THE MANUAL OF GARDENING. 
48 
burning sun of Georgia, it will nevertheless withstand the winter 
of far higher latitudes, blooming in its season with untiring con- 
stancy, and imparting a delicious perfume. 
“Many years have elapsed since its introduction to the notice 
of botanists, by the late venerable William Bartram, who dis- 
covered it, we believe, on the banks of the Altamaha, and, with 
truly patriotic feelings, named it in hpnour of his country’s bene- 
factor, Dr. Franklin. It was not, however, destined to retain 
the appellation, subsequent examination of its structure identifying 
it as properly belonging to a pre-existing genus. 
“The Gordonia, thus named after James Gordon, an eminent 
British nurseryman of the last century, embraces but three spe- 
cies; one indigenous to the Island of Jama-ica ; that at present in 
our view ; and the Lasianthus, also a native of this country. 
Both the American species are truly beautiful; but th epubescens 
is particularly so, and certainly ranks among the most desirable 
shrubs, or minor trees, whether native or exotic. It attains the 
height of twenty-eight to thirty feet ; the trunk and stem invested 
with a smooth, somewhat angular bark; the leaves alternate, 
broad, lanceolate-ovate, slightly membranaceous, the upper sur- 
faces polished, and of a lively green, the under side covered with 
a silvery pubescence, or down, which furnishes its specific cog- 
nomen : on the arrival of frost, they assume a reddish hue, and 
eventually become highly coloured, presenting a pleasing con- 
trast to the sombre foliage of autumn. 
“The flowers are about an inch and a half in diameter; of a 
cream-white colour, and agreeable odour, supported on very short 
foot-stalks, giving them the appearance of being nearly sessile, 
or resting immediately on the branches. 
“ In the latitude of Philadelphia, it commences flowering in 
June and July; each branch terminates with a cluster of buds; 
and a twig thus furnished, presents the flowers in every stage of 
their existence, expanding in regular succession until October, 
and frequently November. 
“ It roots freely when ‘layered,’ but to insure success should 
remain undisturbed for two seasons ; cuttings of ripened wood, will 
occasionally root, but layering is preferable. 
“ The soil it most delights in, is of light loam or a peatty tex- 
ture ; but when once established, it will grow readily in any. 
Our standard specimen has attained an elevation of twenty feet, 
and promises still greater altitude. — Thousands of its chaste flow- 
ers are annally exhibited, yielding a powerful perfume for the 
gratification of its numerous admirers.” 
Halesia, Snowdrop Tree. — The two species, diptera, two- 
winged, and tetraptera, four-winged, are both highly ornamental 
American shrubs; but, like the preceding plant, almost unknown 
