INTRODUCTION. 29 



spicuously beautiful with snowy blossoms, 

 which are enhanced by contrast, if made to 

 rise from the midst of dwarf evergreens, and 

 shaded by others of taller growth. In a 

 later season, the fruit is no less acceptable, 

 and scarcely less ornamental, when it 



" Hangs purpling, or displays an amber hue," 



In the early months, also, the mezereon, 

 the dwarf almond, and the pyrus japonica, 

 give life to the fore-ground, when planted 

 in little groups of three or four of each 

 together. 



At this season q£ the year, too, much of the 

 beauty of the shrubbery depends on covering 

 the banks, and feet of trees and shrubs, with 

 considerable patches of the earliest flowers. 

 In February, — 



" The snowdrop, winter's timid child, 

 Awakes to life, bedew'd with tears, 



And flings around its fragrance mild ; 



And where no rival flow'rets bloom 



Amidst the bare and chilling gloom, 

 A beauteous gem appears." 



This beautiful flower has for its contem- 

 porary the crocus, which is also very orna- 

 mental, when planted in such quantity as to 

 cover a large space. When scattered singly, 

 or arranged in formal bodies, its effect is 



