XXXVI. THE ROCK ROSE FAMILY. 515 
two or three years, after which they find the shoots well rooted, 
and of a sufficient height and strength to be planted at once 
Where they are finally to remain.” This mode is also practised. 
with the elm. 
Hunter gives the following directions for forming layers from 
shoots of the American lime :—‘ When the layering of these is 
to be performed, which ought to be in the autumn, the strong 
two years’ shoots must be brought down; and if they are stiff 
and do not bend readily, they must have a gentle splash with 
the knife near the bottom ; a slit should be made at the joint for 
every one of the youngest twigs, and their ends bent backwards 
that the slit may be kept open. This being done, the mould 
must be levelled among the layers, and the ends of them taken 
off to within one eye of the ground. The business is then done; 
and the autumn following they will have all good roots, many 
of which will be strong, and fit to plant out for good, whilst the 
weakest may be removed into the nursery ground, in rows, to 
gain strength.” 
The lime tree is found from Canada to Georgia; most abun- 
dantly on the shores of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. I have 
observed it, in almost every part of this State, sometimes grow- 
ing vigorously even in the most sandy and exposed situations. 
It appears to be very little affected by the sea-breeze, and might, 
probably, without much difficulty, be made to grow on Nan- 
tucket and amongst the sands of Cape Cod. 
I cannot give the dimensions of many large trees of this kind. 
Mr. Austin Bacon, of Natick, has favored me with the account 
of one of a size somewhat remarkable. It is 16 feet 6 inches in 
circumference at the ground, and 13 feet 4 inches at 4 feet. 
Near by is another of almost equal dimensions. 
FAMILY XXXVII. THE ROCK ROSE FAMILY. CISTA‘CEZ. 
JUSSIEU. 
This family is of interest to florists and gardeners for the 
great beauty, variety and elegance of its flowers. It con- 
