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THE FLOWER GARDEN. 
Crataegus (Thorn). — Hardy deciduous flowering trees, 
belonging to the Rose order (Rosacese). The May, Hawthorn, 
or Whitethorn (C. Oxycanthus) of our hedgerows is a well- 
known species of this genus. Of this species, the Double 
White, Double Pink, and Double Scarlet (Paul’s), and the 
Single Scarlet, are also well-known varieties, standard trees 
of these being grown extensively in suburban and country 
gardens. Then there is the famous Glastonbury Thorn (C. 
Oxycanthus praecox), which flow'ers in mid-winter. The 
double and the single scarlet varieties are very handsome 
and attractive trees when in flower in May and June, and 
should be grown more extensively in suburban gardens in 
place of the lime, poplar, and other unsuitable trees for such 
positions. In larger gardens, too, they are grand trees to 
grow singly on the lawn or in the shrubbery. C. Crus-galli 
(Cockspur Thorn) is another interesting tree, with white 
flowers, succeeded by large bright red, showy haws or berries. 
Its branches are furnished with long curved spines like a 
cock’s spur, hence the common name. It grows about 10 to 
12ft. high, and is suitable to grow as a standard in the 
shrubbery. The Scarlet-fruited Thorn (C. coccinea) is also 
a handsome tree, bearing large scarlet haws in autumn which 
are very attractive. The Tansy-leaved Thorn (C. tanacetifolia) 
has elegant foliage and bears yellow haws in autumn. Then 
there is the Evergreen Firethorn (C. Pyracantha), an ever- 
green shrub which is a popular favourite for clothing walls 
and fences, and, moreover, most attractive in autumn and 
winter, when furnished with bright scarlet berries. Its 
variety Lalandi is more compact growing and better suited 
for low walls. This shrub is frequently spoiled as regards its 
crop of berries by the erroneous practice of pruning the shoots 
in closely in winter. It is better to wait till June, then note 
which lateral shoots have the most flowers on them. Those 
with only a few blooms may be spurred in close, but those 
having plenty of flowers should be trained to the wall or 
fence. The Firethorn also makes a capital shrub for arches, 
or for growing as a bush in the shrubbery. The other Thorns 
previously described do not require much pruning, only cutting 
out dead wood in winter and shortening an overgroum shoot 
here and there. All the species here described require a sunny 
aspect to ripen their growth. If grown under the shade of 
other trees they will not flower freely. The Evergreen Fire- 
thorn does best on an east, south, or west wall. Plant in 
autumn. Ordinary soil will suit all the species. Increased 
by seeds, the berries containing which should be placed 
between layers of land (stratified) in the open air for a year, 
then sown iin. deep in the garden in spring or autumn. 
