NOTES ON THE VARIETIES OF ENGLISH HOLLY. 211 



of the Silver variety formed the most perfect living pyra- 

 mids imaginable, averaging 30 feet in height, their lower 

 branches sweeping the ground. The Silvers were killed 

 by that winter ; the Golds, although much injured, are 

 gradually recovering. There is still a magnificent pyra- 

 mid of the Silver Holly, probably matchless for size and 

 beauty, growing on the lawn at the Misses Harman's, 

 Theobalds, near Waltham Cross. It is 40 feet in height, 

 and 30 feet in diameter at the base, and each year is 

 literally covered with berries. The soil here is sand or 

 gravel, the sub-soil clay. 



There exists a difference of opinion as to the best 

 season for transplanting Hollies. Some say transplant 

 in summer, immediately after the first growth ; others 

 say early in autumn ; and others again late in spring. 

 Now, I have transplanted with success at all these 

 seasons, but am in favour of early autumn or late spring, 

 attaching great importance to the adherence of soil to 

 the roots, and looking for more complete success if the 

 weather is showery at the time, and immediately after the 

 work is done. The Holly in a young state likes the 

 shade, and flourishes most in a rich sandy loam that is 

 tolerably dry ; it is, however, less particular in this respect 

 than many trees. 



With these preliminary remarks I shall proceed to 

 arrange and describe the principal varieties : 



ILEX AQUIFOLIUM. L. (THE COMMON HOLLY). 

 A. Leaves Green. 



1. Green Hollies, resembling the 



type 



2. Broad-leaved green 



3. Blunt-leaved green, smooth or 



4. Long-leaved green 



(a) Prickly () Smooth 



5. Small-leaved dwarf green 



6. Curled-leaved green 



7. Broad-spined green 

 B. Leaves variegated. 



1. Gold-blotched 



2. Long-leaved gold edged 



(a) Prickly (V) Smooth 



3. Broad-leaved gold-edged 



4. Silver-blotched 



5. Silver-edged 



