=Aucuba Japonica= and the =Laurustinus= are two of our handsomest evergreen shrubs, but, unlike those already described, they will not succeed in the densest shade. In open places or along woodland drives they thrive well, and are excellent for variety and contrast. The laurustinus cannot, however, be considered as perfectly hardy in this country, for even in maritime situations where the air is to some extent ameliorated, it suffers severely from frost, and during severe winters it is even killed completely to the ground. It, however, springs very freely from the root, and in a few years quite regains its original size and luxuriance. From their bushy, well-furnished habit of growth both the above plants are excellent as game covert, more especially around the outskirts of woods and plantations. They should be allowed plenty of room for development of both root and branch, though they may, when necessary, be pruned with the greatest advantage. =Mahonia aquifolia=, =Berberis Darwinii= and =B. Stenophylla= are frequently recommended as covert plants and for using in similar situations to those favoured by the laurel and box. Along the margins of plantations or in very open places they may and do succeed, but from practical experience of these plants we find them next to useless as underwood in shady positions. Where many thousands of covert plants are used annually, we have entirely discarded them from use except in the most open situations. These plants are highly ornamental, both in foliage and flower; produce berries which are much sought after by game, are quite hardy, and not at all fastidious about soil—qualities which specially recommend them for extensive use in positions at all suited for their growth. The barberry, more especially when planted out in rich soil, and when at all confined, is apt to lose the compact, branchy nature so recognizable a feature of the plant when allowed ample room in the nursery border, and to assume a more upright habit of growth, which is anything but desirable in underwood generally. To check this and keep the plant in bounds, frequent light prunings will have to be resorted to, and this had best be effected during dull, damp weather, as the barberry is not a good subject for the pruning shears. Neither the barberry nor mahonia are adapted for planting in very high or exposed situations—at least where such has been tried the results have been anything but satisfactory, the plants soon presenting a miserable, half-starved appearance. Both plants are readily propagated—the mahonia, when planted in loose soil and an open situation, soon covering a considerable space of ground, the running roots being especially active under such circumstances.