160 FLORA DOMESTICA. 



creased by parting the roots in autumn. The earth 

 should be moderately moist, but never wet. 



GUELDER-ROSE. 



VIBURNUM OPULUS. 



CAPRIFOLIE2E. PENTANDRIA TRIGYNIA. 



Elder-rose; Rose-elder; Snowball-tree. 



THIS elegant shrub is a variety of a species of viburnum 

 called Water-elder, and delights in a moist soil. The 

 name of Snowball-tree is so appropriate as naturally to 

 suggest itself to the mind ; and I have more than once 

 heard it remarked by persons who knew it only by its 

 more general title of Guelder-rose, that it should have 

 been called the Snowball-tree. 



It has, at first sight, the appearance of a little maple- 

 tree that has been pelted with snowballs ; and we almost 

 fear to see them melt away in the sunshine. This beauti- 

 ful snowball of summer continues, however, to adorn the 

 green leaves, which so finely contrast with its whiteness, 

 for two or three successive months, first appearing to- 

 wards the end of May. 



When kept in pots, the Guelder-rose will require water- 

 ing every evening in dry summer weather. Being a native 

 of North America, it will bear our climate very well ; but 

 it will be important, when in blossom, to shelter it from 

 heavy rains, which would be apt partially to thaw these 

 delicate flowers. 



Cowper, who loved his garden, and found new pleasure 



