NOTES ON TREES, SHRUBS & PLANTS 31 



at hand, and their scent is carried on the breeze. The 

 species, and many varieties of Thuia, give fragrance to 

 the garden (J". Standishii an exception), and should be 

 largely planted, for supplying scented shoots for cutting. 



Dwarf Plants. 



Two Carolinian plants of much beauty in winter are 

 Galax aphylla and Shortia galacifolia, both scarce in 

 Britain, although they are easily imported. Over thirty 

 million of Galax leaves are used per annum in America, 

 and they also find favour in London for wreath work, 

 etc. The Americans distinguish two varieties — one 

 bronzed-leaved, the other green — the former the best. 

 In Edinburgh two varieties are grown — G. aphylla^ 

 with leaves 2 to 3 inches across ; G, aphylla major ^ 4 

 inches. To obtain the finest red-bronze colouring, a 

 sunny situation should be chosen, in peat or leaf soil. 

 Shortia, with leaves less durable when cut, and beautiful 

 spring flowers, requires similar treatment. 



Euphorbia Myrsinites is one of the finest rock-garden 

 plants in winter. It is a Mediterranean plant, with 

 fleshy glaucous leaves ; quite hardy in Edinburgh. 

 Rocks should be placed around for the shoots to rest 

 upon. Plant in sandy, poor soil, in full sun. 



Gaultheria procumhens, — A dwarf creeping shrub, with 

 red-tinted leaves ; and the trailing Vaccinum macrocarpum, 

 with shoots 4 feet or so in length, are suitable for rock- 

 gardens, etc., and are well coloured when planted in a 

 sunny position. Both like peat. 



Veronica cupressoides variabilis. — A dwarf shrub not 

 unlike a golden, green-leaved Retinospora, but entirely 

 procumbent. Thrives in sandy soil and sunny spots ; 

 better coloured there. Very suitable for small beds and 

 rock gardens ; never shabby. Replant if portions die. 



Dwarf Conifers. — These are suitable for rock- 



