94 MY SHRUBS 
at all, but let not that deter you. This Plagianthus by any other 
name would smell as sweet. 
Plagiospermum sinensis is a new shrub from Manchuria. I 
regret to learn that it takes after Maclura; but my plant 
may perhaps be trained into nicer ways as it has come to me 
so young. 
The dwarf Piceas—varieties of P. excelsa—are all most desirable 
for the rockery, and soon make beautiful miniature trees ; they are 
the neatest and hardiest of little shrubs and a perpetual delight. 
P. glauca also should not be missed. 
Platycarya strobilacea, a rare North China monotype, I have 
never seen ; but it is said to prosper in the South of England and 
I hope it may be doing so. 
Podocarpus chilina is a rare conifer from the Andes, and, though 
a tree, will remain of shrubby size as far as you and I are concerned 
if we buy it now. Mine is four feet high, and may be six before I 
cease to take interest in it. It has a very distinct habit, with deep 
green narrow foliage, and in July it erects clusters of little pale 
yellow catkins. In Cornwall thrive noble specimens of this fine 
fir. Podocarpus andina is the Plum Fir from the Andes. This 
remarkable plant produces fruit of the size of a grape and is 
one of the few conifers to do anything so clever. Moreover, the 
fruit may be eaten, for it is agreeable. Prunopitys is the synonym 
of this interesting evergreen. 
Polygala Chamebuxus is a neat dwarf, with yellow and white 
flowers. I collected a pretty dark pink variety in Italy, and 
there is a brown variety also. But the good little thing dwells 
here no longer in any form. It too quickly dies out with me. 
P. grandiflora make a big shrub, and I have seen it very handsome 
