168 MAKING OF A FLOWER GARDEN 



the branches are more or less inclined to a prostrate 

 habit, or, because of their flexibility, are easily pegged 

 down and root easily at the joint, but do not make as 

 vigorous root growth and the joint should have a lit- 

 tle earth drawn over it and be pegged down for best 

 results. This shrub is so altogether desirable that 

 half a doizen branches may be devoted to the produc- 

 tion of new plants, one or more being produced from 

 each branch. Of those shrubs which throw up suckers 

 from the roots the lilac will occur to most people as a 

 well-known example, so if in buying the newer, 

 double-flowered, named sorts one will insist upon 

 purchasing plants upon their own roots and not be 

 satisfied with grafts, he may soon become possessed 

 of a quite respectable planting of lilacs of notable 

 size and color of bloom. The suckers should be re- 

 moved as soon as they have had one season's growth 

 for the protection of the parent plant, which will be 

 much depleted in bloom by their presence if allowed 

 to remain permanently. 



One of the most beautiful foliaged shrubs, the fern- 

 leaved sumac, forms root rhizomes which send up fre- 

 quent volunteer plants which should be removed and 

 replanted. This is one of the most beautiful orna- 

 mentals with which I am acquainted, quite rivaling 

 the Japanese maples. The leaves are compound or 

 pinnate, fifteen to eighteen inches long and of a dark, 

 rich green on the upper surface, the stem a rich 



