The graceful Deutzia gracilis, one of our most beautiful hardy deciduous shrubs, is a native of Japan, from whence it was introduced by Dr. Von Siebold. It belongs to the natural order Sax-frageae, and is a dwarf-growing shrub, attaining a height of from three to four feet, with long, flexible drooping branches, and small wedge-shaped, lanceolate or ovate lanceolate leaves, tapering to a point, and having on both sides a coating of fine starry hairs. The main branches are covered with lateral branchlets, each bearing at their point graceful racemes from five to six inches in length of pure white flowers, and which are produced in the greatest profusion during the month of June. Dr. Siebold describes it as inhabiting the damp valleys and lofty mountains of Japan, where its fine foliage and attractive flowers form a remarkably attractive feature of the mountain scenery. The graceful Deutzia, when well grown, is one of the most attractive and ornamental of lawn shrubs, and nothing can well exceed the grace and beauty of a well-grown specimen. In order to effect this desired object, it should be planted in a rich, deep soil, and given a good dressing of well-rotted manure every season; keep all grass, weeds, etc., one or two feet away from the center of the plant.

All that it requires besides this, is to have all weak and superfluous wood removed as soon as the plant ceases flowering.

As a pot plant, for the decoration of the window garden or greenhouse during the winter season, this Deutzia is of special value, while for cut flowers during that period it is almost indispensable. It is especially valuable on account of its producing its flowers in perfection when grown in a low temperature, say 400 to 450. In order to obtain the most satisfactory results with this Deutzia, when grown as a pot plant, it should be taken up and and potted in suitable sized pots early in October; press the soil down firmly around the roots, and water freely. Place in a sheltered situation, yet one that is fully exposed to the sun. Keep well supplied with water, and when cold weather sets in remove to a cool dry cellar, from whence they can be brought into the greenhouse as often as it is deemed to be necessary, in order to obtain a succession of bloom. After the flowering season is over they can be removed to the cellar, and in the spring planted out in a well-manured piece of ground, in order to obtain good growth for another season, but unless the plants grow freely and make considerable flowering wood, it is advisable to permit them to remain in the ground for another season.

But after forcing for about three seasons, it is advisable to destroy the plants, for they are then apparently so weakened as to be comparatively worthless, their place being supplied by other plants which should be specially grown for this purpose.

Propagation is effected by division of the plant, also by cuttings of the half-ripened wood, the latter method furnishing the best plants. Of course they are small, but if properly cared for will soon make fine and handsome specimens.