Syringa — Lilac. 2 2 1 



tain of the Himalayan range, from which It takes its name. 

 It is thought, also, to be confounded with 6". villosa, and 

 for equally good reasons. These may be important ques- 

 tions for the consideration of the scientists, but to the 

 practical horticulturist it is enough to know that the 

 three so closely resemble each other as to size, habits 

 of growth, and similitude of flower, that there is little 

 or no choice between them. Each is a good garden 

 plant and especially adapted to small grounds where 

 larger growths might prove out of place. 



Within a few years, a new race of lilacs has been 

 brought to the attention of the public through the well- 

 directed efforts of certain botanists and horticulturists, 

 especially of M. Lemoine of Nancy, France, whose name 

 had already become well known as a scientist of no mean 

 repute. This gentleman, having entered upon a thorough 

 process of crossing and hybridization in this direction, 

 has succeeded in bringing out a class of these shrubs 

 which, while retaining most of the better features of the 

 genus, are still a great improvement upon the original 

 forms. These have been given to the public, and have 

 added much to the interest and pleasure of lilac cultiva- 

 tion throughout the world. Already the series of hy- 

 brids and crosses have been widely distributed, and 

 specimens are to be found in many of our best gardens. 

 As this method of production is continued from year to 

 year, other new forms are constantly appearing, though 

 most of the later sorts so nearly resemble some of those 

 previously sent out that the limit has been nearly 

 reached. The following are among the best of the recent 



