SOME ORNAMENTAL TLANTS FQK MAINE. 29 



the white oak, Qucvcus alba, and the scarlet oak, Qncrcns coc- 

 cinea. 



THE MOST VALUABLE SHRUBS. 



The number of flowering shrubs which will thrive in Maine 

 is comparatively limited. The following have proved satisfac- 

 tory on the grounds of the University for several years. It is 

 w^orthy of note that the shrubs which are the most commonly 

 known, and that may be obtained the cheapest, are generally the 

 best, or have the greatest number of good qualities. 



The Spircea: Of the spireeas, the best are 6^. Thunbergii and 

 6". Van Houttei. The first has narrow yellowdsh green leaves 

 and blossoms very early in the spring, before the leaves are fully 

 out. The other blooms about the middle of June and is specially 

 valuable. The flowers are white and appear in great profusion. 

 vS. Reevesii is similar to the Van Houttei, but a little earlier. S. 

 Bninalda is one of the best pink varieties. It commences to 

 bloom about the middle of June and continues all summer. 6'. 

 Prunifolia, "Bridal Wreath," is another very good white variety; 

 one of the earliest. 



The Lilac: This old favorite is again popular. Some of the 

 newer named varieties which are specially good are the follow- 

 ing : Syringa vulgaris, the true old garden lilac, has varied 

 greatly under cultivation and there are now more than twenty- 

 five named varieties of this species. Some of the best of these 

 are Charles X, Louis Spath, Princess Marie and Senator Vol- 

 lard, among the purples ; and Marie Legraye, and Dr. Stock- 

 hardt among the whites. Syringa Persica, the Persian lilac, has 

 loose graceful heads of flowers in great profusion. The habit of 

 the plant, as well as of the flower cluster, is more open and grace- 

 ful than that of the common lilac. The white form is specially 

 valuable. Syringa Josikcra is a very distinct species with large, 

 shining foliage and dark, lilac colored flowers. It blooms after 

 many others are out of flower. Syringa Rothniagensis is similar 

 in habit to the Persian lilac, but the flowers are dark, reddish 

 purple. It is said to be a cross between Syringa vulgaris and 

 Syringa Persica. 



The Vibiirnuni: Besides the old fashioned snowball. Vibur- 

 num opulus, var. sterilis, which is always popular and needs no 



