Oleac&z Syringa. 



295 



out a Laurel. Its origin is somewhat uncertain, though it is 

 believed to have been brought from Persia. At all events it 

 has been in cultivation about three centuries, and has given 

 birth to many superior varieties either by natural variation or 

 intercrossing with other species. The foliage in the common 

 form is smooth, cordate-ovate, acuminate, and of a rather pale 

 green ; and clusters of flowers larger than in the other species. 

 Amongst the many varieties now included in catalogues we 

 may note : Dr. Lindley, having extremely large clusters of 

 reddish lilac flowers; alba, pure white; and violacea, rubra 

 insignis and rosea grandiflora, whose names indicate the 

 various tinges of their flowers. S. dubia or Chinensis is a 



Pig. 165, Syringa vulgaris, var. Charles X. (J nat. size.) 



closely allied species, if indeed it be specifically distinct. It is 

 commonly called the Siberian Lilac, and differs in its smaller 

 stature, narrower leaves, and more profuse inflorescence of 

 reddish violet hue. The variety called Rothomagensis, or 

 Lilas Varin of the French, belongs here, and the fine variety 



