66 A GUIDE TO FLORICULTURE. 



plant or round the borders of the bed, There is something 

 lively in its appearance in the summer, and its being ever- 

 green gives life to that department through the dreary 

 months of winter, when scarcely any other plant shows the 

 least vestage of life. 



The box is easily propagated from slips planted in March, 

 and will soon root. The next season it should be planted 

 round the borders of the beds so that the leaves will just 

 touch, and not allow more than one inch above ground, and 

 the following season begin to trim the tops so as to make 

 them all one height, and should at no time be allowed to 

 grow higher than five inches when round the border. Box 

 should be trimmed in the spring and fall in damp weather, 

 or the ends will turn color and injure their beauty. It will 

 grow in any garden soil, and will bear removing at any 

 time in the year but mid-summer. 



There are other varieties also ornamental in the garden. 

 The common Tree Box is a native of Europe and is found 

 in some parts of Asia. In England it has long ceased to 

 grow in its pristine state, and is only to be found under tho 

 culture of the florist. There are several places in England 

 where it used to grow, named after it, for instance Box Hill 

 in Surrey, Boxly in Kent, and Boxwell in Gloucestershire. 

 The Boxwood imported from the Levant is considered the 

 largest and best for mechanical purposes, and is held high 

 and sold by weight to engravers on wood, and wind instru- 

 ments ; also for mathematical instrument makers, &c. 



