240 



Ornamental Shrubs. 



is a native of Virginia and the Carolinas, and perhaps of 

 other Southern States, but it proves hardy in cultivation 

 as far north as New England and Minnesota, though in 

 these extreme limits of cold it may always be well to give 

 it as favorable a position as possible. The London Garden 

 pronounces it perfectly hardy in England where it flowers 

 with great freedom in May. It has also been introduced 

 to the continental gardens and parks, and is noted as one 

 of the curiosities of horticulture. " As an ornamental 

 plant," says Professor Sargent, " the American fringe tree 

 has much to recommend it ; it is possessed of a vigorous 

 constitution which enables it to flourish in regions of much 

 more severe climates than that of its native home ; its 



leaves are large, abundant, 

 and excellent in color ; it 

 is not disfigured by insects 

 or fungous diseases, and 

 in May and June it is cov- 

 ered with long, drooping 

 panicles of delicate flowers 

 with elongated, narrow, 

 nearly thread - like pure 

 white petals." 



The striking peculiari- 

 ties of this shrub were 

 observed and commented 

 upon by the botanists who 

 visited this continent during the early periods of its settle- 

 ment, and found much that was new and at the same time 

 worthy of admiration. Nor did it escape the notice of our 



CHIONANTHUS VIRQINIOA. 



