112 



PRACTICE OF GARDENING. 



suckers, whicli may be removed in tlie autumnal months, 

 and planted where reqmred ; some few strike readily 

 from cuttings, as the double furze ; and others ripen seed 

 freely, such as rhododendrons and andromedas : but as by 

 this latter method of propagation, the seedlings require 

 great attention, and are some years before they produce 

 flowers, it is not so generally available as that by layers. 

 Where, however, new varieties of rhododendron are de- 

 su'ed, the only way to obtain them is to impregnate the 

 flower of one sort with the pollen of another, and sow the 

 seed in a slight hot-bed as soon as it is ripe, pricking out 

 the plants, and re-planting them when required. 



Certain kinds of evergreens are particularly adapted 

 for growing beneath the shade of trees and other plants. 

 Of these, the common holly, the box, MaJionia aqui/olhun, 

 common rhododendrons, privet (which is nearly ever- 

 green), JEfypcricum calycinum (likewise almost evergreen), 

 Auciiha japonica, and common ivy are the best. In such 

 positions, they will not only live but flourish, and cover 

 the ground, wliich would otherwise look blank and bare, 

 with a perpetually green mantle. 



Some evergreens are further suitable for forming into 

 hedge-rows ; for which purpose they will be more con- 

 stantly effectual than deciduous plants. Hollies, box, 

 yew, and privet are the chief of them ; and they will all 

 bear hard pruning or clipping, though the two former 

 require but little dressing. 



The beautiful tribe which includes the Cypresses, Juni- 

 jDers, Arbor Yitfe, Irish Yew, &c., Avill be very effective 

 in a garden if they can be admitted ; as their spiry forms 

 and delicate branches form a striking contrast to the 

 roundness and fulness of more ordinary shrubs. Philly' 

 rea latifolia or P. anr/ustifoUa are likewise good and useful 

 evergreens; the foliage of the last being particularly grace- 

 ful and of a very exotic appearance. If an open space can, 

 be spared, too, for the Arauraria imhricata, its singular 

 and stately form will tell wonderfully in a small garden, 

 especially on a little lawn. And it may now be pur- 

 chased for a moderate sum. 



Deciduoiis fioicering shrubs are undoubtedly more nu- 

 merous than those last treated of, but they are by no 



