1873] NOTES ON HARDY CONIFERS. 113 



NOTES ON HARDY CONIFERS. 



BIOTA (the eastern ARBORVIT^). 



The handsome evergreen shrubs which constitute this group, are for 

 the most part indigenous to China, Japan, Tartary, and Northern India. 

 They were originally associated with the Thujas, of which they formed 

 the second section, but are now separated into a distinct genus under 

 the sectional name, by which they were distinguished from the Ameri- 

 can or Western species. 



All the sorts in cultivation are found to grow freely in ordinary gar- 

 den soils, but prefer a drier situation and a lighter soil than the 

 Thujas ; and though most of them are fully equal to the rigours of our 

 winters in the open air, they succeed best where they are protected 

 from the full force of violent winds. 



The following species and varieties are among the most distinct and 

 ornamental : — 



B. Orientalis {the Chmese Arborvitce), found wild in great abundance 

 in mountainous districts in China and Japan, growing to heights of 

 from 20 to 30 feet, was introduced into Britain about 1752. 



With a general resemblance to the American Arborvitse, it is readily 

 distinguished, not only by the peculiar form of its cones, but by its 

 much more sharply conical, almost columnar, habit of growth; compact, 

 erect branches, and dense flat branchlets. 



The branchlets have a warm light green colour in summer, which, 

 particularly if the plant is growing in an exposed situation, changes to 

 a brownish tint on the approach of winter. 



Ever since its introduction this beautiful shrub has been one of the 

 most conspicuous and highly valued ornaments of our gardens and 

 pleasure-grounds ; and, notwithstanding the many brilliant acquisitions 

 to the list of hardy Conifers during the last twenty years, it has even 

 yet few rivals for real elegance and symmetry of form, and it is still, as 

 it richly deserves to be, extensively planted in the most choice collec- 

 tions. 



Thoiigh quite hardy and of free growth in most districts, the finest 

 specimens are invariably found where the soil is a deep light loam, the 

 land well drained, the situation airy but sheltered, and plenty of space 

 allowed for each plant to develop its branches on every side. 



Like many other plants of a wide geographical range, the Chinese 

 Arborvitae is remarkably prolific in varieties, and among the finest 

 and most distinct of these are the following: — Aurea, or, as it is 

 popularly called, " Golden Globe," is so very different from the parent, 

 that it is difficult at first sight to realise the fact that it is not itself 

 a species, but a mere variety, originating from seed saved from 



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