I'LEX BALEA'RICA. 
MINORCA HOLLY. 
Class. 
TETRANDRIA. 
Order. 
TETRAGYNIA. 
Natural Order. 
AQCIFOLIACE^. 
Native of 
Height. 
Flowers in 
Habit 
Introduced 
Minorca. 
1 2 feet. 
May, June. 
Tree 
in 1815. 
No. 979. 
Tlie word Ilex is of Celtic origin, and alludes to 
the spines, or acute points, of the leaves. It was 
first used as a specific name for the Quercus ilex, 
and subsequently as the geneiic name of the Holly, 
from the resemblance of this genus to the Quercus 
ilex, or evergreen Oak. The German name, Christ- 
dorn, is imitated in other continental languages, 
hence we may infer that the plant has long been 
used in some of the rites of the Christian church. 
Hence also, it is, without doubt, that we call it 
Holly, from holy, in allusion to the puiqiGses for 
which it has been employed. 
Ilex aquifolium, our common Holly, is a plant 
which, for several reasons, is of considerable utility; 
and Ilex balearica equally so. It is probable that 
the two, strictly considered, constitute but one spe- 
cies ; they are, however, veiy distinct as vaiieties ; 
and as a free-growing, brilliant, handsome, ever- 
green, Ilex balearica should have a place in every 
shrubbery; also, on the sides of lawns, and the 
confines of gardens. As single plants too, or in 
groups, in ornamental grounds, none of its class 
can excel this shrub. Its general tint is a lighter 
