130 THE FLORIST AXD 
latifolium. It is distinguished from its type by a more vigorous vegetation, 
stalks longer and thicker in proportion, as well as by larger leaves. We 
only know the flowers by a drawing made from nature in Mr. Van Houtte's 
house last spring. J. E. P. 
THE SPIRAEA. 
There are few families of plants that have such an interesting show of 
representatives as this ; and of all things wanting to give fine efiect to our 
plantations and grounds, ornamental shrubs, — amongst which Spiraeas are 
conspicuous, — are the most needed. 
They are of the easiest possible culture, and will readily adapt themselves 
to every vari^ed kind of soil. They thrive well when exposed to the full 
sun, or do equally well in the shade of trees. They will even grow and 
flower tolerably in a dry situation, though they are always most happy in 
the enjoyment of a little moisture. Some kind or another are in bloom the 
whole season ; commencing in April or early in May, with 8. jprunifolia 
pleno, and ending in October with S. salicifolia. 
Many of them may be had tolerably cheap from nurserymen, when taken 
in quantity, and cheaper still, if those who love them would create a little 
more demand for them. Nothing but a limited demand keeps up high 
prices in nursery stocks, — the very reverse of the case as regards agricultu- 
ral products, and many other marketable commodities, which must be sold 
when offered, — no matter at what price. 
There are many scores of handsome kinds, of which over two dozen may 
occasionally be met with in our nurseries. The following list I believe, may 
be readily procured — it is made up from Watson's Catalogue : 
Spiraea tomentosa. 
Spiraea grandiflora. 
)runifolia pleno, 
liconderti. 
arifolia, 
linensis, 
obovata, 
laevigata, 
adiantoides, 
japonica, 
argentea, 
ulmifolia, 
opulifolia, 
sorbifoUa, 
thalictroides, 
salicicifolia, 
Lindleyana, 
amoena. 
^ « 
Reevesii, 
callosa, 
rotundifolia, 
Douglasii, 
chamsedrifolia, 
speciosa. 
