112 Ornamental Shrubs. 



the walls and fences, and in some instances took possession 

 of entire fields and hillsides to the exclusion of the forms 

 of plant life that had long had possession, somewhat after 

 the manner of the conquests made by the pale-faces in 

 their strifes with the natives. There is a variety that 

 has richly colored purple foliage, and that proves very 

 effective in planting, either by itself or in combination 

 with other sorts. Its general characteristics are much the 

 same as those of the type, and, whether planted singly, 

 in masses, or in the border, it is equally good, and capa- 

 ble of affording most desirable contrasts. But for the 

 best results it must have plenty of sunshine and not be 

 grown in too moist a soil. Standing side by side with 

 yellow-leaved plants, the combination of purple and gold 

 is all that can be desired. Unlike many of the so-called 

 foliage plants, it holds its color from spring to autumn, 

 and can be used on large or small estates to advantage. 



The American species, B. canadensis, was so named by 

 Pursh, the distinguished botanist, but is not a native of 

 Canada or even of New England or New York. It is 

 indigenous to the Alleghany Mountain region, thence 

 southward to the Gulf and to some sections west of the 

 Mississippi. In general it is much the same as the vulgaris, 

 but with botanical differences sufificient to maintain a 

 specific classification. It is a more diminutive shrub, 

 having smaller and less bristly, pointed leaves, fewer- 

 petalled flowers, and less conspicuous fruit. But in the 

 general outline to the unscientific eye the two are much 

 the same. It is entirely hardy, and has been found able 

 to withstand intense cold, provided it is favored with a 



