76 The Canadian Horticulturist. 



-^ Jlpe (^-apcler) ar)d La^Q. ^ 



CLETHRA ALNIFOLIA. 



ERHAPS no 'amateur in Ontario has experimented more faithfully 

 in the line of flowering shrubs for the lawn than Mr. James Goldie, 

 of Guelph ; and he remarked to us the other day that his great dis- 

 couragement with many of the more rare and beautiful ones was 

 their tenderness. To our friends, therefore, who have no time to 

 spend in experiment with shrubs of doubtful hardiness, we recom- 

 mend with confidence the Clethra Alnifolia, as one that combines beauty and 

 hardiness in a remarkable degree, and which is not yet as widely known as its 

 merits deserve. 



This shrub, though a native of swampy places to the south of us, has been 

 proved to be adapted to almost any variety of soil. Mr. Meehan says he saw on 

 one occasion a magnificent specimen, eight feet high and twelve feet wide, grow- 

 ing on a comparatively dry lawn, a finer and more vigorous specimen than he 

 had ever seen in the swamps. 



As may be seen in our illustration, it flowers in beautiful spikes of snow white 

 blossoms, which measure from three to six inches in length. These are not only 

 gratifying on account of their beauty, but also by reason of their delicious fra- 

 grance, which scents the air for some distance around. Another great merit 

 which this flowering shrub has, is its period of blooming, for its flowers appear 

 very early in the autumn, and continue almost until winter, a time of the year 

 when there is very little other bloom. 



Of late, this shrub has been much sought for among bee-keepers as a honey 

 plant. It is very valuable for this use, because of its season of blooming, and 

 because the honey made from it is almost white and very fine flavored. It also 

 gives an abundant yield of honey. 



Favorable notice is given this plant in our exchanges. The Garden says : 

 " This is evidently a most delightful shrub to plant in broad masses by shaded 

 woodland walks, or upon the margins of streams. It has this special merit, that 

 it blooms at a season when flowering . subjects are scarce, even in the best ar- 

 ranged shrubberies." 



Transplanting Trees — " Take up enougli earth with the roots to hold the 

 tree erect when set on the surface of the ground." Observe — this rule complies 

 with the requisites usually quoted at length. The sun's rays cannot reach the 

 roots nor the air touch them ; the moisture does not leave them for a moment ; 

 the soil is already prepared and remains fitted on them. — Country Gentleman 



