The Venetian Sumach (Rhus Cotinus)

This is a much neglected shrub, but for general usefulness can hardly be surpassed. It is highly ornamental, whether in flower or fruit, the feathery inflorescence rendering it of quaint and curious appearance, particularly when a well-grown plant is under notice. It is peculiarly well suited for planting in cities, and may be seen in good condition in many of the most smoke-infested parts of the metropolis. A sound loam, neither too damp nor yet too dry, suits it to perfection.

The Stag's-Horn Sumach (Rhus typhina)

The Stag's-Horn Sumach (Rhus typhina) must on no account be omitted, as it is a plant of pretty and curious appearance, grows with freedom, and is as hardy as could be desired. The autumnal tint of the foliage of both species is highly ornamental.

The Sumach In London. To face page 94.

Lilacs have few equals as town shrubs; indeed, it would be good practice to plant these first, whatever else might follow. They succeed admirably in the worst and most smoky parts of London and Glasgow, and there put on an appearance during early Summer that it would be difficult to exceed in country gardens. Recent experiments have proved that many of the finer forms are equal to the common kind for this purpose, particularly the Siberian and Persian.

The Common Elder (Sambucus nigra)

The Common Elder (Sambucus nigra) has perhaps no equal as a town tree or shrub, succeeding admirably in even the most smoke-infested quarters. The various varieties are perhaps preferable to the species in so far as ornamental foliage is concerned, and include the golden, silver and cut-leaved forms.

The Scarlet-berried Elder (S. race-mosa)

The Scarlet-berried Elder (S. race-mosa) is also a good subject for the town garden and is almost a counterpart of our native species, but instead of black the berries are brilliant scarlet.

The Broad-leaved Spindle Tree (Euonymus latifolius)

The Broad-leaved Spindle Tree (Euonymus latifolius), with its bright, shining-green leaves and purplish-white, freely-produced flowers, is also at home in the town garden. It is a very desirable species, whether used as a single specimen or planted with others to form a shrub group.

Euonymus Japonicus

Euonymus Japonicus is another excellent shrub, one that succeeds admirably wherever it is planted. It bears trimming well, and so can easily be kept to any required dimensions. For free growth and a hardy nature it has few equals. It is not particular as to soil, is an excellent dry-weather plant, easily propagated and almost smoke-defying. The silver and golden forms are most useful town shrubs, for they succeed well in very smoky and filthy localities. They are plants of great beauty, particularly the variegated, of easy culture, and not at all particular as to soil in which they grow. E. radicans is a straggling, decumbent shrub, and, as it stands soot and smoke well, is suitable for planting as a dwarf plant in the town garden or square. The double-flowered variety of Prunus sinensis is hard to match either for beauty of bloom or as regards its fitness for planting in our smokiest thoroughfares. In many of the worst smoke-infested districts of London and Glasgow, both this species and P. triloba appear in quite as good form and health as if they were growing in the open country. They are excellent hot-weather plants, for after hot and dry summers they do not seem so hard pressed as are many of what would be considered more robust subjects. Fairly good soil, and not too draughty a position, are all they need, while their after-management is of the simplest.