180 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Cladrastis tinctoria, sometimes, but I believe incorrectly, called Virgilia 

 lutea, and popularly known as Yellow-wood, is an elegant tree that thrives 

 in any soil. It has drooping racemes of white flowers ; the bark is a pale 

 yellow, but not so conspicuous as many that I have mentioned. The finest 

 specimen I know in England is in Anthony Waterer's nursery at Woking. 



Alnus incana aurea is a recent introduction from Germany as far as I 

 am concerned. It is perfectly different in appearance from A. glutinosa 

 aurea, as the foliage is not specially brilliant, but the twigs are orange- 

 yellow and it is covered with red catkins. I think that every one whose 

 grounds are blessed by the presence of ornamental water ought to give it 

 a place where it can get its roots into the moisture and develop its 

 remarkable beauty. 



The mention of Alders brings me naturally to other waterside plants, 

 and, at the risk of wearying you, I cannot conclude this lengthy screed 

 without enumerating a few herbaceous plants that have learnt the art of 

 dying gracefully, and are as good or better in December as in June. 



Polygonum sachalinense, the strongest grower with the largest leaves 

 of all the Knot- weeds, easily reaching to 12 or 15 feet high if planted 

 in a moist site, does not absolutely require water, and can safely be 

 planted in shrubberies, as it spreads only to a very moderate extent. It 

 comes from Saghalien Island, I believe, and has been in this country only 

 about thirty years. 



P. cusjndatum, a better known but less striking plant, cannot be 

 recommended for shrubberies, unless most carefully kept in check ; nor 

 does it show the full beauty of its red winter stems unless its roots can 

 reach water. 



Bumex Hydrolapathum, the Giant Water Dock, when on the edge of 

 an old moat, as it is seen in my home, is indeed a case of a weed in its 

 right place ; but it is not till it begins to wither in September that the 

 merit of its strong burnt-sienna-coloured brown leaves can be appreciated. 



Phragmites communis is a real joy, both summer and winter, with its 

 purple flower-spikes borne on the top of its tall reeds. It is always 

 waving and rustling on the stillest days, and gives to a pond a natural and 

 luxuriant look which is delightful ; indeed it pleases eye and ear alike. 



Typha latifolia and T. angustifolia should both be planted, and near 

 together — the rich colour and large size of the first so-called bulrush go 

 so well with the refinement and lighter brown of the other. 



Gynerium argentcum is the best form of Pampas grass. It must have 

 protection, or at any rate a very sheltered site, if it is to survive very hard 

 frost ; but its silvery lightness repays taking some trouble. 



Oreocome Candollii is not often seen. The foliage reminds one of fennel. 

 It is one of the Selinums, and I note that Nicholson's 'Dictionary of 

 Gardening,' iii. 415, boldly states that " the species possesses no interest 

 from the garden standpoint." In point of fact, it is one of the prettiest and 

 most distinct waterside plants. It grows to about 4 feet high, is covered 

 with flowers and keeps on the heads through winter, while the foliage, as it 

 dries, turns to a soft golden hue. We have had a plant a long time, but 

 so far, alas ! it has not reproduced itself. This year it shows every 

 intention of ripening its seeds, so I hope we shall be successful in raising 

 some more. 



