BROAD-LEAVED EVERGREENS 173 



But holly is identified with the pleasure grounds, while box is the 

 most characteristic plant of the garden proper. Indeed, the only 

 plant which lives for a century or more in old gardens is box. 

 That is why the sight and smell of box stir old family memories 

 more than any other plant in cultivation. I do not see how any 

 garden can have charm without it. In formal gardens, at least, 

 we should always use some dwarf box for edging flower beds, and 

 in every garden there should be some tree box to symbolize the 

 beauty of a green old age, and also to serve as a connecting link 

 between the generations. 



The losses which Americans suffer from box are often very 

 heavy and peculiarly distressing. I confess that I have occa- 

 sionally joined in the cry for a hardy equivalent of box. The 

 popular substitute for box is Ilex crenata, of which there are three 

 forms of varying merit. One of them is said to be even glossier 

 than box in winter, as well as hardier and possibly of quicker 

 growth. This "Japanese box" mimics the box leaf fairly well, 

 and perhaps it will exhibit in age that "embossed" effect which, 

 as Henry Hicks observes, is a crowning beauty in old boxwood. 

 But I am sure it lacks the pungent odour of box, which is so potent 

 in restoring precious memories. However, some people dislike 

 the odour of box. 



The solution of the difficulty may be Buxus Japonica, which 

 is hardy at the Arnold Arboretum. Dallimore says it is lighter 

 green than other boxes, has rounder leaves and rather loose habit. 

 The Arboretum specimen, however, is dense and dark enough, 

 except that after a long drought it becomes pallid. 



How to prevent losses with box is a long story. Every one 

 who wishes to dwell with the best that the past has to give us, and 

 to profit by the experience of Americans who have spent thousands 



