4 DO 
THE FLOWER GARDEN. 
Leucothoe. — This genus of evergreen flowering shrubs 
is closely allied to the Andromedas, and were formerly in- 
cluded in that genera. They are peat-loving shrubs, and 
require practially the same cultural conditions. The species 
hereafter mentioned are natives of N. America, and belong 
to the Heath order (Ericaceae). The chief kinds are: L. 
acuminata, white, June, i to 2ft. ; L. axillaris, white, May, 2 to 
3ft. ; L. Catesbaei, white, May, 2 to 4ft. ; L. Davisiae, white, 
May, 3 to 4ft. ; L. racemosa, white, May and June, 4 to 8ft.; 
L. recurva, white, June. Plant *n September. Increased by 
layering shoots in autumn. 
Leycesteria. (Flowering Nutmeg). — A genus of hardy 
deciduous flowering shrubs, belonging to the Honeysuckle 
order (Caprifoliaceae). Only one species is grown, and that is 
L. formosa, a native of the Himalayas. This grows about 
6ft. high, has slender hollow stems, and bears purplish flowers 
in leafy racemes during the summer. The racemes are fur- 
nished with purple bracts, which add to the attractiveness of 
the blossom. The flowers are succeeded by purple berries. 
It is a handsome shrub for the mixed border and does well in 
ordinary soil, but requires a sheltered position. Plant in 
autumn. After flowering the shoots that have flowered may 
be cut away, leaving the young growth only. In mild districts 
this shrub retains its foliage all the year. Increased by 
cuttings inserted in sandy soil in a cold frame in autumn ; 
also by seeds sown in similar soil in a cold frame in Sep- 
tember. 
Ligustrum (Privet). — The Common Privet (L. vulgare) 
is a British shrub much used for hedges. Little need be 
said about this species, but there are several Japanese and 
Chinese species that are not so well known, yet are far more 
beautiful. L. japonicum, for example, has glossy green 
leaves and fragrant white flowers borne in large spikes in 
June. A variety of this named macrophyllum has much larger 
leaves. L. coriaceum is another variety, with large green 
leathery leaves and white flowers. L. lucidum has shining 
green leaves and white flowers borne in autumn ; and L. ovali- 
folium makes a more attractive hedge than the common species. 
These shrubs grow about 6ft. high and are suitable for the 
mixed shrubbery. The most ornamental of all the privets 
is the Golden Privet (L. ovalifolium foliis aureis). This 
retains its foliage during the winter, and has its leaves mar- 
gined with golden-yellow. It makes a splendid hedge, as well 
as an attractive shrub when massed in the shrubbery. This 
kind retains its bright colour best when grown in the shade. 
All are evergreen except the Common Privet, and they belong 
