Nor should it be pruned, on account of its young 
shoots issuing only from the point of each branch, 
unless it be to take out decayed parts. The flowers 
are apparently terminal, but not completely so. They 
sit on the ends of the branches like a kind foster- 
mother ; and before they leave, and are no more seen, 
the infant shoots will be sent from their bosom; as 
though nursed in the sweets of Flora’s lap alone, 
these could be perfected, and given to the light of the 
sun, and to the hopes of their possessor. 
It is thought to be difficult of culture, but this is 
far from the fact. It delights in a partial shade, on 
a rather cold bottom, though we have seen it in lux- 
uriance at the foot of a dry south-east wall. All 
attempts to thwart its natural habit, by supporting 
the branches off the earth, will only produce disap- 
pointment. The grand secret of keeping it in health, 
chiefly consists in the annual laying of its branches, 
as they continue to spread. Early in every autumn a 
little of the soil should be taken from beneath the last 
year’s shoots; then having partly supplied its place 
with some finely pulverized sandy peat, or in the ab- 
sence of this, some well-decayed leaves which have 
been well broken and sifted, the branches should be 
fastened closely down with hooked sticks, and after- 
wards more of the same compost should be laid over 
the branches, an inch or two in depth, leaving not 
more than two inches of the end of each shoot above 
the soil. Thus regularly treated, the Daphne cneorum 
will luxuriate and spread in every direction ; and in 
spring will exhibit its beauty, emblazoning the earth, 
and surpassing every shrub of similar habit or mag- 
nitude that may rival its claim to admiration. 
Hort. Kew. 2, v. 2, 411. 
