NOVEMBER 249 



over, the modifications undergone by chlorophyl, the 

 green colouring matter in plants, can only be described 

 in polysyllables of portentous complexity ; let us enjoy 

 the phenomena of the fall, without inquiring too 

 curiously into their cause. 



The principal tints assumed by changing leaves are 

 yellow, red, tawny, and russet. Among the yellows, 

 there is none more pure than that of the Norway 

 maple, the English elm, and the sweet chestnut. Of 

 humbler stature, but equally brilliant in the fall, are 

 the North American yellow- wood (Cladrastis tinctoria), 

 a graceful, small, flowering tree too much neglected by 

 British decorative planters, and the Japanese witch- 

 hazel (Hamamelis arborea), which will be covered with 

 its claret and yellow blossoms in January. At the 

 ground level, the same bright colour is repeated by the 

 great leaves of the plaintain lilies (Funkia fortunei 

 and Sieboldi), which are invaluable for planting near 

 carriage drives or by woodland walks. When these fine 

 herbs are once established, rabbits leave them severely 

 alone. I had nearly forgotten the Ramanas rose (Rosa 

 rugosa), which lightens up the woodland in a charming 

 manner when its graceful, pinnate foliage turns to gold. 

 But to keep that foliage luxuriant, the knife should not 

 be spared in early spring, shortening the vigorous 

 growths by one- third of their length, and cutting out 

 old wood and spindly growths altogether. 



The horse-chestnut, that noble, but economically 

 worthless native of Greece, which takes so kindly to 

 our moisture-laden atmosphere, fluctuates between gold 

 and scarlet, some individuals turning completely yellow, 



