berries. The Holly is
seen at its best on light, well-drained soils, that of a stiff clayey
nature (especially so when water-logged) being the most unfavourable to
its growth. Fortunately, it will adapt itself to any mode of pruning,
but unquestionably the best way to treat it is to plant in large bold
clumps, allowing it to grow away at its own sweet will. Many of the more
uncommon varieties, both green and variegated, make highly attractive
groups and beds, and where expense is of little object should most
certainly be planted.

RHODODENDRONS.--Of course, one must possess a suitable soil to plant the
more beautiful varieties in any quantity; nevertheless, the common _R.
ponticum_ and hybrid seedlings, of which there are now fortunately a
great variety, will succeed in nearly all soils free from lime. The
ground should be thoroughly broken up during autumn, and the planting
done 4 feet apart in the spring. The seed-vessels should be picked off
after flowering, and the plants are much benefited by an occasional
top-dressing of road grit and leaf soil. Even here on a cold London
clay, where the ground has been well drained and treated as above, they
succeed very well.

RUSCUS ACULEATUS (Butcher's Broom), a native of this country, is
invaluable for planting in shady, sheltered spots. It appears to enjoy
the drip from other trees, and is very accommodating as to soil and
position, but likes to remain undisturbed. _Ruscus racemosus_, which is
a native of Portugal, and commonly called the Alexandrian Laurel, is
unquestionably the best of the Ruscus family, and its growth very much
resembles that of the Bamboo. It is rarer than the commoner kinds, but
it deserves extended cultivation, being worth a good position in any
part of the gardens or grounds. It berries freely in some seasons. It
lasts remarkably well, and is very handsome in a cut state. It enjoys a
deep rich loam, but will not fail to give a good account of itself on
any soil.

JUNIPERUS SABINA TAMARISCIFOLIA is a beautiful shrub for the fringe of a
plantation, it is of robust growth, and the best of the Junipers for
this planting.

TAXUS BACCATA AUREA _variegata_ and _elegantissima_ (the Golden Yew) are
most effective evergreen shrubs. They should be planted in open sunny
positions. Without doubt _elegantissima_ has no rival, being the most
useful and telling golden evergreen shrub we have. It is of somewhat
slow growth, consequently should be planted fairly