292 ' Essays. 



tion I can make is, tliat tlie ground should be lioed to keep it clear of weeds 

 in preference to digging, by wbich means no interruption will be offered to 

 the free growth of the roots, whereas digging must destroy those anywhere 

 near the surface. I have found it a good plan to put the mowings of the 

 lawn over the surface of the ground in summer, which serves to keep in the 

 moisture, and acts as a slight dressing of vegetable manure, Pines should 

 not be pruned, unless it is necessary to get rid of a limb. 



Trees and Shrubs. 



ArluUis unedo Ireland hardy. 



,, andracline Levant „ 



„ procera North America „ 



These are very desirable for planting either singly or in the shrubbery, 

 and when in flower are very showy. 



Auciiba japonica Japan hardy. 



This shrubby plant, although slow in its growth, is an addition to the 

 garden, from its variegated leaves. 



Aloysia citriodora Chili hardy. 



This plant appears hardy enough to grow anywhere in New Zealand, in 

 sheltered positions ; it keeps its lemon-scented leaves nearly all the year. 

 Berheris aquifoHa hardy. 



atroptirpurea 



fortunii China 



fascicularis Cahfornia 



iuxifolia Straits of Magellan 



darwinii Chiloe 



japonica Japan 



iealii „ 



The whole of these, with the exception of forhmii, are very handsome 

 shrubs, both in foliage and bloom, particulai'ly darwinii. The two latter are 

 new introductions from Japan, having much larger foliage than the others ; 

 the leaves become variegated as the plants grow up ; few dwarf shrubs are 

 more worthy of cultivation. 



BmiJcsia, varieties New Soiith Wales hardy. 



Several varieties of this tree do well here, and afford good shelter ; they 



grow slower than in their own country, but, in consequence, more compact. 



Acacia dealhata New South Wales hardy. 



„ alata „ „ 



„ lopTiantes „ „ 



„ cultriformis „ „ 



,, armata ,, „ 



Of these, dealhata is the most beautiful and useful for shelter, also for 

 planting along the banks of rivers to protect them. Its roots become so 

 matted together that they will offer greater resistance to water than the roots 

 of the willow. They have an inclination to grow bare, if left to themselves 



