The word "Evergreenery" may be hardly proper; but I can find no other which suits my purpose so well or will better convey an idea of the thing I propose to describe. Arboretum is a higher sounding word, but not applicable, inasmuch as it means a collection of both deciduous as well as evergreen trees.

There are many persons residing in the suburbs of our large cities and villages who own but a small plot of land, frequently not more than one or two city lots; consequently they seldom attempt much more in the way of ornamental gardening than to set out a few cheap bedding plants or sow seeds of common annuals, on account, as they suppose, of lack of room to do anything better. It is to this class in particular that I recommend the miniature evergreens; while others, who have plenty of land and means, can use the larger kinds, in addition.

There was a time, not long ago, that to talk of a variety of evergreen trees or shrubs suggested extensive grounds; but, happily for those with limited means, and gardens, those days are past, and now those with a few rods square of land may deal with pearls and diamonds, leaving the coarse and lofty materials to the more fortunate possessors of extended acres. During the last decade or two our horticulturists have been picking up here and there in various parts of the world many rare species and varieties of dwarf evergreen trees and shrubs, until the most enterprising among them have extensive collections of this kind, with which a most elegant display of rich and varied foliage may be made even in a very small garden.

The value of these miniature evergreens for small gardens can scarcely be over-estimated - not only on account of their permanent beauty, but their appropriateness for just such places seems to harmonize with the modern ideas of high art in gardening.

The fitness of things in general is seldom studied or thought of by the masses when trying to arrange the little garden-plot in front or elsewhere about their dwellings. Hence, the frequent planting of giant pines and spruces by the dozen within limits which would not suffice for one full grown tree.

I do not believe our people are so stupid or stubborn that they will refuse to accept a good thing when it is shown them; but fine examples of grouping dwarf or other evergreens are exceedingly scarce, even under the very circumstances where one would naturally expect to find them most abundant.

Once let the small evergreens become popular for grounds of limited extent, or, in other words, awaken sufficient interest in the subject to provoke inquiries in regard to the adaptation of plants to places, and the far too general practice of setting out trees for immediate effect, without the least thought as to their appearance in the future, will soon become one of the follies of the past.

To put the subject in a more practical form. I will suppose a man has but a small plot in his garden which can be spared for this purpose - say a bed ten feet wide and twenty or thirty long. Now, two of the larger growing evergreen trees, like the Norway spruce, would soon fill this space; but, if the dwarf kinds are taken instead, two or three dozen could be planted therein without crowding, affording an opportunity of introducing a very pleasing variety, besides being appropriate, which always indicates a high order of taste.

Another advantage in cultivating the dwarf evergreens is that, should any of the species or varieties be somewhat tender in cold northern localities, they are readily protected in winter, which is not the case with larger growing kinds.

Those named in the following list are all quite hardy in the vicinity of New York city, although in a few instances the foliage becomes somewhat faded during very cold weather. A slight protection, just enough to afford shade during winter, will prevent injuryArbor vitae. - Of the American Arbor viae (Thuja Occident alls) there are several beautiful dwarf varieties, well suited to cultivation in small gardens.

Booth's dwarf is a very neat, compact bush, and of a lively, cheerful shade of green.

Globosa is, as its name indicates, globular in form, and the foliage of a deep rich green color. Plants in my ground, fifteen years old, are three feet in diameter, and about the same in height, and as perfect as though turned in a lathe.

Ericoides is a very pretty variety, with very fine, soft leaves, like a Heath; hence its name.

Tom Thumb is one of the most curious as well as beautiful varieties ever raised from our native species. It assumes a somewhat conical form and its leaves are soft and fine. It browns in winter unless shaded.

Lutea, or American Golden, is a new dwarf variety, with the ends of the branches of a clear, bright golden color. It is very hardy, and the rich golden color of its leaves gives a pleasing contrast with the dark green of other kinds when planted in groups.

Argentea, or Silver-tipped Arbor vitae This is a very pretty variety, with the branches tipped with white.