ON TREES AND SHRUBS. 



497 



towards the close ot the summer, dibbled in light soil, and stood 

 in a close, intermediate frame, emit roots readily. 



Ginkgo biloba {Salisburia adiantifolid). — This is a monotypic 

 genus, well known as the Maidenhair Tree, and is one of the most 

 remarkable of deciduous Conifers. It is a native of China and 

 Japan, and although introduced into England more than two 

 centuries ago, has not been planted so freely as it merits.' It is 

 a beautiful park tree, and one of the few Conifer(E suitable for 

 planting in the vicinity of towns. In its native habitat it grows 

 to a height of looft., but there are few specimens in England which 

 exceed 6oft. It is distinct and rather slow in growth, having 

 a usually straight trunk, covered with rough greyish bark, hori- 

 zontal or pendulous branches, and thick yellowish-green, smooth, 

 fan-shaped leaves, closely resembling in shape the pinnules of 

 the Maidenhair Fern. Its autumn tints are charming. G. 

 fastigiata is an erect form, of good growth, and worthy of a place 

 in small gardens, G. b. macrophylla^ a strong-growing variety, 

 originated in France about fifty years ago. The leaves are larger 

 than those of the type, divided into three and five lobes, and 

 beautifully undulated at the margins. The leaves of G. b. 

 variegata are striped and splashed with soft yellow, but unless 

 this form is planted in an open situation the variegation becomes 

 indistinct. It is less vigorous than the type. 



A deep sandy soil suits the Maidenhair Tree, and, although 

 perfectly hardy, shelter from cold winds is advisable. It makes 

 little progress in wet, badly-drained soil, and in such it should 

 never be planted. The Ginkgo may be propagated by seeds, also 

 by layering, when the lower branches are low enough for the 

 purpose. In layering, an incision should be made through a 

 joint, and a little damp soil or moss pressed into the cut. This, 

 again, should be covered with light soil, which should never 

 be allowed to become thoroughly dry, otherwise root formation 

 will be slow. Cuttings also root if taken off with a heel of the 

 old wood attached and planted in sandy soil in autumn or early 

 sprmg ; young, well-ripened shoots may also be taken off in 

 summer and placed in a warm propagating-case. The variegated 

 and pendulous forms may be increased by grafting on the type 

 in spring before growth commences. 



Juniperus. — The Junipers are well adapted for the garden 

 and the park. They are indigenous to the Northern Hemi- 

 sphere, especially the temperate parts of Europe, and vary 

 considerably both in habit and in the colour of the foliage ;. 

 some are erect, medium-sized trees ; others are mere bushes, 

 and yet others are of trailing habit. No special kind of soil is 

 necessary, as they thrive in any ordinary kind, especially if 

 leaf-mould and a little peat are incorporated with it at 

 planting-time. 



