April 27—A week or so ago, we referred to the yellow Kerria japonica; now we observe that the plant known as the white kerria is making a show in various shrubberies. The plant has saw-edged leaves somewhat similar to the Kerria; but the stems are not green like that plant. Its* botanical name is Rhodotypos kerrioides, from the Greek rhodes, a rose and typos, type. The flowers are not unlike small single white roses and we find the jet black berries in autumn, very attractive, We found a genista in full bloom during the week-end and were told that the plant was at one time growing near Battery Creek; it must have been introduced there! The plant was a fine specimen and we decided that we must take plenty of cuttings from it in due course; it is very showy. Most of the deciduous trees have started into growth: the Melia appears to be en exception, however; the ones we saw were still leafless. Catalpa and Tallow trees have begun to grow and these are generally as late as any in starting. The flaky-barked dalbergia was sending forth new leaves. This tree was named after a Swedish botanist—N. Dalberg. Our species is Dalbergia hupeana and its wood is held in high esteem in many parts of China as it is exceedingly hard: it is used for a variety of purposes such as making wheelbarrows and tools. One of the species of dalbergia is said to be the blackwood of Canton furniture fame. The various varieties of Prunus sinensis are making attractive displays in local gardens. We have recently admired shrubs literally covered with pink or white, single and double flowers: this
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.