254 
WINTER GARDENS. 
being taken directly from the nursery-bed, and returned in spring, owing to the 
multitude of small roots which ramify and become matted together, without 
spreading far from their axis, and consequently securing a quantity of earth 
amongst them. With this selection, a tolerably varied character may be imparted 
to the smaller beds, and the numerous fine narrow leaves of the Heaths and 
Empetrum will be an agreeable contrast with the more ample breadth of the 
others. 
For the more extensive beds, species of a stronger habit and larger growth, or 
large specimens of some of the preceding, will be more desirable. The common 
Holly, Portugal Laurel, and Rhododendrons, are amongst those usually employed. 
A more diversified air may be communicated by intermixing some of the variegated 
Hollies, and a bed or two of Aucuba japonica , small plants of Irish Yew, espe- 
cially for small circular beds, and seedlings of the common Juniper. 
We must not omit to mention here the Mahonia (or Berber is) aquifolium, 
which is decidedly one of the most ornamental plants that can be laid hold of, and 
is now easily procured, either from seeds, which ripen in astonishing abundance, or 
from suckers. The more dwarf and bushy, the greater the suitability of the 
plants ; therefore, whenever they grow too tall, and appear in anywise deficient of 
foliage in their lower parts, the longest shoots must be cut back, in the spring, 
when they are returned to the reserve garden. By this process a renewal of 
foliage and additional compactness will be acquired before another winter. 
We might bring forward many other shrubby plants equally adaptable, but 
these are sufficient to produce a most important degree of cheerfulness in the aspect S 
of a garden in the duller part of the year. Other species, however, which may, 
in some cases, better suit the convenience, will, doubtless, suggest themselves to the 
mind of every cultivator. 
Although barely coming within the scope of the present article, we may here 
be permitted to pass a few cursory remarks on that engaging plant, when adorned 
with its orange-red fruit, the Cratcegus Pyracantha , or Evergreen Thorn. It is 
by no means a rarity in gardens, but its worth, nevertheless, is not appreciated as 
it deserves. Alike suited as an adornment to the walls of the cottager’s home, jj 
and to beautify the domain of the wealthy, and procurable without difficulty at a 
moderate price, a handsome object at all times, but more especially in winter, it 
has claims to notice which are surpassed by few of the denizens of British gardens. 
It is principally as a covering to a naked wall, or to ramble over a porch, or 
as a verdurous wreath round a window, that it forces itself on our attention. In 
all such situations it is a continual ornament throughout the year, as it is never 
wholly divested of leaves, and in spring and early summer is enlivened with blos- 
soms, fragrant as the common Hawthorn of the hedges, and in autumn covered 
with beautiful ripening fruit, which remain on the branches for the most part of 
winter. These are forcible reasons for admitting it to a place in the immediate 
vicinity of the dwelling. 
