DECIDUOUS TREES. 395 



irregular horizontal ity, finally droop till they meet the ground, form- 

 ing a perfect and deeply-shaded bower. The tree covers an area 

 about sixteen feet in diameter, and is of equal height. The en- 

 graving might naturally be mistaken for a weeping willow, while 

 the tree itself, by the deeper green of its foliage, and the marked 

 difference in the position of its leaves, is at once distinguishable 

 from a willow, with which, indeed, it would form a pleasing contrast 

 in all but its form, and the common, though differing delicacy of 

 their foliage. 



We consider this a hardy tree ; but, if one would quickly realize 

 its full dower of beauty, it must have unusual care. First, very deep 

 drainage is essential to its health. Second, a young tree, which is 

 budded or grafted from seven to ten feet high, having no side limbs 

 and foliage to strengthen its trunk while the artificial head is form- 

 ing, must be supported a few years by short stakes, and protected 

 both in summer and winter from the sun and the cold by matting 

 bound around the trunk, and thorough mulching over the roots. 

 The deep drainage, after five years' growth, will have invited the 

 roots down to soil which is never frozen, and then, if the tree has 

 had a healthy growth, further precautions may not be needed. 

 The matting should be taken off the trunk early every spring and 

 fall, and renewed for both summer and winter protection. 



Sophora heptaphylla. — A Chinese shrub, six feet high, with yel- 

 lov/ flowers in October. Leaves with seven leaflets. Little known. 



THE VIRGILIA. Virgilia lutea. 



Downing remarked more than twenty years ago that this fine 

 tree was still very rare in our ornamental plantations, and the 

 observation is as true now as then. Mr. Thomas Meehan, of Ger- 

 mantown, Pa., informs us that the tree is one of the most difficult 

 to get established ; and this, not because of its want of hardiness, 

 for when once well established, it does not seem to suffer from 

 cold in the most exposed location at Philadelphia, nor in ordinary 

 exposure at Rochester, N. Y. It is said to be simply not tenacious 



