43 6 MY GARDEN. 



The Almond-tree (Ainygdalus communis) is indispensable, on account 

 of the beauty of its flower in early spring, and also of the fruit (already 

 described). The Double-blossomed Peach (Amygdalus pcrsica) is very 

 fine, and, besides, yields edible fruit at the end of October or in 

 November. Mr. Fortune introduced some exquisitely coloured varieties 

 of flowering peaches ; I have tried them, but they have not succeeded 

 in my soil and climate, although they are most desirable spring 

 blossoming trees. 



SHRUBS. 



No garden can dispense with shrubs, and perhaps for general utility 

 the Laurel (Ccmsns lauroccrasns, fig. 968) has no peer. Its bright 

 green leaves are invaluable, especially as it will grow in almost 

 every situation, and even under the shade of 

 trees. When the wood is thoroughly ripened it 

 will stand any frost, but immature and sappy 

 shoots are frequently killed in winter. It is better 

 in a dry than in a wet situation, and, as was 

 pointed out by the great naturalist Gilbert White, 

 it stands severe winters better in a northern than 

 in a southern situation, where the snow is alter- 

 FIG. 9 68.-Laurei. nately melted and frozen. We use it in many 



places where an evergreen or a screen is needed. It may be easily 

 propagated by cuttings planted in September. The leaves on distil- 

 lation yield prus.sic acid, and the laurel water is highly poisonous. 



Where a very large shrub is required the Portugal Laurel (Ccrasns 

 Lnsitanicci) may be employed. Girgov describes a Portugal laurel 

 which had a trunk eleven feet in circumference and was thirty feet 

 high, with a head fifty-four feet in diameter. This species has only 

 been employed at my garden with the same object as the common 

 laurel, but it does not submit to removal so well as that shrub. 



I have had Bay-trees (Laurus nobilis], but they have been always 

 greatly injured by the peculiar climate of my garden. 



