The Book of Shrubs. By George Gordon. (J. Lane. 2s.
6d. net.) —This is Vol. XV. of the "Handbooks of Practical Gardening," edited by Harry Roberts. Mr. Gordon points out with perfect truth that the great opportunities of shrub culture have had but little use made of them. Quite common growths have been per- mitted to fill up space which might have been far better employed. Happily things are mending. England lays a very considerable part of the world under contribution for the beautifying of her gardens, and the skill of the hybridists largely increases the bounty of Nature. The only difficulty that one is likely to experience after going through Mr. Gordon's book is in choosing. The rhododendron has the charm of splendid flowers and evergreen foliage ; the almond and peach bloom when colour is most wanted, —the peach may quite possibly be turned to profit also. Then there are double cherries ; sundry varieties of thorns (desirable because smoky air does not damage them) ; the snowdrop tree, a Japanese stranger; and the Mexican locust. The chimonanthus is a fine winter flowering shrub ; and there are any number of brooms ; a broom walk is as fine a garden ornament as can be had. There is a host of trees and shrubs with ornamental foliage. And now (October) is the time for planting.
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