FLOWERING AND ORNAMENTAL SHRUBS. 39 



scarlet-flowering shrub, from Japan, has not been in culti- 

 vation here for many years. It is found to be very hardy, 

 resisting our most severe frosts ; it is evergreen, flowers 

 very early, and continues a longtime. A second flowering 

 takes place in the latter part of the Summer. It is every 

 way a desirable shrub. 



Daphne mezcrion, one of our most early flowering shrubs, 

 which blooms freely in April and May, and is very sweet- 

 scented. It is rather tender in some situations, but will 

 stand our ordinary Winters very well in a sheltered situation. 



Dirca palustris, or Leather wood ; a pretty little shrub, 

 growing very regular in shape, and has the appearance of a 

 large tree in miniature ; it is a native of our Northern 

 States; the flowers, which appear very early in the Spring, 

 are yellow, and come out before the leaves. 



Gymnocladus Canadensis, or Kentucky Coffee tree. The 

 berries have a resemblance to coffee, and are said to be 

 a good substitute for it ; however, it is a beautiful tree, witk 

 handsome feathered leaves, and makes a fine contrast with 

 others. It should be planted in the back or the centre of 

 the plantation, and is very hardy. 



Halesia diptera, and Halesia tetrapttra, two-winged and 

 four-winged Silver Bell, or Snow-drop tree. They are both 

 natives of the Southern States, but are perfectly hardy here ; 

 our most severe Winters do not hurt them. The former 

 kind flowers in April, and the latter withholds its blossoms 

 until May. They are elegant shrubs. 



Hibiscus Syriacus, fl. pleno. The double-flowering 

 Althea frutex, of which there are several varieties ; the 

 double white, double red, double red and white, and striped, 

 are the most showy ; they commence their flowering late in 

 July, and continue until Autumn. The single kind, of 

 which there are many varieties, are scarcely worth culti- 

 vating, the double ones being raised quite as well, and 

 are equally hardy. These are indispensable in every 

 plantation. 



