EVERGREENS are those trees and shrubs of which the leaves do not fall off in autumn, but retain their freshness and verdure throughout the winter, and perform their functions during more than one season. Evergreen leaves are generally of thicker and firmer texture than the leaves of deciduous trees and shrubs. They have also fewer pores or stomata (q.v.), and these confined to their under surface. Evergreen leaves are sometimes very small, as in firs and heaths; sometimes pretty large, as in rhododendrons, laurels, magnolias, etc. E., both trees and shrubs, have always been much sought after by the landscape gardener, and for purposes of ornament and shel ter. Some orders of plants consist exclusively, or nearly so, of E., whilst in others they exist only as exceptional species. Most of the eoniferce are E., and the somber green of pines, firs, cypresses, etc., is a prevalent characteristic of northern scenery both in
summer and winter; whilst the undiminished thickness of the foliage affords winter shelter to animals which could not so well exist in forests composed merely of decidu ous trees. Holly and ivy are amongst the finest British E.; the box, privet, and differ ent kinds of bay and laurel, rhododendton, phyllirea, myrtle, etc., are also familiar to every one. As instances of genera in which some species are evergreen and others deciduous, may be mentioned barberry and cytisus. Many fine new ornamental E. have recently been introduced. As suitable for imparting a lively appearance, boughs of E. are largely employed in Great Britain to decorate the walls of public places of assemblage, triumphal arches, etc., on festive occasions.