INTRODUCTION. 29 







spieuously beautiful with snowy blossoms, 

 which are enhanced by contrast, if made to 

 rise from the midst of dwarf evergreens, and 

 shaded by others of taller growth. In a 

 later season, the fruit is no less acceptable, 

 and scarcely less ornamental, when it 



" Hangs purpling, or displays an amber hue." 



In the early months, also, the mezereon, 

 the dwarf almond, and the pyrus japonica, 

 give life to the fore-ground, when planted 

 in little groups of three or four of each 

 together. 



At this season of the year, too, much of the 

 beauty of the shrubbery depends on covering 

 the banks, and feet of trees and shrubs, with 

 considerable patches of the earliest flowers. 

 In February, 



" The snowdrop, winter's timid child, 

 Awakes to life, bedew'd with tears, 



And flings around its fragrance mild ; 



And where no rival flow'rets bloom 



Amidst the bare and chilling gloom, 

 A beauteous gem appears." 



This beautiful flower has for its contem- 

 porary the crocus, which is also very orna- 

 mental, when planted in such quantity as to 

 cover a large space. When scattered singly, 

 or arranged in formal bodies, its effect is 



