I have thought that an article upon some few of our most desirable native shrubs might prove interesting to some readers of Gardeners' Monthly.

Our whole State has, according to Mr. H. W. Ravenel, Aiken, S. C, of flowering plants: Ex-ogens, 1,310; Endogens, 500; total, 1,810. Of this list I am familiar with many, whilst others, I grieve to say, are totally unknown to me.

Of all our beautiful varieties, I would select, first, our mountain Azaleas. For years the region of their growth in the chains of the Blue Ridge, was almost unexplored ground to many; but of late years the railroads have penetrated their almost interminable fastnesses; winding through deep gorges, over wide chasms, unveiling to the entranced gaze of all beholders, these wondrous floral riches; hills clothed in vernal green and bewildering forms of beauty on every side. Ferns in limitless profusion, vines climbing to the tops of highest trees, orchids and shrubs; which distracts the mind - desire is so strong to obtain some of all. These, if known to the cultivator, I know not, but unhesitatingly say they are well worthy a place amongst the finest collections.

Foremost among these in beauty are the Azaleas, four to six varieties; but one that I will describe in the words of others, my pen being incompetent to the task. This is a Calendulacea of Michaux, which Bartram in his travels calls Fiery Azalea, and herewith read his glowing description : "This epithet ' Fiery' I annex to this most celebrated species of Azalea, as being expressive of the appearance of its flowers, which are in general color of the finest red lead, orange, or bright gold, as well as yellow and cream color. These various splendid colors are not only in separate plants, but frequently all varieties' and shades are seen in separate branches on same plant. The clusters of blossoms cover the shrubs in such incredible profusion on the hill sides that, suddenly opening to our view from out of dark shades, we are almost alarmed with apprehension of the woods being set on fire. This is certainly the most gay and brilliant flowering shrub yet known." (From Rev. M. A. Curtis, Wilmington, N. C, "Woody Plants.") But I beg to add this to the above so faithful description.

The flowers are individually about 1 1/4 inches in diameter, 1 inch tube, crowded upon the stem so thickly as to conceal almost the abundant foliage, forming entire clusters, often 8 inches diameter, never less than 3 inches. Imagine if you can, steeps crowned with dense masses of this and other varieties, from 18 inches to 6 and 8 feet high, as far as the eye can reach, mingled with hemlock spruce, rhododendrons, ferns, laurel and other of nature's darlings; 'tis a true picture, not overdrawn.

Side by side mingled in beautiful confusion grows the Sweet calycanthus or Carolina spice bush - whose chocolate colored, tasseled-shaped fragrant flowers fill the air with an indescribable odor, filling the senses to repletion with a delicious languor. Chionanthus or Silver Fringe tree (or Old Man's Beard) has pure white, long, pendant fringe-like flowers, the fringe-like petals often forming clusters from 6 to 12 inches long, furnished with pale glaucous green, ovate leaves, pale silvery stems. A few miles further south, you find the Gelsemium sempervirens or Carolina yellow Jasmines (so often confounded with Jas-minum nudiflorum and other hot-house varieties), an evergreen vine, not belonging to what I commenced to describe - the shrubs; but so altogether lovely and desirable, and as yet it seems so little known that I add it here. This vine, I see by Gardeners' Monthly, and in Catalogue of Mr. Thos. Meehan, has been found hardy as far north as Philadelphia, is an evergreen with sub-acute satiny dark green leaves, ebony tinged stems, which in late fall forms its next season's flower-buds, remaining all winter unhurt; which as soon as our generally genial February suns begin to warm mother earth, develop into lovely long, graceful branches of golden trumpet, de-liciously fragrant flowers, which are in shape identical with Weigelia rosea, only smaller.

Often you cull a cluster 12 inches long. To describe this, my best and prime favorite, as it deserves is beyond my skill. It grows in greatest profusion; every branchlet that touches the damp, rich sandy soil beneath it takes root; clambers up and over every twig and shoot; from thence to tops of the trees, and has the real jasmine odor. It has also medicinal virtues which, in hands of ignorant practitioners have time and again caused death. "Halesia tetraptera, or Snowdrop tree," is also worth cultivation; flowers pure white, pendulous, blooms before the foliage appears, in size and shape of our Snowdrop - Galanthus.

In my rambles this spring I found a new shrub, which awakened purest admiration. Stress of duties prevented me from sending it to our kind Editor for name. It was on the edge of a brawling brooklet, amid dense shade, with ferns as a carpet, about 6 to 10 feet high, foliage almost identical with our huckleberry, but larger somewhat. But the attraction to me was its myriads of pure pearl-white, star-shaped, pendulous flowers and fragrant, about three quarters of an inch diameter. Not one flower was erect. But standing beneath this shrub and looking upward, it was like the stars of heaven, "which no man can number." The growth somewhat scrubby - looks like a slim growth would be its habit. It was new to me, and name is earnestly desired. Living, as I do, amongst so much beauty, I am ashamed that so long I have gone forth as one blind, and densely ignorant of names and habits of our native plants, but now I am an eager student, and hope to know more of my own desirable plants. Spartanburg, S. C.