SHRUBS 129 
some parts of Ireland. Other useful evergreens are the Heaths, 
Ivies, and Hollies. The Mahonia (Berberis Aquifolium), Spurge 
Laurel (Daphne laureola), and St. John’s Wort (Hypericum caly- 
cinum), are exceedingly accommodating evergreens in that they are 
suitable for planting in shady places as undergrowth to large trees ; 
the same may be said of the Butcher’s Broom (Ruscus aculeatus) and 
the common Aucuba. There are a few shrubs, notably Laurustinus 
and Rhododendron, which possess the double advantage of keeping 
green throughout the winter and flowering freely in the spring or 
early summer. There is much to be said in favour of deciduous 
in preference to evergreen shrubs; although the former are bare in 
outline during the winter, this defect is more than atoned for by the 
renewed vigour and fresh appearance assumed in the spring. 
Charming effects can be obtained by the judicious use of shrubs with 
coloured foliage; the Golden Elder, the purple Hazel and Maple, are 
easily grown. 
Flowering Shrubs.—For spring use few excel the Golden Bell 
(Forsythia suspensa) and the ornamental varieties of Cherries, 
Apples, and similar plants. Among the Spiraeas are found some of 
the most useful deciduous shrubs in cultivation. Early flowering 
Spiraeas are Thunbergi, arguta, and media; they all bloom between 
early March and early May. 8. Douglasi and 8. Japonica are 
splendid for later flowering. The Sumachs provide us with some of 
the most ornamental of shrubs. The Stagshorn Sumach (Rhus 
typhina) is quite picturesque in its growth; the Venetian Sumach 
(R. cotinus) and the American Smoke Tree (R. cotinoides) are both 
commendable for all gardens ; the foliage of the latter assumes a 
brilliant colour in the autumn. Exception may be taken to the 
Poison Ivy (R. toxicodendron), as the leaves of this plant when 
touched have been known to inflict a serions form of poisoning. It 
is, therefore, a dangerous subiect, particularly for the small garden. 
A word might here be said m favour of the Flowering Currant ; 
many varieties are now in commerce, but the popular form (Ribes 
sanguineum) continues to hold its own. 
Shrubs with Attractive Fruits.—Many deciduous shrubs 
carry fruits which are very ornamental in the winter months. The 
Snowberry and the Sea Buckthorn are good examples. ‘The Rock- 
sprays (Cotoneasters) produce clusters of orange scarlet berries 
throughout the winter. C. microphylla is the Wall Rockspray ; 
it is an evergreen well suited for covering walls or fences. 
The Plumed Rockspray (C. horizontalis) is of low spreading habit 
with almost frond-like branches, and if planted in rocky places, or 
allowed to trail over rough banks, it is quite picturesque. The 
effect is enhanced by a profusion of bright vermilion berries in the 
dull time of the year. Many Roses, notably the Japanese Brier 
(Rosa rugosa), are very -attractive when in fruit. The Mountain 
Ash, Siberian Crab, and the numerous Thorns which assume the 
proportions of trees are exceedingly beautiful in berry and always 
look cheerful. 
J 
