GOOD TREES AND SHRUBS 211 



flowers are much larger than those of A. Unedo, and in colour almost red. 

 A. Menziesii (syn. A. procera) is a free-growing tree, with beautiful rich 

 green leaves coloured with a glaucous hue on the obverse sides, and the 

 white fragrant flowers are carried in panicles. The orange-red fruit is 

 not so large as that of the common Strawberry tree, but it is attractive 

 all the same. A. Andrachne, occasionally met with under the name of 

 integrifolia, is quite as hardy as the type and certainly very ornamental. 

 It was introduced from the Levant in 1874, is vigorous, with large 

 leaves, and bears dull white flowers abundantly in May and June. 

 The bark of the young shoots is tinged with red. A. hylrida (A.photi- 

 ni&folia), supposed to be a cross between the last-named and the type, is 

 very handsome and bears some resemblance to both parents. Its leaves 

 are very leathery and rich green, and the greenish-yellow flowers are 

 produced profusely. Its crimson-stained fruit is conspicuous in spring. 



Arundinaria. See Bambusa. 



The growth of Ornamental Grasses should be encouraged, as they 

 are graceful and beautiful, and although the 



Arundos are not the most elegant, they possess a distinct charm 

 which appeals to the planter. The type A. Donax (Great Eeed) grows 

 about a dozen feet in height, with stout almost erect stems and long, 

 narrow, glaucous leaves. It delights in a moist soil, such as one finds 

 near the edges of water, a sunny position in preference to a shady 

 one, as the growth is always better for being exposed to the sun, especi- 

 ally if delugings of water can be given during summer. The silver 

 variegated form (A. D. variegata) is less vigorous than the type, but 

 very beautiful. Its leaves are short, tender, green, and streaked with 

 cream white. This kind should never be planted in cold soil and bleak 

 situations, as it is apt to lose colour and become disfigured by cold winds. 

 It succeeds well as a pot plant for indoor decoration, but when root 

 room is restricted, it should never be allowed to want for water. The 

 variety macropliylla is vigorous, hardy, and elegant, and a grand plant 

 for the sub-tropical garden. Its strong stems are clothed with glaucous 

 leaves. The New Zealand Eeed (A. conspicua) is a fine species, and 

 when bearing its graceful, feathery plumes during summer and autumn, 

 is remarkably pretty. Its arching leaves are long and narrow. 



Aucuba japoriica and its varieties are familiar garden shrubs, 

 very useful and ornamental both in foliage and in fruit. Be careful to 

 get plants of both male and female kinds, so that the flowers of the 

 latter may become fertilised, because if berries are desired, both sexes 

 must be in association. They are excellent shrubs for town gardens, as 

 they endure fog and smoke better than the majority of evergreens. 

 They are also serviceable for placing upon balconies, for winter bedding, 

 and can also be recommended for planting in the shade of trees. 



Azaleas. See Rhododendrons. 



Azaras come from Chili, and, north of London, require pro- 

 tection during severe winters usually that afforded by a wall being 

 sufficient. They succeed in ordinary soil, provided it is well drained. 

 A. microphylla, introduced nearly thirty years ago, is the most graceful 

 member of the group, and grows freely in most situations, provided it 



