1881-2, which, however, was specially mild, it held
its berries until spring. Its evergreen character renders it all the
more desirable, for though the foliage is small and somewhat spare, it
is of a bright and pleasing colour. Quite young specimens are prolific,
and only during the severe months are they without berries.

[Illustration: FIG. 62. MARGYRICARPUS SETOSUS.

(One-third natural size; fruit, natural size.)]

A full-grown example does not exceed the height of 6in. or 8in. in this
climate. The flowers are green and insignificant--in fact, hardly
visible, and must be closely looked for; they are produced singly on
the riper parts of the soft wooded branches; they are chubby forms, all
but stalkless, and supported by a brown stem-clasping sheath, which is
long-pointed and bent backwards, resembling a spine; these sheaths are
numerous, and probably suggested the specific name, _setosus_--rough or
bristly. The flowers appear for many months, and there is a
corresponding succession of berries; the latter form the main feature of
this singular shrub, measuring 1/8in. to 1/6in. in diameter, they are of
a clear, shining white colour, and are well named "pearl fruit." Sooner
or later in the season every joint of the main branches seems to be
furnished with fruit, which lasts a long time in perfection. The leaves
are 1/2in. to 1in. long, pinnate, leaflets awl-shaped, reflexed, and of a
deep glistening green colour; they are arranged in minute tufts on
stoutish branchlets, and, for the most part, have a single berry at the
parent node. All these young shoots grow in the upward direction,
leaving the procumbent branches to form an even line on the lower side.
The habit of this shrub is spreading and prostrate, and, from the bright
berries and foliage (the latter all turned upwards), it becomes a most
pleasing object to look down upon, reminding one of a dwarf erica
immediately after a hailstorm. For rockwork, this is a gem. Many
amateurs will be glad to learn, if they do not already know the shrub,
that it is one of those pretty, uncommon, and distinct forms ever
desirable for choice collections.

It should be so planted that its branches can rest on a dark-coloured
stone; this will show up its fruit to advantage. It enjoys a rich, light
soil, thriving in a mixture of sand, loam, and rotten leaves. Beyond
this there is nothing special about its culture; moreover, it is easily
increased, either by cuttings taken in summer