THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 329 



in a mass of rich deep loam slightly elevated above the general level, 

 this is one of the most elegant embellishments a small garden can 

 have. 



There are several pigmy varieties of A. excelsa that are worth 

 the attention of lovers of conifers. The following are perhaps the 

 best : A. e. Clanbrasiliana, A. e. elegans, A. e. Gregoryana, A. e. 

 stricta. For a medium-sized tree of rare beauty, take Abies alba 

 rjlauca, which has silvery leaves, and forms a regular pyramid ; and 

 A. orientalis, which is of very dense growth, conical shaped, and 

 very distinct and handsome. If any more are wanted, add A taxifolia 

 and A. SooJceriana. 



The Chili Pine. — The most distinct of all known coniferous 

 trees is Araucaria imbricata. To grow this splendid subject well 

 requires a deep rich moist loam. No one has ever seen fine speci- 

 mens on any starving or hot soil. ' Town smoke and poverty of 

 roots cause the lower growths to become brown, and ultimately to 

 perish, so that in a few years, if a tree does not thrive, it becomes a 

 most unsightly and obnoxious object. As large specimens are 

 frequently purchased, I will say a few words on planting them. 

 The nurseryman may send it with a good ball of roots if he likes and 

 if he can. But he must send it with the branches carefully tied in 

 as close as possible to the stem, and the stem matted or otherwise 

 protected at the collar, for it is there, in process of transport, it is 

 most likely to be bruised. Make ready for it a large space of deeply 

 dug and well broken soil, not quite deep enough to plant the tree on 

 the level. Strew over the bottom of the hole a barrowful of old 

 dry turf chopped to the size of brickbats, and with all the small 

 stuff belonging to it. Remove the matting, but do not untie the 

 tree. Shake as much as possible of the soil from the ball, so as to 

 make the roots bare, but do not carry this out in any extreme 

 manner. Carefully cut away with a sharp knife any jagged ends of 

 roots that would become mildewed after planting, in order to pro- 

 mote a quick healing of the wounds and the formation of new fibres. 

 Ctet the tree into its place, and mark how high the collar will be 

 when the planting is finished. Make that right first, by putting 

 more turf into the hole, or by taking some out. Then while one or 

 two, as may be required, keep the tree upright, let the hole be filled 

 in with a mixture of the best hazelly loam that can be had, and old 

 dry turf chopped to the size of one's fist. Do not allow the hole to 

 be filled as gravediggers fill a grave, by mere shovelling, but a little 

 at a time, so that the stuff can be worked in amongst the roots, and 

 not a gap or hollow left anywhere. Before finishing, pour several 

 pails of water into the hole, and let the affair remain a day or two. 

 When finished, the tree will stand on a gentle mound. It may not 

 require staking, still it will be safest to provide for it in case of high 

 winds before it makes new roots. 



Cedabs. — The gigantic and solemn Cedrus Libani and C. At- 

 lantica are fit only for parks, cemeteries, and arboretums. But 

 C. deodara is invaluable for garden use, and one of the very best 

 trees that can be put in a pot for winter decorating. It will grow 

 in almost any soil and situation. London smoke is not good for it, 



