120 HOW TO PLAN THE HOME GROUNDS 



One distinguished family remains for discussion, al- 

 though there are many more, did space permit, that we 

 would find profit in considering. We refer to the haw- 

 thorn, distinguished for ages in English song and story. 

 Unfortunately for the romantic associations that lead us 

 to value a special plant which has become part of gen- 

 eral history, we find that the English hawthorn does not 

 thrive here, owing to a blight to which it is subject, 

 although, when it does bloom, it easily keeps the high 

 reputation it has so long held. Fortunately, when we 

 are seeking for a good species of hawthorn, we are not 

 obliged to pause at the English form and wonder whether 

 we had better take our chances with it, for there are 

 American species that are entirely healthy, hardy, and 

 suited to all soils, and possessed of a richness of shining 

 green color and a picturesqueness of layer-like masses 

 that is altogether excellent, and worthy of the most 

 distinguished place on the lawn. Cratasgus crus-galli, 

 the cockspur thorn, and C. coccinea, are two good 

 species, and there are at least a dozen ethers. 



