C 93 ) 



narrow than those of the preceding, and the whole shrub has 

 altogether a more delicate appearance ; its flowers are about 

 half the size, but are produced in the greatest profusion, 

 whence it receives its title. 



Hyfiericum hircinum, or F&tid.- This species, which 

 grows naturally on the sides of rivers, in Sicily, Calabria, and 

 Crete, attains to the height of from three to four feet ; the 

 flowers are of good size, and being also numerous, render 

 it quite ornamental ; the leaves, when bruised, emit a very 

 disagreeable scent. 



There are several other species of shrubby Hypericum 

 that have been but recently introduced to our gardens, 

 among which the H. glaucum is deemed the most interest- 

 ing. 



Holty) or Ilex. Of this several species are cultivated, 

 which are partly natives of Europe, and the residue of this 

 country ; they are all evergreens, with a single exception. 



Hex o/mca, or Common American. This is the most 

 hardy of the native species, and is found growing in abund- 

 ance on the sandy beaches of Long-Island, on the borders of 

 the ocean, and exposed to every storm. Its growth is slow, 

 and in some instances it is said to attain to the height of 60 

 feet, or more ; but its general size is from 1 5 to 20 feet. 

 During, however, the whole stage of its growth, it presents 

 a fine appearance, the dark green foliage being finely con- 

 trasted by its bright red berries. 



Ilex aqidfolium^ or CommQ JSurofiean.This, in ex- 

 treme cases, attains to the height of 30 feet, or more ; to ar- 

 rive at which size, however, it requires a long period ; its 

 foliage is of a deeper hue than even the preceding, and its 

 berries are similar. At maturity, this tree is considered to 

 form one of the most ornamental evergreens in nature. It 

 will not only flourish when standing singly, or in groups, but 

 will thrive with great beauty under the shade of the more 

 lofty deciduous trees. But it is when the face of nature is 

 divested of other ornament, and when frigid winter most 

 needs something to cheer the dull monotony of the scene, 

 that the blushing fruit of the Holly, interspersed among its 

 fine foliage, renders it the most attractive, and which un- 

 doubtedly entitles it to be considered as one of the first 

 among ornamental trees. It is found very suitable for 

 hedges, for which purpose it is extensively used in England 

 In. addition to the Common Holly, there are a great number 

 of varieties, viz. 



