Acacia. 47 



as the gray bark of the stem and larger branches, with the 

 pale green of the foliage and the bright bunches of golden 

 flowers, constitutes a combination not often seen on the 

 same shrub or tree. The blossoms continue long and 

 answer a good purpose as cut flowers. 



A. pubescens. — No one will dispute the value of this 

 plant as ornamental, and it is one of the most hardy 

 and easily grown of its class. Good plants are found in 

 perfection as far north as Boston in some of the best 

 gardens. It was reported as long ago as 1891 that speci- 

 mens were growing in the grounds of Wellesley College, 

 spreading to nearly, if not quite, ten feet In diameter. 

 These had doubtless received especial care and attention, 

 as do many others of our best ornamental shrubs. In the 

 warmer parts of the country they thrive in the open air 

 the year round. They are beautiful in both foliage and 

 flower, the leaves being finely cut and the blossoms ex- 

 ceedingly abundant. These latter are light yellow, and 

 crowd the long, pendulous branches from end to end, 

 always filling the air with a delicious fragrance. They 

 appear very early in spring, and frequently in winter 

 during a temporary suspension of its customary rigors. 

 It is a good plant for house or church decoration, and 

 capable of filling a want in that direction which has been 

 long felt. 



A. farnesiana. — Here also is found a small tree, of 

 about the same height and possessed of many of the same 

 good qualities. Just where it originated is a question not 

 fully determined. It abounds in San Domingo, and is 

 found growing wild in some parts of Texas, if not in others 



