CHAPTER X. 



Orkamental Shrubs for Gardeit and Lawk. 



" Thani God for the beautiful Flowers 



That blossom so sweetly and fair ; 

 They garnish this strange life of ours, 



And brighten our paths every where ; 

 They speak of the heaven above us, 



Where angels are singing His praise, 

 Where dwell the dear ones who love us, 



Who faded from earth's thorny ways." 



Shrubs are indispensable in the smallest collection of plants. Many 

 of them are early risers, and bloom as soon as the frost and ice have 

 disappeared. Once obtained and planted out in good, rich soil, they 

 require but little attention, and will bloom for years in the same locality. 

 Yet their foliage and flowers wiU be more luxuriant and beautiful, if 

 they are treated to a few shovelsful of compost or manure, yearly. If it 

 is given to them in the autumn, it acts as a protection from the frost, 

 and can be dug into their roots early in the spring. When they are 

 first planted, it is better to take the autumn rather than the spring for 

 the operation ; but if done in March or April (according to the climate), 

 be sure to mulch the roots with long stable litter, or a few inches deep 

 of hay ; this will keep them from drying up during the heat of summer. 



The Flowering Almond takes first rank, because it blooms so early, 

 and though very common, is always popular. If it is neglected it wiU 

 grow ill-shaped and scraggy, but if it is cut back as soon as its blossoms 

 are fallen, its increased growth will soon repay their sacrifice. 



The Flowering Plum is called by some the White Flowering Almond, 

 and is equally hardy, its flowers being as double as those of tie Almond, 

 and of a snowy whiteness. 



The Lilac is always admired, will always be cultivated ; every house 



