272 HABDT FLOWERING SHRUBS. 



ment and disposition in groups or avenues, or single specimens, 

 and such desoripticJns of their several characters, peculiarities, and 

 heauties, and adaptation to soils and cHmate, as shall give a new 

 impetus to the planting and culture of trees, for their own sake, 

 throughout our entire Canada. 



Turning to our humble but grateful task, we propose first to 

 enumerate some of those flowering shrubs which have been found 

 to thrive well in the greater part of Canada, and which contri- 

 bute so much, at their several periods of blooming, to make the 

 door-yard and garden lovely and gay ; and, at the same tim.e, 

 give such suggestions concerning the soil and cultivation best 

 adapted to each as shall be of service to those who care for what 

 they plant, and take delight in their perfect development. 



HAEDT FLOWEEING SHEIIBS. 



The Berberry. — Berheris. — There is not a shrub more hardy 

 than this, adapting itself also to every variety of soil. It is found 

 in l^orthem Europe, Asia, and America, inhabiting the valleys 

 of the more northern portions, but chmbing the hill-sides of the 

 warmer latitudes. Its flowers are yellow, produced in long, 

 pendent racemes, and usually in great profusion. The fruit is of 

 a most brilliant crimson, often remaining on the bush all winter. 

 When laden with its yeUow blossoms or with its coral-like 

 berries, it is an object of much beauty. It should be planted at 

 a little distance from the dwelling, for although its fragrance is 

 pleasant when borne in on the air, when too near it is so strong 

 as to be sometimes disagreeable. It will thrive in every descrip- 

 tion of son, but seems to fruit more abundantly in that which is 

 dry and poor. There is a variety with purple leaves and pur- 

 plish fruit, which is even more ornamental than the common. 

 It is known as the Purple-leaved Berberry. This variety is 

 propagated by layers, while the common is grown from seed, 

 sown in the fall in drills, and covered about an inch deep. The 

 Berberry does not require trimming, assuming naturally a grace- 



