SHRUBS. 



443 



The Periwinkles, or Vincas, are desirable shrubs for shady situations. 

 The larger variety ( Vinca major] has bright blue flowers ; and the 

 smaller, whether single or double, or whether having green or varie- 

 gated leaves, are exceedingly charming in spring. 



The Andromeda speciosa (fig. 979) is very elegant when in flower 

 in the early spring, but I have not yet attempted to grow it. 



I have not a plant of the Venetian Sumach (Rhus cotinus, fig. 980). 

 It is a curious, interesting plant, and grows well at Wandsworth 

 Common, in the grounds of Mr. P. Rose, from whose beautiful shrub 

 the annexed wood engraving has been drawn. 



FIG. 982. Myrtus communis. 



FIG. 980. Venetian Sumach. 



FIG. 981. Bog Myrtle. 



In the damp places of the garden the aromatic Bog Myrtle (Myrica 

 Gale,f\g. 981) grows. It abounds in Scotland in the Mosses, and in 

 Yorkshire they make gale beer of it. The leaves exhale a delicious 

 perfume, especially when bruised. 



The Yuccas always form striking objects for a garden. The Yucca 

 gloriosa is by far the largest. It has a bad habit of throwing up its 

 wonderful spike of bell-like flowers so late in autumn that it does not 

 come into full blossom before the frost destroys it. Nevertheless it 

 cannot be dispensed with on account of the distinct contrast to all 

 other plants which it presents. 



The Myrtle (Myrtus communis, fig. 982) is a classical plant, which 

 flourishes in South European countries. According to Herodotus, the 



