APRIL. 107 



ference at 3 feet from the ground ; and the branches cover a space of 

 20 feet in diameter. This would have been exceeded, but other 

 plants have somewhat prevented its extending itself more fully. 



We believe no particular preparation was made for it when 

 planted. The soil, a loam of moderate texture, rests on the limestone 

 rocks which form the under stratum of Chatsworth ; and the above 

 data may therefore fairly represent its growth in the North of Eng- 

 land : no doubt, in warmer localities, and on deeper soils, it would 

 grow faster. 



Abies nobilis forms large forests in the mountainous district of 

 North California, growing to a large size, and producing timber of 

 good quality. The shoots are produced in whorls very regularly, 

 and are densely clothed with leaves of a light-green colour, an inch 

 or so long, having two white lines on their under surface. The leaves 

 curve upwards, even from the lower side of the shoot, giving a clus- 

 tered appearance to the foliage ; and by exposing the white lines most 

 effectively to the light, produces that silvery appearance, which even 

 at a distance makes it a beautiful object. The cones are large, and 

 are remarkable for being covered with large bracts of a brownish 

 colour. These will add much to its ornamental appearance as the 

 tree becomes old enough to produce them. 



A. nobilis is perfectly hardy. Like other Silver Firs, it prefers a 

 stronger soil than the Spruce, and will even grow on stiff clays, 

 especially if elevated, so as to keep off stagnant water. As an orna- 

 mental tree for the park or pleasure-grounds it has few equals ; but 

 it should be planted at a sufficient distance apart, for its lower 

 branches to extend without interruption. Plants are yet scarce in 

 the nurseries ; but when once it becomes common, no pleasure- 

 ground should be without it. 



IX. ABIES GRANDIS — THE GREAT CALIFORNIAN SILVER FIR. 



This is a noble-looking tree from the same district as Nobilis, 

 where it is found occupying the low groimds which intervene between 

 the mountain ranges of North CaUfornia. The tree frequently attains 

 the height of 200 feet ; but the timber is reputed inferior to that of 

 many other kinds of Firs. 



A.grandis is a fast-growing tree, with niunerous spreading branches 

 very thickly clothed with leaves ; these are of a deader green than 

 those of Nobilis ; and as they grow closer to the branches, the sil- 

 very appearance is not so perceptible, and the trees assume a soberer 

 hue when contrasted with that variety. The leaves in oiu* specimens 

 aie shorter and broader than those of Nobilis, nearly straight, ter- 

 minating abruptly, and toothed at the apex. The cones are said to 

 resemble those of the Cedar of Lebanon. 



The majestic form and dense foliage of this tree render it one of 

 the most striking and valuable kinds for ornamental planting. Like 

 Nobilis, it is still a scarce plant, especially seedlings ; but we have 

 no doubt fresh supplies of seed will soon reach English gardens, 

 when the tree will become more generally known. 



