208 FLOWERS OF GARDEN AND GREENHOUSE 
One species of Myrtus has been held in great esteem 
from the most ancient times, and regarded as sacred to 
Venus. Of this, the typical species, M. communis, the Greeks wove 
the leafy shoots into wreaths for the victors in the Olympic games, 
and in other ways dignified it. To-day it is esteemed on account of 
the perennial freshness and fragrance of its varnished leaves, and the 
brightness of its sweet-scented flowers. Although none of the species 
is hardy throughout Britain, M. communis endures the winter tempera- 
ture of the extreme South and South-West of England. Even in other 
parts it may last for several years, and attain considerable size, but a 
little extra severity in the winter kills it right off. The Common Myrtle 
was introduced to Britain from Southern Europe in 1597, and other 
sepa have been brought from China, South America, and the West 
Indies since, but M. communis is the only one in general cultivation. 
Principal Species,  YRTUS cOMMUNIS (common). Common Mpyrtle. 
Stem branching, 3 to 10 feet high. Leaves oval or lance- 
shaped, entire, glossy, marked with transparent dots. Flowers white, 
solitary from the axils; July. There are several varieties distinguished 
by the narrowness, broadness, or variegation of their leaves, and in the — 
single or double flowers. Plate 100. 
we M. Uant (the name ofa former genus). Myrtilla. Stems 4 feet high. 
amigo pointed, smooth, the margins turned back, darker above 
aE neath. Flowers white or pink, axillary, solitary ; May. Fruit 
g - ular, glossy, red or black, aromatic and edible. One plant in fruit 
hls sed the greenhouse. Its fruits are’ made into a preserve in 
Pas “ie Cornwall, where it is grown in kitchen-gardens. Native 
of Chili (introduced 1845). Greenhouse perennial. 
Cultivation, The soil most suitable for the Myrtle is sandy loam 
cultiveiich ee = leaf-mould has been freely added. In outdoor 
where the w aly oes planted against a wall in a sunny position, 
protection can be a u oe noce pes ee hati pe — 
is easily compassed, Pim winter. Their treatment in the greenhous 
shoial bi oe — be taken that the pots never get dry ; ed 
treated to f » have plenty of water at this period, and 
f .  duent. syringings, Propagation is effected by cuttings 
rom partially-ripened wood. i oe , kad 
2 PPL hig mserted in a close frame until well-roovet. 
Plate 100, 4; th tos ion of a flowering branch of Myrtus commun, 
¢ flowers in all stages of development, but mostly 
after the fall of the oe 
; tals ; ‘ “ 
of a section thrdaph ue pea stamens. Fig. 1 is an enlarged drawing : 
if they are planted in the compost mention@a. = 
