CARPENTERIA.

CARPENTERIA CALIFORNICA.—­Sierra Nevada, California, 1880.  This is undoubtedly one of the most distinct and beautiful of hardy shrubs.  That it is perfectly hardy in England and Ireland recently-conducted experiments conclusively prove, as plants have stood unprotected through the past unusually severe winters with which this country has been visited.  When in full bloom the pure-white flowers, resembling those of the Japanese Anemone, render it of great beauty, while the light gray leaves are of themselves sufficient to make the shrub one of particular attraction.  The Carpenteria is nearly related to the Mock Orange (Philadelphus), grows about 10 feet in height, with lithe and slender branches, and light gray leaves.  The flowers, which are pure white with a bunch of yellow stamens, and sweet-scented, are produced usually in fives at the branch-tips, and contrast markedly with the long and light green foliage.  It grows and flowers with freedom almost anywhere, but is all the better for wall protection.  From cuttings or suckers it is readily increased.

CARYOPTERIS.

CARYOPTERIS MASTACANTHUS.—­China and Japan, 1844.  This is a neat-growing Chinese shrub, and of value for its pretty flowers that are produced late in the autumn.  It must be ranked as fairly hardy, having stood through the winters of Southern England unprotected; but it is just as well to give so choice a shrub the slight protection afforded by a wall.  The leaves are neat, thickly-arranged, and hoary, while the whole plant is twiggy and of strict though by no means formal growth.  Flowers lavender-blue, borne at the tips of the shoots, and appearing in succession for a considerable length of time.  Light, sandy peat would seem to suit it well, at least in such it grows and flowers freely.

CASSANDRA.

CASSANDRA CALYCULATA (syn Andromeda calyculata).—­North America, 1748.  This is a handsome species from the Virginian swamps, but one that is rarely seen in a very satisfactory condition in this country.  It grows about 18 inches high, with lanceolate dull-green leaves, and pretty pinky-white flowers, individually large and produced abundantly.  For the banks of a pond or lake it is a capital shrub and very effective, particularly if massed in groups of from a dozen to twenty plants in each.  There are several nursery forms, of which A. calyculata minor is the best and most distinct.

CASSINIA.