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THE 
NORTH AMERICAN 
S Y L Y A. 
MAGNOLIAS. 
Magnoliaceæ . Juss. 
The trees and shrubs which compose this genus are, without exception, 
natives of Asia and America, where they are found nearly in the same lati- 
tude, being included between the 28th and 42nd parallels. 
All the Magnolias are adorned with beautiful foliage, and most of them 
■with magnificent flowers. The species which are indigenous to North 
America, and particularly those which grow in the southern part of the 
United States, are in these respects the most remarkable ; hence, for more 
than half a century, they have been highly esteemed in Europe as orna- 
mental vegetables. In the climates of London and Paris, several of the 
Asiatic and one of the American species require to be sheltered in the 
winter, to secure them from the danger of perishing by cold. 
Of thirteen species of Magnolias which have hitherto been distinctly 
ascertained, five belong to China and Japan. Of these, the Magnolia Yulan 
is the largest. It attains the height of 30 or 40 feet, and its flowers, which 
are nearly 6 inches in diameter, diffuse a delicious odor. It has been cul- 
tivated during several centuries, and serves particularly for the embellish- 
ment of the Emperor of China’s gardens. In Chinese poetry it figures as 
the symbol of candor and of beauty. 
Of the eight remaining species, which are natives of the New World, 
one belongs to the West Indies, and seven to the United States : others will 
