May iS, 1892.] 



Garden and Forest. 



233 



where it can develop evenly on all sides, is one of the best of 

 small trees. In such a situation it forms here a spreading tree 

 twenty feet in height, and is now so covered with bloom that 

 it appears to have profuse white foliage. Near it is planted 

 the red-tlowering variety, our specimen being at present about 

 eight feet in height. The original red-Howering Dogwood 

 came from Virginia, but trees whose llower-bracts vary from 

 pure white are not rare. A fine specimen grows near us on 

 the banks of the Potomac, and I have seen another in a distant 



name an appropriate one. When a plant receives a common 

 name it is a sign that it is becoming well known and loved, 

 and no shrub of recent introduction is worthier of popularity 

 than the graceful llxochorda. It is said to be short-lived. 



Evergreens have suffered from tlie late frosts, and Peach- 

 trees are giving very little bloom. Apples and Cherries and 

 Pears promise an abundant crop. 



In the wild garden Anemones, Trilliums, Columbines, Mer- 

 tensia Yirginica and Phlox divaricata are now most conspicu- 



Fig. 42. — Menispermum Dauricum. — See page 234. 



wood. The bracts are not pretty or showy until fully devel- 

 oped, when they gradually assume the pink of the Wild Rose. 

 The Japan Red-buds are showing very scanty bloom. Pos- 

 sibly, in the struggle for existence during the drought of last 

 year, they had no vitality to spare for the formation of blos- 

 som-buds. They do riot seem to be as hardy here as the native 

 variety. Exochordas are flowering well. The common name 

 for this shrub is Pearl Bush, and the round buds strung along 

 the stems have a pearly whiteness and purity which make the 



ous. The latter plant is very charming when given a little 

 care. It needs partial shade, and is exceedingly pretty at this 

 season, having a wild grace of its own, making it more attrac- 

 tive to a lover of untamed nature than any of its more culti- 

 vated relatives. 



The garden is gay with bloom and musical with the songs 

 of many birds, and, altogether, the old earth, in its renewed 

 spring freshness, neverseemeda more pleasantdwelling-place. 

 Rose Brake, West Va. Daiiske Datidridge. 



