GOOD TREES AND SHRUBS 219 



bark is of a pleasing shade of reddish brown, and quite distinct from that 

 of any other member of the family. The flowers are much larger than 

 those of A. Unedo, and in colour almost red. A. Menziesii (syn. A. 

 procera) is a free-growing tree, with beautiful rich green leaves coloured 

 with a glaucous hue on the obverse sides, and the white fragrant flowers 

 are carried in panicles. The orange-red fruit is not so large as that of the 

 common Strawberry tree, but it is attractive all the same. A. And- 

 rachne, occasionally met with under the name of integrifolia, is quite as 

 hardy as the type and certainly very ornamental. It was introduced 

 from the Levant in 1874, is vigorous, with large leaves, and bears dull 

 white flowers abundantly in May and June. The bark of the young 

 shoots is tinged with red. A. hybrida (A. photiniafolia), supposed to 

 be a cross between the last-named and the type, is very handsome and 

 bears some resemblance to both parents. Its leaves are very leathery 

 and rich green, and the greenish-yellow flowers are produced profusely. 

 Its crimson-stained fruit is conspicuous in spring. 



Arundinaria. See Bambusa. 



The growth of Ornamental Grasses should be encouraged, as they 

 are graceful and beautiful, and although the 



Arundos are not the most elegant, they possess a distinct charm 

 which appeals to the planter. The type A. Donax (Great Reed) grows 

 about a dozen feet in height, with stout, almost erect stems and long, 

 narrow, glaucous leaves. It delights in a moist soil, such as one finds 

 near the edges of water, a sunny position in preference to a shady 

 one, as the growth is always better for being exposed to the sun, especi- 

 ally if delugings of water can be given during summer. The silver 

 variegated form (A. D. variegata) is less vigorous than the type, but 

 very beautiful. Its leaves are short, tender, green, and streaked with 

 cream white. This kind should never be planted in cold soil and bleak 

 situations, as it is apt to lose colour and become disfigured by cold winds. 

 It succeeds well as a pot plant for indoor decoration, but when root 

 room is restricted, it should never be allowed to want for water. The 

 variety macrophylla is vigorous, hardy, and elegant, and a grand plant 

 for the sub-tropical garden. Its strong stems are clothed with glaucous 

 leaves. The New Zealand Reed (A. conspicua) is a fine species, and 

 when bearing its graceful, feathery plumes during summer and autumn, 

 is remarkably pretty. Its arching leaves are long and narrow. 



Aucuba japonica and its varieties are familiar garden shrubs, 

 very useful and ornamental both in foliage and in fruit. Be careful to 

 get plants of both male and female kinds, so that the flowers of the 

 latter may become fertilised, because if berries are desired, both sexes 

 must be in association. They are excellent shrubs for town gardens, as 

 they endure fog and smoke better than the majority of evergreens. 

 The^ are also serviceable for placing upon balconies, for winter bedding, 

 and can also be recommended for planting in the shade of trees. They 

 thrive in any well-drained soil. 



Azaleas. See Rhododendrons. 



Azaras come from Chili, and, north of London, require pro- 



