167 
replacing them, with some fresh mould, in the same situation. 
Tlie too great luxuriance of growth is checked, and a dispo- 
sition to hear is in consequence brought on 
172 Berberis AND Mahonia. It will be known to most of our 
readers that the genus Berberis has been divided; and that a 
portion of its species are called Mahonia. Some of these are 
very ornamental shrubs and but little known, which has occa- 
sioned the introduction of the following observations, for the 
benefit of those who can cultivate them. 
Alahonia glumacea, repens, and aquifolium, are three species, 
which, from tlieir extreme hardiness, abundance of blossoms, 
and evergreen habit, deserve to be planted more extensively in 
flower gardens, than they at present are. They do not require 
protection, however severe the winter may be. The soil best 
suited for them is a mixture of loam and peat, or a light sandy 
loam. After being established for two or three years, these three 
species send out abundance of creeping suckers, which fre- 
<|uently do not show themselves above ground until they are 
tw'o or three feet from the stem of the parent; these, if not 
wanted for increase, will rapidly add to the size and beauty of 
the original ])lant. If required to be taken off, the suckers 
should be cut asunder with a sharp spade, near to the stem of 
the plant, late in summer, and taken up for transplanting late 
in autumn, when they will be found furnished with abundance 
of roots. 
Mahonia fascicularis is considerably more tender, and will sel- 
dom survive a severe winter without injury, unless carefully 
covered. This species does not send out suckers from the 
roots, as is the habit of those mentioned above. The Berberis 
empetrifolia, (figured under No. 653 of the Botanic Garden) 
is a hardy evergreen shrub, of great beauty, wlien in flower. 
Its small leaves and slender ]>rostrate brandies, give it a very 
ditt'erent apjiearance from the other species of Berberis and 
Mahonia, and make it a desirable jilant for rock-work. The 
soil should be the same as for the Mahonias. AVhen planted 
in flower beds it is beneficial to lay down the prostrate branches 
occasionally, both to prevent their being tossed about by the 
wind, and for increase. The laid branches seldom produce 
many roots in the first season after laying, but in the autumn 
of the second, abundance of roots will be formed, and the young 
184 AUCTABIUU. 172, D. Cameron. 
