426 
THE FLOWER GARDEN. 
japonicum, with ten-lobed red leaves; A. palmatum (Syn. A. 
polymorphum) and its varieties atropurpureum, purple-leaved ; 
crispum, green with red stalks; dissectum, leaves finely ser- 
rated and green ; ornatum, finely cut red leaves with light 
midribs ; aureum, golden-leaved ; and sanguineum, reddish- 
crimson leaves, represent a fair selection of dwarf trees suit- 
able for growing in beds or in the front of sheltered shrub- 
beries. Two other species from North America must not be 
omitted from our list. A. circinatum has beautifully cut 
foliage, which changes to a vivid scarlet colour in autumn ; 
and A. rubrum (Red Maple), with crimson flowers and red 
keys, and its young foliage of a reddish tinge in spring. The 
two last-named may be grown in the choice shrubbery or as 
specimens on the lawn. The Common Maple and Sycamore 
will thrive in any soil ; the others prefer a good sandy loam 
and well-drained site. Plant in autumn. As to propagation 
it will be wiser for the amateur gardener to purchase what he 
requires from the nursery than attempt to grow his own. 
Ailanthus (Tree of Heaven). — A handsome ornamental- 
leaved deciduous tree, a native of China, and belonging to 
the Nat. Ord. Simarubaceae. The leaves are pinnate or 
feather-shaped and often grow 6ft. in length. This tree in- 
variably does well in town and suburban gardens, and also 
makes a handsome specimen grown singly on lawns, or in 
conjunction with others in the shrubbery. In small gardens 
where a dwarf tree is desired young trees should be cut down 
annually in winter, and one shoot only allowed to develop. 
Plant in autumn in ordinary soil, not too dry. In small 
gardens where a screen tree is desired, plant 5ft. apart and the 
trees will rapidly attain a good height. Increased by slips 
or suckers of the roots. 
Alnus (Alder). — Deciduous trees of no special merit. 
They belong to the Birch family (Betulaceae). The Common 
Alder (A. glutinosa), a native of Europe, does well by the side 
of streams, and often thrives in seaside gardens, where it is 
used as a nurse to more valuable trees. There are two or three 
very pretty varieties worthy of culture in gardens, namely, aurea, 
golden-leaved ; incisa, cut leaved , laciniata, with drooping 
branches and fern-like leaves ; quercifolia variegata, varie- 
gated. Planting is best done in autumn. Propagation is 
effected by seeds, and in the case of the choice kinds by 
grafting 
Arabia. — Hardy or half-hardy deciduous shrubs, belong- 
ing to the Nat. Ord. Araliaceae. A. chinensis (Syn. Dimor- 
phanthus mandschuricus) grows about 6 to 10ft. high, and has 
