PARK AND CC/HCTCRY. 
351 
Nemopanthes has l 
species only, a native of 
this country and hardy 
well north. It is a hand- 
some shrub. 
Cyrilla has 2 or 3 
species one of which C. 
racemosa is a native of 
the southern states, the 
others of South America 
and the East Indies. 
Cliftonia has but i 
species, found in the Pine 
barren swamps of the 
south. The stems furnish- 
ed the “Titi” stems for 
pipes, which were much 
used by the soldiers dur- 
ing the war. 
I have heard it stated 
that the berries and leaves 
of hollies are emetic and 
that certain Southern 
Indians used them for 
such purposes. However 
that may be I. Paragu- 
ayensis is used as a beve- 
rage, and the late Dr. 
Stenhouse mentioned to 
me in talking tea, that 
not only it, but I. glabra 
Colleiia: Two forms of branch and several others contain 
on the same stem. Theine. Beyond this 
however and the production of birdlime from 
the inner bark of the English holly, the uses of the 
Alliance do not appear to be great, although for 
inlaying the holly wood is very beautiful. 
Trenton, N. J. James MacPhcrson. 
Qoldenrods and Asters. 
In late autumn when the fields and woods are 
aglow with color, chiefly from the wild asters and 
goldenrods, a scene is presented which outrivals 
that of any other season of the year. It has not 
been the practice of landscape gardeners of the past 
to take advantage of the opportunity these plants 
afford of creating a fine effect on the grounds they 
have laid out. But it is gratifying to And in those 
of the present day a disposition to use native plants 
to a much greater extent than has been the custom 
heretofore. 
In this, the eastern part of Pennsylvania, there 
are some dozen sorts of goldenrods, and though all 
are beautiful the following sorts would be sure to 
please; Solidago odora, lanceolata, bicolor, gigan- 
tea. Canadensis, altessima, nemoralis, latifolia and 
csesia. These are named somewhat in the order of 
their blooming. Odora is named because of its 
nicely scented foliage. Lanceolata partakes of the 
same character to some degree, though less pro- 
nounced. Altessima and Canadensis are two quite 
tall growing sorts, which, when in full display, at- 
tract the attention of everyone. I* have seen altes- 
sima in old fields which it had taken possession of, 
showing acres of golden yellow flowers in early 
October. It is a good late one. It is not my 
purpose to describe the differences in the sorts, but 
those who might become possessed of them would 
And there was quite a variety in the habit of 
growth, color of flower or time of blooming. The 
species csesia is usually very much admired. It is a 
slender looking sort, with ebony colored stems, and 
golden yellow flowers, in clusters, in the axils of 
the leaves. It is a late bloomer. In a woods be- 
longing to Ivy Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, which 
is the boundary of the grounds used for burial pur- 
poses, this goldenrod has taken pretty full posses- 
sion, and when in bloom it is a great attraction to 
the place. This one and another, called latifolia, 
are nearly the only ones in which the flowers are 
crowded in the axils as described. The last named 
sort differs from all the rest in this that it delights 
in wet places. There are many places irr public 
grounds where these goldenrods could be planted. 
They soon seed themselves, and also spread from 
the root, so that an increase of numbers could soon 
be had, if desired. 
Of the wild asters of desirable sorts, to be found 
here, I would name nova-anglise, patens, prenan- 
thoides, laevis, puniceus, cordifolius and corym- 
bosus. 7 'hese are all in the blue or purplish order, 
though some of them vary, being almost white. 
Nova-angliae leads all in the display made, on ac- 
count of its very large dark purple flowers. It is, 
certainly, one of the best fall blooming plants we 
have. There is a rose colored variety in cultiva- 
tion, which is a beauty. Corymbosus is almost 
white, and with patens, blue, flowers early. 
Prenanthoides is late. It is tall growing and of a 
pretty light blue shade of color. Puniceus is a 
strong grower, and can be found usually along 
water courses, where its purplish white flowers 
completely hide the banks of the stream. For dis- 
play I place it next to nova-angliae. As with the 
goldenrods, there should be a place found for wild 
asters on all public grounds. I have already noticed 
their use in some parks. 
If the seeds of these asters be saved and sown 
as soon as ripe, out of doors, they will vegetate 
flrst thing in spring, will grow strongly, and will 
bloom the same season, as I have proved with both 
patens and nova-anglise. Joseph Meehan. 
