=Rhododendron ponticum=, although useful in an ornamental point of view, cannot be considered a first-class plant for game shelter. It has, however, several good qualities which recommend it for underwood, such as ease of culture, dwarf-spreading habit, and immunity from the attacks of game—indeed, in this latter respect, it is not equalled by any other plant, if we except one or two species of Daphne. It is seldom resorted to by pheasants, the bottom being not only damp, but such a tangled mass of branches that it forms anything but pleasant quarters for game. For ornamental effect along the outskirts of plantations, the rhododendron is invaluable, and is by no means so fastidious about soil as is generally supposed, peat being not at all essential to its growth and successful cultivation. Few plants can be made to increase in like proportion with the rhododendron, and for this reason it should be planted in small patches; and when it is desirable to increase the cover, the outer branches may be pegged down or layered. This plant also bears pruning with impunity, so that old plants that have, through neglect, become lank and straggling, may without fear or risk be layered or pruned in with advantage. The =Common Yew= and =Holly= cannot be too extensively used in the formation of game coverts, both being unrivalled for beauty and hardiness. They thrive in a great variety of soils, and beneath the densest shade of our woodland trees. In planting the yew it is well, however, to bear in mind that its branches are highly deleterious to farm stock that may browse upon them, and for this reason it should never be planted along the outskirts of a wood, or in any position to which such have access. The =St. John’s Wort=, as a low-spreading shrub, is unsurpassed, and thrives best in a light sandy or peaty soil. It is readily propagated by division of the roots; and when planted out in small patches a foot or two apart, the creeping stems soon cover a considerable surface of ground, and form a dense evergreen mass, covered in summer with bright golden flowers. =Gaultheria Shallon=, another plant of creeping habit, is, notwithstanding its many good qualities, seldom planted to any extent in our woodlands; but this may, to some extent at least, be accounted for by the high price of the plants, and the small size of those purchaseable from our nurserymen. Like most other North American plants, the Gaultheria prefers a rather damp, peaty soil, and is one of the few shrubs found to thrive in pine plantations. The berries, which are borne in great abundance, are greedily devoured by pheasants, and in their native country are not unfrequently used as food.