PBANTOM FLOWERS. 49 



ment of each one named. The learner will need all 

 the light that can be thrown on the subject, and the 

 minute particulars which follow will contribute largely 

 to her successful prosecution of the art. The illus- 

 trations which accompany the description of such leaves 

 as are most important, will enable the reader to de- 

 termine the names of doubtful varieties. 



Magnolia* 



This splendid genus of trees, deserves to be placed 

 at the head of our list of those plants whose leaves 

 are well adapted to the purposes of our art. Its varied 

 species are to be found on the eastern shores of both 

 the great continents North America and Asia.. The 

 United States produces no less than eight varieties, 

 whUe China and Japan have four or five. Neither 

 Europe, Africa, nor South America can offer a single 

 species of indigenous Magnolia. 



The different varieties of Chinese Magnolia have, 

 with one or two exceptions, been acclimated with us, 

 and are to be found in most of our ornamental shrub- 

 beries, their lovely white and purple blossoms and 

 5 



