ON TREES AND SHRUBS. 369 



Aralia spinosa (Anglica Tree) retains its large compound 

 leaves till frost sets in, and although its yellowish-white flowers 

 are small, they are produced in such great quantities as to give 

 it a distinct and handsome appearance. It is quite hardy and 

 vigorous in growth, and as it blossoms in late autumn is 

 specially valuable for public parks and pleasure-grounds. Its 

 leaves and stem are provided with short spines. It should never 

 be cramped for room, as its real beauty is seen only when 

 allowed freedom in growth, a free circulation of air, and when 

 planted in moist, rich soils. A. chinensis (Dimorphanthus mands- 

 churicus ; Aralia mandschurica) (Fig. 240) also delights in a moist, 

 warm soil, and, although hardy, protection from north and east 

 winds should be secured for it. Its large bipinnate leaves are com- 

 posed of small ovate leaflets, and the creamy-white flowers are 

 produced in terminal panicles. 



Azaleas. — See Rhododendrons. 



Berberis. — The Barberries form a delightful group: Not only 

 are the numerous varieties beautiful when in flower in spring and 

 autumn (when the foliage changes to shades of crimson, chocolate, 

 and orange), but they are also attractive when covered with fruit 

 in winter. Ordinary soil is suitable, and a select list should 

 contain some of the following: B. vulgaris foliis-pur pur eis is one 

 of the most charming of dark-leaved shrubs ; it grows freely, and 

 keeps its colour well. It is best increased by cuttings, layers, 

 or division, as a great percentage of seedlings revert to the 

 type. Planted in masses, and cut down annually, it throws up 

 vigorous shoots with rich purple foliage. B. v. asperma is an 

 old but by no means common shrub ; it forms a stout bush, 

 and in autumn, when laden with its immense crops of bright 

 scarlet berries, is one of the most desirable of berry-bearing 

 shrubs. B. v. aetnensis forms • a dwarf bush with peculiar zig- 

 zag branches and stout spines ; its flowers are produced freely. 

 B. v. amurensis, B. v. fructu-albo, and B. v. macrocarpa are 

 also showy. B. aristata grows into a stout bush, with brownish-red 

 spreading branches and shining green serrated leaves ; its bright 

 yellow flowers are produced on long stalked racemes and are 

 succeeded by red berries, which hang on the bushes until the 

 middle of winter, at which time its brightly-coloured bark is 

 effective. B. sinensis is an elegant Chinese species, and bears a 

 wonderful profusion of flowers, which are followed in autumn 

 by attractive berries, and as the leaves die off a rich crimson 

 colour it is valuable for autumn effect ; it grows about 6ft. high, 

 and has been cultivated in this country since 1815. B. Lycium, 

 from the Himalayas, is a valuable Barberry, of distinct growth, 

 with upright slender branches and narrow glaucous leaves ; the 

 flowers are borne in erect racemes with great freedom ; it is a 

 distinct and uncommon species. The most beautiful in autumn 



2 B 



