CURRENT LITERATURE
A HANDBOOK OF FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS FOR GARDENERS. By R. C. Norcurr. (Hopkinson & Co. 12s. 6d.)—Flowering shrubs are now a separate and most popular department of gardening, thanks largely to the gorgeous variety of imported species, such as the newer Japanese cherries. But public knowledge has not caught up the new opportunity. We all know what annuals are half- hardy. Many of us buy and plant (and lament thereafter) Many half-hardy shrubs. Mr. Notcutt has altogether omitted some of the older and more popular families of a hardy character—Lilac, Philadelphus, Weigelia and others—in order to tell us just where we may grow what species of other less well-known and rather less adaptable genera, species and varieties. In this lies the supreme value of his scientific, and yet popular book. Occasionally perhaps, as in the Tamarisk and Veronicas, he is inclined to draw too sharp a distinction between seaside and inland plants ; but gardeners with this guide need never plant a bush where it will not endure. He is also admirable on methods of propagation. The book does not contain one word of " padding." Illustra- tions of flower-heads are many and good.
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