Oleacee—Syringa. 295 
out a Laurel. Its origin is somewhat uncertain, though it is 
believed to have been brought from Persia. At all events it 
has been in cultivation about three centuries, and has given 
birth to many superior varieties either by natural variation or 
intercrossing with other species. The foliage in the common 
form is smooth, cordate-ovate, acuminate, and of a rather pale 
green; and clusters of flowers larger than in the other species. 
Amongst the many varieties now included in catalogues we 
may note: Dr. Lindley, having extremely large clusters of 
reddish lilac flowers; Glbu, pure white; and violacea, rubra 
insignis and rosea grandiflora, whose names indicate the 
various tinges of their flowers. S. dubia or Chinénsis is a 
Fig. 165, Syringa vulgaris, var. Charles X. (} nat. size.) 
closely allied species, if indeed it be specifically distinct. It is 
commonly called the Siberian Lilac, and differs in its smaller 
stature, narrower leaves, and more profuse inflorescence of 
reddish violet hue. The variety called Rothomagénsis, or 
Lilas Varin of the French, belongs here, and the fine variety 
