66 BRECK’S NEW BOOK OF FLOWERS. 
tion that the clear and bright atmosphere of this section 
of the United States seems particularly adapted for col- 
lections of this nature; for many delightful plants which 
luxuriate in the colder yet purer air which prevails in the 
higher regions of the Alps, will not bear the humid and 
foggy atmosphere of England; these are often introduced, 
but as often perish; here they would probably be perma- 
nent. 
I may possibly have enlarged more on this subject than 
can be interesting here, where few of these artificial struc- 
tures exist, yet as it is almost certain they will be shortly 
introduced, and if once introduced, are sure to become com- 
mon, especially as the materials both for their erection 
and ornament are in plenty, I may be pardoned for en- 
deavoring, while opportunity is mine, to create an inter- 
est in a pursuit which has afforded me so much pleasure. 
I conclude with a list of some of the most showy and 
conspicuous plants for this purpose, beginning with those 
which are found in this immediate vicinity. 
Houst6nia ceruléa, and longifolia, bluish and long- 
leaved Houstonia. The former blossoms from middle of 
May to the middle of June in clusters so thick, that no stem 
can be seen, about three inches high, and may be gathered 
plentifully at Cambridge and Dedham, it is only annual; 
the long-leaved variety is perennial, an inch or two taller 
than the cerulea, but is a much rarer plant, I have only 
seen it near the granite quarry at Quincy, it was then in 
blossom in August. 
Mitchélla répens, the Checkerberry, this is almost too 
well known to require description, but its beautiful hairy 
white flowers which are extremely fragrant, and: the 
bright scarlet fruit which succeeds them, would be greatly 
ornamental to rock work; it abounds every where. 
Epigza répens.—Ground-laurel. I do not know that 
this beautiful plant grows any where in this immediate 
