DECIDUOUS SHRUBS 113 



cephalanthus occidentalis is one of these shrubs, and we 

 shall have occasion to present our respects to several 

 other unpretentious species of this kind before we have 

 finished discussing the merits of various plants suitable 

 for the lawn. The amelanchiers deserve much considera- 

 tion and respect for qualities of this unobtrusive but 

 specially effective sort, and they have an added charm 

 in their numerous snow-white flowers, blooming in mid- 

 spring, and giving the plant a most interesting appear- 

 ance. There is a Japanese species, amelanchier japonica, 

 which is specially valuable for the picturesque way in 

 which it masses its foliage. The witch hazel, or hama- 

 melis, which is not a true hazel, is less valuable, and 

 the same may be said of the picturesque halesia tetrap- 

 tera, or silver bell. Celtis occidentalis, the nettle-tree, 

 is another of these shrubs, or small trees, that have 

 charm combined with simplicity and a blending quality. 

 It has numerous slender branches and leaves, and a fine 

 Ijabit. 



We desire to express our most profound respect for 

 all these shrubs, not because they are more beautiful 

 than other shrubs, for they are not, but for the simple 

 reason that they sustain such fine relations with each 

 other and all portions of the group, and lend just the 

 touch of wildness needed to bring the entire effect into 

 harmony and sympathy with nature. Quite different in 

 effect, although more showy, are the masses of the rhus 

 cotinus, purple fringe or smoke-tree, the flowers of 

 which have a purple or misty appearance, relieved by the 

 mingling with them of good-sized, rounded green leaves. 

 Yet the rhus cotinus is somehow a coarse shrub, and 

 requires to be planted with care and judgment, singly or 

 in masses by itself, although its general effectiveness 



