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Hollies of various kinds are very suitable for planting in 

 cities, but they are not to be recommended for using in 

 densely-populated districts. For a time they may and do 

 succeed, but they ultimately begin to show signs of distress 

 by the tips of the branches dying off bit by bit. The dwarf 

 variety of the common holly is one of the best for smoky 

 districts, where it grows freely, and looks bright and healthy, 

 often in most objectionable quarters. It succeeds much 

 better than any of the others in the London squares and 

 parks, while it is valuable in the more confined parts of 

 Liverpool and Manchester. In Glasgow and Edinburgh it 

 also grows freely. 



Two other species at least do well where they are not 

 subjected to an inordinate amount of smoke. These are, 

 J. Balearica and /. Hodginsii, two very distinct and desirable 

 hollies. 



SHRUBS. 



Of these there are several kinds that are suitable for 

 planting in smoky localities. Evidently deciduous species 

 possess an advantage over evergreen kinds in the total 

 annual renewal of their leaves ; and hence it may follow 

 that, as with trees, deciduous shrubs should have the 

 preference. 



The following includes only such kinds as have been 

 proved suitable for town-planting : — 



The Bladder Senna. — This curious and ornamental 

 shrub, known botanically as Colutea arborescens, may be seen 

 in unusually good form on the railway embankment of the 

 London and South-Western Railway nearly all the way from 

 Clapham Junction to Wimbledon, but particularly near the 

 latter place. 



Many passengers seem puzzled as to what is the name 

 of the shrub with the inflated bladder-like pods, and which, 

 from being tinged with red, add no little to the peculiar 

 aspect and beauty of the plant. 



It is a shrub of the readiest culture, and one that will 

 succeed well on the poorest of soils, and is perfectly hardy 

 in every part of these isles. For planting in smoky districts, 

 it is an especial favourite, the bright foliage and yellow pea- 

 shaped flowers, which are succeeded by the curious bladder- 



