io6 Ornamental Shrubs. 



shuts it out of consideration in tliis connection. But there 

 are species and varieties that are both rare and ornamental 

 in the highest degree, and that need only to be known 

 to make for themselves a place in every considerable col- 

 lection where best results are desired. To some of the 

 most desirable of these attention may well be called. In 

 their wild state they are almost universally known as crabs, 

 and as such are indigenous to most of the temperate regions 

 of both Europe and America. 



P. tn. coronaria, the American crab, is a native of the 

 United States, and outside of cultivation is probably 

 found at its best on the Alleghany Mountains, where it 

 appears as a small and shapely tree, growing to a height 

 of about twenty feet. Though perfectly hardy, it has not 

 shown itself to be very aggressive, as its range is quite 

 limited. Still, it is found, though in comparatively small 

 numbers, in locations much farther north. The beauty 

 of its blossoms early attracted attention, as they are large, 

 rose-colored, and very fragrant ; the odor, in the opinion 

 of many persons, resembling that of the common sweet 

 violet. The fruit, though not of much economic value, 

 is also fragrant and interesting ; the apples are small and 

 exceedingly numerous, and hang long on the branches. 

 Some of the supposed varieties are still more beautiful 

 than the type, especially those with variegated foliage. 

 That known to the trade as P. m. aucubcBfolia has leaves 

 which are distinctly marked with white, and in some cases 

 shaded with pink, and is very desirable. Another, known 

 as the double white-flowering apple, P. m. alba plena, pro- 

 duces large double blossoms which are very sweet-scented. 



