whilst in Japan it becomes a tree. Another variety 
of purpurea, of dwarf habit, called hybrida, in the 
nurseries, has been lately raised, and noticed with 
commendation, but with its merits and peculiarities 
we are unacquainted. 
Magnolia purpurea has been recommended by 
some persons as best suited for planting separately, 
that it may the better become clothed with foliage 
and flowers, but its habit is too straggling for such 
purpose ; it should rather be mixed with evergreens 
of humble growth, over which, at the same time 
as it receives their protection below, it may hold 
out, to the passer-by, its handsome fragrant flowers, 
like porcelain censers of incense. 
Magnolias, from the spontaneous variation which 
has arisen amongst their several species, and from 
their difference of character also, seem to be well 
suited for hybridisation, and promise curious re- 
sults to any careful propagator. Grandiflora would, 
of course, be taken as one of the parents in such 
experiments ; and if its brilliant foliage could not 
be made more brilliant, it may undergo some cu- 
rious variations. 
The chief care required in the cultivation of this 
and most other Magnolias is, first to select a shel- 
tered situation, and then to render the earth light 
and dry. Light loam mixed with peat, would form 
the best compost for them, still they are found 
growing well in other descriptions of soils. Young 
plants may be readily propagated by layering their 
lower branches, or they may be raised from cut- 
tings of the young wood. As its seeds ripen in our 
gardens, these also offer facilities for increase. - 
