284 
THE CYTISUS. 
in this section may with safety be enclosed in 
the pellet ; for, as soon as it dissolves or falls 
to pieces, none of the seeds will be found too 
deeply buried to prevent germination. The 
same remark will apply to those of the other 
section ; and I think that instead of seeds of 
the periwinkle, small cuttings might be ad- 
vantageously inserted in the ball of earth. 
On this particular point, however, my experi- 
ence does not enable me to speak confidently. 
With regard to the manner in which those 
trees and shrubs, or the germs of them, should 
be distributed, Nature has not left us in doubt. 
The birch trees should be in groups, not of a 
formal thickness, but so varied as not to end 
in a body, or abruptly, but slightly intermixed 
with plants adjoining ; and it is highly desir- 
able to have their light pensile spray immedi- 
ately contrasted with the sombre and persistent 
foliage of the pine. It is better, again, to have 
the pine higher up than the birch, because the 
former is hardier than the latter, and more 
able to contend with the elements : besides, it 
would be preposterous to have the hanging 
foliage of the birch resting upon any other 
ligneous object under it. The finest rock 
scenery in Britain is to be found on the banks 
of the Findhorn, a deep and rapid river in the 
north of Scotland, passing the town of Forres 
on its way to the ocean. In still weather, and 
amidst broad sunshine, the picture viewed from 
a prominent point, is like some gorgeous de- 
lineation on canvass ; but when a gleam of sun- 
shine comes to light it up, at a time when the 
heavens are otherwise darkened, the chequered 
appearance of the scene becomes doubly attrac- 
tive. Nearest to the water, are birches with 
very pendant masses of branches descend- 
ing into the water ; over them, the aspen 
and pine have their slippery -looking, though 
secure, abode — the latter boldly throwing out 
its varnished-like arms, the same as if it 
were on the broad mountain top. Behind, 
on a lofty recess, are masses of oaks, and, to 
crown all, the pine again commences, and the 
long and lofty vista is terminated with its dark- 
some umbrage. 
In clothing rocky scenery, therefore, it would 
be well to imitate, as far as possible, the models 
which Nature has given us. In cases where 
rocks or precipitous places, are in the neigh- 
bourhood of the sea, a particular selection of 
plants, or the seeds of them, requires to be 
made. The elder is very suitable, and it 
grows remarkably well from seeds. The com- 
mon goat willow is also a plentiful bearer of 
seeds, and it withstands the sea breezes better 
than most trees. The Pinus Pinaster minor 
should likewise be tried, together with the 
common Broom. All these may be inserted in 
pellets and lodged on the ledges of the rocks 
during the first week in May. When these have 
created a partial shelter, the weeping birch 
should be introduced ; for of all trees none is 
so ornamental on the face of rocks. 
In such of the counties of Britain as possess 
the proper features for the improvement sug- 
gested, I sincerely hope the plan here recom- 
mended will have a fair trial. No one will 
deny that the beauty of many localities might 
be very much heightened by having the bare 
rocks partially covered ; for of all the elements 
which the landscape-gardener has to deal with, 
I believe that of rocks is the most grand and 
striking. 
In prosecuting this work many will be dis- 
couraged by the slowness with which the trees 
appear. Let such remember that even under 
the most favourable circumstances, years must 
elapse before a seed will produce a plant of a 
conspicuous size. I have always found it a 
good plan to confine one's operations to a small 
space, to fill that space properly with seeds, so 
that the young trees may rise very close to 
each other. After a few individual trees are 
fairly established, and of a mature age, the 
wind and birds will aid in disseminating the 
seeds, from which, in due time, abundance of 
trees' will spring. 
THE CYTISUS. 
(HAEDY SHKDBBr SPECIES.) 
The family of Cytisus is a handsome one, 
belonging to the natural order of Leguminaceas, 
and to the Linnrean Monadelphia Decandria. 
It is named from Cythnus, one of the Cyclades, 
the first known species having been found 
there. It has butterfly-shaped flowers, and is 
nearly allied to the Genista. 
Cytisus albidus (the whitish Cytisus), is 
an erect growing deciduous shrub, with oblong 
leaflets, and white axillary flowers, usually in 
threes. It is a native of the south of Europe, 
and north of America. Flowers in June. 
Cytisus albus (the Portugal Broom), is a 
very ornamental upright growing deciduous 
shrub, the twiggy branches of which are 
densely covered with handsome white flowers 
in May : the leaves are trifoliolate. It grows 
very rapidly, growing five or six feet in three 
or four years ; and in double that time reach- 
ing twelve, fifteen, or even twenty feet. It is 
one of the most singularly beautiful of the 
hardy shrubs which flower at the early period 
of the year. A variety called incarnatus, has 
the flowers flesh coloured, or very slightly 
tinged with reddish purple. 
Cytisus akgenteus, (the silvery Cytisus), is 
a decumbent, silky, silvery-looking shrub, with 
trifoliolate leaves, and yellow flowers produced 
in July. It is a native of the south of France, 
Carniola, and Mauritania. 
Cytisus austeiacus (the Austrian Cyti- 
sus), is an upright growing shrub. It has round 
