B. PATAGONICA.—­Megallan.  This is a very distinct and quite hardy species, with small deep green leaves and white flowers.  It succeeds under the same conditions as the latter.

BERBERIDOPSIS.

BERBERIDOPSIS CORALLINA.—­Coral Barberry.  Chili, 1862.  This handsome evergreen, half-climbing shrub is certainly not so well known as its merits entitle it to be.  Unfortunately it is not hardy in every part of the country, though in the southern and western English counties, but especially within the influence of the sea, it succeeds well as a wall plant, and charms us with its globular, waxy, crimson or coral-red flowers.  The spiny-toothed leaves approach very near those of some of the Barberries, and with which the plant is nearly allied.  It seems to do best in a partially shady situation, and in rich light loam.

BERBERIS.

BERBERIS AQUIFOLIUM (syn Mahonia Aquifolium).—­Holly-leaved Barberry.  North America, 1823.  This justly ranks as one of the handsomest, most useful, and easily-cultivated of all hardy shrubs.  It will grow almost any where, and in any class of soil, though preferring a fairly rich loam.  Growing under favourable conditions to a height of 6 feet, this North American shrub forms a dense mass of almost impenetrable foliage.  The leaves are large, dark shining green, thickly beset with spines, while the deliciously-scented yellow flowers, which are produced at each branch tip, render the plant particularly attractive in spring.  It is still further valuable both on account of the rich autumnal tint of the foliage, and pretty plum colour of the plentifully produced fruit.

B. AQUIFOLIUM REPENS (syn Mahonia repens).—­Creeping Barberry.  This is of altogether smaller growth than the preceding, but otherwise they seem nearly allied.  From its dense, dwarf growth, rising as it rarely does more than a foot from the ground, and neat foliage, this Barberry is particularly suitable for edging beds, or forming a low evergreen covering for rocky ground or mounds.

B. ARISTATA, a native of Nepaul, is a vigorous-growing species, resembling somewhat our native plant, with deeply serrated leaves, brightly tinted bark, and yellow flowers.  It is of erect habit, branchy, and in winter is rendered very conspicuous by reason of the bright reddish colour of the leafless branches.

B. BEALEI (syn Mahonia Bealli).—­Japan.  This species is one of the first to appear in bloom, often by the end of January the plant being thickly studded with flowers.  It is a handsome shrub, of erect habit, the leaves of a yellowish-green tint, and furnished with long, spiny teeth.  The clusters of racemes of deliciously fragrant yellow flowers are of particular value, being produced so early in the season.

B. BUXIFOLIA (syn B. dulcis and B. microphylla).—­Straits of Magellan, 1827.  A neat and erect-growing shrub of somewhat stiff and upright habit, and bearing tiny yellow flowers.  This is a good rockwork plant, and being of neat habit, with small purplish leaves, is well worthy of cultivation.