1873] NOTES ON HARDY CONIFERS. 157 



Arborvitaes. With, the single exception of Borealis, which, though 

 now believed by the most competent authorities to have its proper 

 place among the Cypresses, is still popularly associated with this group, 

 th.e species are natives of Japan ; and though, only introduced to 

 British gardens at intervals during the last twenty years, enough, has 

 been seen of them to prove their adaptability to our soils and climate, 

 and their value as outdoor decorative shrubs and trees. 



T. Borealis {the Nootka Sound Thvjopsis), also and more correctly 

 called Cupressus Nutkaensis, is found wild in great abundance about 

 Nootka Sound, and in various other localities on the north-west coast 

 of North America. It was first introduced into Britain in 1851, and 

 was described as forming in its native habitats a tall beautiful tree, of 

 from 80 to 100 feet in height. 



In cultivation in this country it is a straight-stemmed, conical bush, 

 of a most symmetrical habit, densely furnished from the ground with 

 spreading branches, abundantly divided into graceful plume-like 

 branchlets, drooping slightly at the extremites. The leaves, which, are 

 short, imbricated, and thickly disposed on the branchlets, are of a dark 

 glossy green colour, and sometimes, particularly when the plants are 

 young, faintly glaucous on the under side. Of its merits as an orna- 

 mental tree it is impossible to speak too highly; its distinct, handsome 

 appearance, freeness of growth in almost every variety of soil, and 

 thorough hardiness in our severest winters and coldest situations, mark 

 it as one of the most valuable acquisitions of recent years, and have 

 already secured for it extensive admission into the most select shrub- 

 beries and pleasure-grounds. Though a most effective plant in mixed 

 groups or in avenue rows, it is always seen to the best advantage when 

 planted as a single specimen on a lawn, or any situation where, stand- 

 ing alone and free from contact with, other plants, it is allowed to 

 develop its beauties in form and colour to their fullest extent. It will 

 be found to grow most luxuriantly where the soil is a peaty loam, 

 and rather moist than dry ; and while shelter from frost is altogether 

 unnecessary, it should not be exposed to violent winds. 



Like many of the Cypresses and Thujas, this superb tree is variable 

 in its appearance, and many distinct varieties may be detailed among 

 seedlings. One of the most interesting. of these is that named varie- 

 gata, which has its branchlets prettily tinted with, a silvery or straw 

 coloured variegation. It is a very desirable, but as yet a scarce, variety. 



T. Dolobrata {the Hatchet-leaved ThujoiDsis). — Indigenous to high 

 but sheltered valleys in Japan, and frequently met with in cultivation 

 in that country as weU. as in China, both as an ornamental tree and for 

 its timber, which, from its closeness of grain and durability, is highly 

 valued, and used for a great ' variety of purposes. It is described as 



