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like fruit covering, being special points of attraction. It is 

 of South European origin, and has been known in this 

 country, at least, from the days of Parkinson, where, in his 

 " Paradisus," he speaks of it as the " greater bastard senna 

 with bladders." Being readily raised from seed, and of the 

 simplest culture, it should make owners of waste ornamental 

 ground, where the soil is not of first-rate quality, plant it in 

 numbers, for certainly a more curious or interesting specimen 

 is not to be found in the whole range of hardy shrubs. 



Osmantkus ilicifolius is one of the handsomest of ever- 

 green shrubs, and also one of the few that succeed in a 

 satisfactory way when subjected to the impurities of a town 

 atmosphere. In the smokiest districts of both London and 

 Liverpool, it is unquestionably the best all-round shrub. 

 The holly-like leaves are thick and of firm substance, and 

 the inconspicuous yellowish-green flowers are also much like 

 those of the holly. 



Ligustvum coriaceum is a fitting companion to the last, 

 so far, at least, as its powers for withstanding the effects of 

 impure atmosphere are concerned. Being an evergreen, it 

 is peculiarly well suited for planting in the town garden, 

 where it grows with great freedom. It is easily managed, 

 not particular as regards soil, is readily increased, and bears 

 trimming-in with perfect impunity. 



Aucuba japonica. — This well-known evergreen shrub is 

 of great value for planting in urban districts, it being able to 

 do battle with a more than ordinary amount of atmospheric 

 impurities. For this reason it has been largely planted in 

 town squares and gardens in the most crowded and densely 

 populated parts. 



As an ornamental shrub, too, the Aucuba is well worthy 

 of extensive culture, its fine, large, glossy, and beautifully 

 mottled leaves being at all times objects of admiration. It 

 is easily raised from cuttings, and grows with great freedom 

 in any soil. 



Griselinia littoralis. — Although a little-known evergreen, 

 this is well suited for town-planting ; experiments have 

 proved it a most valuable addition to the limited number of 

 shrubs suitable for such a purpose. The appearance of the 

 plant, with its deep, green, glossy, and somewhat succulent 



