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THE FLOWER GARDEN. 
rinifolia, leaves narrow and habit dwarf, like a Rosemary ; 
suffruticosa, leaves small and habit dwarf, the kind used for 
edgings ; and thymifolia, leaves very small. Other species 
are the Minorca Box (B. balearica), a very handsome shrub of 
pyramidal habit, growing io to 15ft. high, and with large, 
yellowish-green, coriaceous leaves; B. Fortunei, growth erect, 
leaves long and narrow, a native of China; B. japonica; B. 
japonica aurea, golden variegated ; B. japonica microphylla, 
small-leaved, all handsome shrubs. B. balearica is a native 
of South Europe, and B. japonica of Japan. The common 
species will succeed in any light or gravelly soil on elevated or 
level land, and while it will succeed under the shade of trees, 
it does not thrive so well as in an open sunny position. The 
varieties require a well-drained soil and a sunny position, 
where they are not likely to be crowded by other shrubs. The 
dwarf edging box will thrive almost anywhere because the 
adjacent walks usually keep the roots sufficiently dry in winter. 
The Minorca Box must be grown in a sunny sheltered position 
where the subsoil is well drained and the soil dry in winter. 
The same remarks apply to the other species. The best time 
to plant box is in September or April. The shrubs should 
be planted as quickly as possible after their arrival. If the 
roots are allowed to get dry and shrivel, the leaves will 
fall off and the beauty of the bushes be spoiled. If planting 
be done in dry weather, give a good watering directly after 
wards, and syringe the bushes every evening. The 
Common Box may be grown as a hedge on light or gravelly 
soils, but as the yearly growth is small it takes many years to 
ensure a good hedge. The ground should be trenched 3ft. 
wide and 2ft. deep, and the box, which should be a foot high, 
be planted a foot apart in September or April. Box is easily 
trimmed into shape annually in April and August. Hedge 
plants cost about 25s. per 100, and the approximate cost of 
planting is qd. per lineal yard. With reference to box edging, 
plants suitable for this purpose are sold by the lineal 
yard at 6d. per yard, and one nursery yard, when 
divided, will suffice to plant three lineal yards. In 
planting box edging the first thing is to level the 
soil and beat it down firmly. The next step is to stretch a line 
where the proposed edging is to be, and then to cut out a 
vertical trench 6in. deep. The plants are then to be separated 
into small pieces, each furnished with roots, and placed 
against the side of the trench. Keep the tops of the plants 
2in. above the soil and pack soil firmly against the roots and 
stems. . When the edging is finished, fill up w’ith soil and make 
firm. Autumn or March is the best time to plant. Trim the 
edging in April and August annually. Box may be increased 
