l flowering shrubs, V. Tinus strictum
has darker foliage than the species, is more upright, rather more hardy,
but not so profuse in the bearing of flowers. V. Tinus lucidum
(Glossy-leaved Laurustinus), of the several varieties of Laurustinus has
the largest foliage, finest flowers, and altogether is of the most
robust growth. It is, unfortunately, not very hardy, probably in that
respect not even equalling the parent plant. Usually it does not flower
freely, neither are the flowers produced so early as in the species, but
individually they are much larger. It is of tall growth, and rarely
forms the neat, dense bush, for which the common shrub is so admired. V.
Tinus rotundifolium has rounded leaves; and V. Tinus rotundifolium
variegatum has irregularly variegated leaves.

VINCA.

VINCA MAJOR.--Band-plant, Cut-finger, and Larger Periwinkle. Europe
(Britain). For trailing over tree-stumps or rockwork this pretty
evergreen shrub has a distinctive value, the bright green leaves and
showy deep blue flowers rendering it both conspicuous and ornamental. V.
major elegantissima is a decided variety, the leaves being neatly and
evenly variegated, and making the plant of great value for bank or
rock-work decoration.

V. MINOR.--Lesser Periwinkle. This is of much smaller growth than the
preceding, and differs, too, in not having the leaf-margins ciliated.
The variety V. minor flore-albo has white flowers, those of the normal
plant being pale blue; V. minor flore-pleno differs in having double
blue flowers; V. minor foliis aureis has golden-tinted leaves; and V.
minor foliis argenteis bears silvery mottled and very attractive
foliage.

They are all of simple growth, succeeding well in somewhat shady
situations, and in by no means the richest of soil. As they run about
freely and soon cover an extent of ground they are rendered of great
value for a variety of purposes.

VITEX.

VITEX AGNUS-CASTUS.--Chaste Tree, Hemp Tree, and Monk's Pepper-tree. A
South European shrub (1670), growing from 6 feet to 10 feet high, with
digitate leaves that are almost hoary beneath, and spikes of small
violet flowers. It is not very hardy, although in some of the warmer
parts of southern England and Ireland, fair-sized, healthy-looking
specimens are now and then to be met with. As a wall plant, however, it
succeeds best, and for which purpose, with its neat foliage and pretty
flowers, it is peculiarly suitable.

VITIS.

VITIS HETEROPH