44 Ornamental Shrubs. 



variety known as rosea alba, which has only the outer in- 

 dividual flowers radiate, and the petals touched with pink 

 or rose. 



ACACIA. 



THE acacias constitute a large and interesting genus 

 of the natural order LeguminoscB. The number 

 of species is estimated at from three to four hun- 

 dred, and there are in addition numerous varieties and 

 hybrids of especial value in cultivation. They are mostly 

 natives of tropical or semi-tropical climates, and their 

 products are highly esteemed in commerce and medicine. 

 Some of the species furnish the exudation known as gum 

 arable, some gum Senegal, and others a delicious perfume 

 known in trade. Various drugs and medicines are pre- 

 pared in whole or part from the roots, leaves, and bark, 

 and the bark contains so much tannin as to be also largely 

 used for tanning leather. In some cases the pods furnish 

 material to the native populations for making snuff, and 

 also for distilling an intoxicant which is said to be of a 

 most agreeable nature. They are nearly all beautiful, 

 small trees, with gracefully waving, feathery foliage and 

 abundant, fragrant, pea-shaped blossoms of white, pink, 

 yellow, and purple. 



As might be expected, most of the acacias known to 

 colder sections are grown under glass, and very few are 

 entirely hardy in this country as far north as New York 

 and New England. But in the Southern States there are 

 several species well fitted to the climate, and needing no 

 protection ; and some of these, with no more care than is 



