THE MAGNOLIAS. 119 
dom used for any purpose where other lumber can be 
obtained. The tree should be propagated by layers, and 
the seed sown while in a moist state, as it will not ger- 
minate if once dry. Shade the young plants from the 
sun when they first start to grow, and during the first 
period of cold weather. 
YELLOW CUCUMBER-TREE, 
This tree is found in Georgia and South Carolina 
chiefly ; it is noted for the extreme beauty of its large 
yellow flowers, which form quite a contrast to its rich 
green foliage. It is one of the most ornamental of its 
genus, and is as hardy as any of its species, notwithstand- 
ing what Loudon says to the contrary, as it will with- 
stand the Massachusetts winters. Its wood is on a par 
with that of the cucumber-tree, and is not used for build- 
ing purposes. 
SMALL MAGNOLIA, SWEET BAY. 
This tree, which grows to the height of thirty or forty 
feet, is seldom found west of the Alleghany Mountains. 
It is one of the most ornamental of an ornamental spe- 
cies; its leaves are large, of a dark-green glossy color on 
top, and of a creamy white underneath. In the South 
this tree is grown all the year round. The most perfect 
tree of this variety that I have ever seen was in the 
grounds of Girard College, Philadelphia. It rose to a 
height of about twenty-five feet, perfectly symmetrical, 
and it seemed as if there was not a branch or a leaf out 
of place ; and I remember to this day how the air was 
perfumed for some distance around it. The seeds soon 
become rancid, and should be kept in some damp place 
or in rotten wood until they are ready for setting out. 
When young, the plants, which do not grow very fast, 
should be shielded from the sun. 
