SHRUBS. 437 



There is considerable difficulty in growing the Laurustinus (Vi- 

 Imrnnm Tinns], as the frost is apt to kill it. There were at one 

 time fine specimens of this kind of shrub at Hampton Court Gardens, 

 which were killed by frost one severe winter ; and at the Hazel Park, 

 in Bedfordshire, the shrubberies were much defaced by nearly the 

 whole of the laurustinuses being destroyed. It does not thrive in my 

 garden ; but its property of flowering in winter, and the delicate odour 

 of the flower, render it a very desirable addition to any garden in 

 which it will flourish. 



Whether for shade, for hedges, or for the evergreen character of its 

 leaves, I have ever found the Privet (Ligustruin vulgare) to be useful, 

 from its hardiness. The dark purple berries are ornamental in winter. 

 There are several varieties of it, which I do not grow. 



I cannot say that the Blotch-leaved Aucuba japonica is a great 

 favourite of mine, although it is abundant in every suburban garden, 

 and is perfectly hardy. Though introduced in the year 1783, it was 

 only within the last few years known to be bisexual, and that the female 

 plant only was propagated in this country. However, the male plant 

 has been at length introduced, and the blossoms of the female tree 

 may be fertilized, when it afterwards becomes covered with red berries. 

 I have readily obtained the red berries on trees flowering in the 

 orchard-house, but as yet I have not myself seen trees fertilized out 

 of doors, though, as they are usually covered with a profusion of 

 blossom, it is possible that at a future time we may see the outdoor 

 trees also covered with scarlet berries, if our climate is favourable 

 to the development of the fruit. 



The Phillyreas, of which there are three species, are not much 

 grown in gardens, not nearly so much as they deserve, for the foliage 

 is very fine, the tree is perfectly hardy, and the habit close and 

 admirably adapted for a screen, for which purpose I have used it ; it 

 may also be advantageously grown as a single tree. 



For forming a screen the Snowberry (Syuiphoricarptis racemosus) is 

 very useful, as it will grow under trees, and may be easily transplanted. 

 When covered with its large white berries, it is very ornamental. 



