66 THE GOLD MINE 



There are three kinds : The cut-leafed, the common 

 purple, and the white — the blossoms are not pure white, 

 but nearly so : they have a slight tint. The cut-leafed is 

 one of the most delicate and beautiful plants in exist- 

 ence. The foliage alone is of such a peculiar type that 

 of itself would be a sufficient recommendation, but added 

 to this it has sweet purple blossoms. Closely allied to 

 the Persian, and hard to distinguish from it, is the Eoth- 

 mogensis, sometim.es called the Eouen lilac, because it 

 originated there. There are two types of this, the purple 

 and the white. They are hardy and vigorous, as well as 

 profuse bloomers. I imported quite a lot from France. 

 One trouble with the whites is, they are very tardy 

 bloomers. The common white, the virginal, and gTan- 

 diflora alba, all want to take their time. But the Roth- 

 mogensis alba commences almost at the ground. The 

 first year from France some of them showed bloom 

 when only twelve to eighteen inches high, and the next 

 year they were covered with flowers when only two 

 feet tall. I am highly pleased with them. 



The Emodi is from the Himalayas. It is a strong, 

 vigorous shrub, having enormous leaves for a lilac, and 

 blooms in June. There is a species of this called the 

 Variegated. I secured some, and am highly pleased 

 with them. In the dry climate of the west, with hot 

 winds and hot suns, most trees and shrubs of variegated 

 foliage are sadly affected. However, this does not seem 

 to mind it, but preserves its rich coloring through it 

 all. I think this is a fine acquisition, and there will 

 be a great demand for it. 



