2 84 TREES AND SHRUBS 



so when water- logged) being the most unfavourable 

 to its growth. Fortunately, it will adapt itself to 

 any mode of pruning, but unquestionably the best 

 way to treat it is to plant in large bold clumps, 

 allowing it to grow away at its own sweet will. 

 Many of the more uncommon varieties, both green 

 and variegated, make highly attractive groups and 

 beds, and where expense is of little object should 

 most certainly be planted. 



Rhododendrons. — Of course, one must possess 

 a suitable soil to plant the more beautiful varieties in 

 any quantity ; nevertheless, the common R. ponticum 

 and hybrid seedlings, of which there are now for- 

 tunately a great variety, will succeed in nearly 

 all soils free from lime. The ground should be 

 thoroughly broken up during autumn, and the 

 planting done 4 feet apart in the spring. The seed- 

 vessels should be picked off after flowering, and 

 the plants are much benefited by an occasional top- 

 dressing of road grit and leaf soil. Even here on 

 a cold London clay, where the ground has been 

 well drained and treated as above, they succeed 

 very well. 



Ruscus ACULEATUS (Butcher's Broom), a native 

 of this country, is invaluable for planting in masses 

 in shady spots. It appears to enjoy the drip from 

 other trees, and is very accommodating as to soil 

 and position, but likes to remain undisturbed. 

 Ruscus racemosus, which is a native of Portugal, and 

 commonly called the Alexandrian Laurel, is un- 

 questionably the best of the Ruscus family, and its 



