24 THE FLORIST. 



and one of Brazil; and consequently all too tender to stand the cli- 

 mate of Britain without protection. A. imbricata was first dis- 

 covered by Pavon on the Cordilleras of Chili ; and according to 

 Humboldt, is found principally, if not entirely, on the western slopes 

 of the Andes between 35° and 50° S. lat. Molina describes it as 

 not growing lower than 1500 or 2000 feet from the snow-line, up to 

 which it frequently reaches ; but towards its southern limits, large 

 forests are found at a much lower elevation. 



From the above description, our readers will gather that the 

 Chili Araucaria grows in a wild state on the elevated slopes of 

 mountains, forming immense forests on soil composed principally of 

 dehris washed from higher elevations, and by the decomposition of 

 underlying rocks. On such soils, however, though presenting but 

 a thin stratum for the roots of trees to penetrate, coniferous plants 

 flouiish best, owing, no doubt, in a great measure to the melting of 

 the snow above them during the summer affording a uniform supply 

 of moisture to the roots, mthout exposing them to the evil which 

 stagnant water produces on the Pine tribe when their roots are for 

 any length of time exposed to its effects. 



Of the subject to which our plate refers, Mr. Frost, in a letter to 

 us, says, " This remarkably fine Araucaria was, I believe, procured 

 from the Horticultural Society in 1829, and planted out, either in 

 that or the following year, on a raised mound of soil formed on the 

 site of what had previously been a deep gravel-pit ; this gives the 

 tree a chance for the roots to extend to a great depth, if inclined to 

 do so. I have no authentic account of the height of this tree when 

 planted, but suppose it was about 3 feet; at the present time it is 

 nearly 40 feet in height, with a trunk measuring 3 feet 7-|- inches in 

 circumference at 3 feet from the ground." As will be seen from our 

 woodcut, " the plant is furnished regularly with branches down to 

 the ground, and is altogether a perfect specimen for its age. It is 

 worthy of remark, that Mr. Pince, of the Exeter Nursery, lost a 

 splendid plant of Araucaria, from its being deluged through a thunder- 

 storm ; the plant being in a very low situation became quite in- 

 undated, and perished in less than a month; I am therefore con- 

 vinced that the Araucaria prefers a high situation, perfectly drained, 

 and a soil free from manure. The cold ■v\dll never injure it, as the 

 tree now described has endured 37 degrees of frost without sustaining 

 any injury." 



The above hint affords a valuable suggestion, and as it coincides 

 entii'ely with our oAvn opinions, the fact should not be lost sight of 

 by those about planting the Ai'aucaria. By all means wet or clayey 

 bottoms should be drained thoroughly, so as to carry off not only 

 undcigroimd water, but rain-water as well. The plant is not par- 

 ticular as to soil, so that it be porous ; but on soils made rich by 

 vegetable manure, decayed leaves, &c., it grows the fastest: we have 

 many proofs that it luxuriates on dry soils, or raised mounds. Water 

 should be freely given during the summer ; but our remarks on its 

 native habitat will put our readers in possession of what the plant 

 requires. 



