is a lovely shrub, about 6 ft. 

 high, whether in flower or not, for the colour of its 

 leaves varies from deep green to brilliant red, according 

 to the position in which it is grown. In a moist and 

 shady spot the colour will be deep green, while in a 

 poor dry soil and rather exposed situation, it will be 

 most brilliant. Its golden blossom appears in February, 

 and lasts throughout the Spring, being followed in the 

 Autumn by masses of purple berries. It can be raised 

 from seed, suckers, layers, or cuttings inserted in the 

 Autumn in sand, and placed in a cold frame. 



Berber is ^Darwinii 



(Darwin's Barberry] is quite the best of all these 

 Barberries, and that is saying a great deal ; but it is 

 worth while going some distance in May, and often, too, 

 in the Autumn, to see the slender spreading shoots, 

 wreathed in deep orange-coloured blossom, against the 

 dark background of its evergreen leaves. Fortunately 

 it will thrive in any ordinary garden soil, and grow into 

 a dense spreading evergreen, about 6 ft. high, with small 

 glossy leaves, that make it an excellent shrub for dusty 

 places. For propagation v. 13. aquifolium. 



