ORNAMENTAL DECIDUOUS SHRUBS. 
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comes next in growth, then crenate-leaved , while gracilis is quite 
a dwarf, say from one to two feet in height. 
The Elder — Samhucus. — Although a common wild shrub, the 
broad cymes of delicate white flowers followed by dark purple 
or reddish fruit produced on the elder, render it desirable for 
planting in all large groups of shrubs ; and for use in making 
bouquets, one or more plants of it should be in every collection. 
There are quite a number of varieties ; some with white fruit, 
others of a reddish tinge ; some growing into small trees with 
single trunks, others forming clusters of stems ; some with 
variegated foliage, and one with a leaf lasciniated so as to be 
termed parsley leaf. All are of easy cultivation in good deep 
rich soils. 
The Golden Bell Shrub — Forsythia . — The Forsythia mridis- 
sima , although comparatively of recent introduction, is so easily 
grown that it has become quite common. It is not perfectly 
hardy in all locations, but generally succeeds when planted so 
that it will be shaded from midday or afternoon sun. Its flowers 
are bright yellow, bell-shaped, produced very early in spring 
on spurs or wood of two years old or more, and gives most effect 
when seen against an evergreen as a background. The young 
wood is a bright greenish yellow ; foliage bright lively green, 
and in shaded positions often retained until Christmas. 
The Hawthorn — Cratmgus. — In England the cratcegus oxycantha 
is largely used as a hedge plant ; but trials of it in this country 
prove it not well suited to endure, when clipped, our strong hot 
suns and frequent dry seasons. As an ornamental plant, where 
large groups or masses are to be formed, the beauty of some 
varieties with their double white, pink, or scarlet flowers in 
May, render their planting almost a necessity. Left to them- 
selves when planted alone, as is sometimes done on lawns, they 
form very regular round-headed little trees of ten to fifteen feet 
high. All may be budded or grafted, and the numerous 
