I wish to take time by the forelock and save the public from disappointment, and the nurserymen from one more strain upon their consciences. This tricolored beech is an exceedingly beautiful novelty, and deservedly received high praise as exhibited in France this season. Such novelties are hailed by the propagators as leading cards for their catalogues and for their agents. And when a stock is secured, how great is the temptation to bring out the colors in the strongest light! This beech in the propagating bed may have the most beautiful tints. In the early growth of June the colors are fine and healthy in the open ground.

But the July sun is sure to scorch it and spoil all its beauty. Judging from the experience of a single season, I should say that this novelty will be useless in our clear strong sunlight. With me the delicate parts of the leaf become crisp and sear before midsummer, and the whole appearance of the plant is rusty and objectionable. Very likely it may be placed in some moist shaded nook where its colors may be brought out and preserved. But it is not a novelty to be commended for general use. Brighton, Mass.