LAWN AND DOCKYARD 



trailing myrtle (Vinca minor). This forms a 

 great mass of long white roots, and long vines 

 with abundant evergreen foliage, which resist 

 stream wash by shingling the whole surface so 

 that the water can scarcely reach the soil. Sev- 

 eral other plants are under observation with refer- 

 ence to their possible utility as substitutes for 

 blue-grass on ordinary lawns; in particular the 

 attempt being made to develop varieties that are 

 hardier than the lippias. 



Among the most interesting of experiments 

 thus far conducted are those having to do with 

 the trailing species of hypericum from the moun- 

 tains of eastern Chile. On the lawn in front of 

 Mr. Burbank's dwelling at the present moment 

 this plant has taken the place of the lippias. It 

 makes a close mat of green, and it does not turn 

 brown in winter. It grows somewhat less rapidly 

 than the lippia, but there is good promise that 

 selected varieties will make an excellent lawn 

 cover. 



Somewhat similar species of hypericum have 

 recently been introduced by Mr. Burbank from 

 Russia and from other parts of central and 

 northern Europe. These show the same creeping 

 habit, and no doubt will be hardy everywhere. 

 Even the first generation from the wild native 

 plants, these hypericums show a wonderful varia- 

 tion as to rapidity and compactness of growth. 

 There is every reason to expect, then, that a few 

 years of selective breeding, under Mr. Burbank's 

 skillful supervision, will supply a lawn plant for 



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