i873] NOTES ON HARDY CONIFERS. 639 



Though of slow growth, and thriving here only in well-sheltered local- 

 ities, it is in favourable circumstances an interesting and distinct-looking 

 shrub, of a broadly conical shape, sparingly furnished with long slender 

 branches, divided into numerous branchlets slightly drooping at the 

 points : the leaves are from 2 to 3 inches long, of a linear-lanceolate 

 form, the upper surface bright glossy green, and the under dimly 

 glaucous. There is a very desirable variety of this species obtained 

 from seed, and recently introduced into cultivation, which has been 

 named F. robusta, only dijffering, however, in its denser and more 

 vigorous habit of growth. 



C. drupacea {the Plum-fruited Cephalotaxus), another of Mr For- 

 tune's fine introductions, and found wild in similar localities in Japan 

 and the north of China as the preceding, is in its native habitats a 

 small bushy tree, rarely exceeding 30 feet in height. 



This sort was at first believed to be the female form of '' Fortuneii," 

 and was distributed under the name " F. foemina ; " but as both sorts 

 have since been found to be fruit-bearers, the propriety of ranking it 

 as a distinct species is sufficiently obvious. 



As yet it has only been seen here as a moderate-sized shrub, with 

 a close conical habit of growth, the branches much divided into 

 small branchlets, profusely clothed with yew-like leaves from 1 to IJ 

 inches long, of a yellowish-green colour on the upper surface, and 

 faintly silvery on the under. 



Being much hardier, and more accommodating in regard to soils 

 and situations than Fortuneii, it is more frequently met with in col- 

 lections ; and though lacking the distinct tropical aspect peculiar to 

 that species, it is on the whole a more useful outdoor ornamental shrub, 

 and makes a handsome lawn specimen in ordinary soils, if moderately 

 sheltered. 



C. pedunculata (the Long-stalked Cephalotaxus). — This fine species, 

 still better known under its original name Taxus Harringtonia (the Earl 

 of Harrington's Yew), was first introduced into British gardens in 1837 

 from Japan, where in high sheltered valleys it forms a broad bushy 

 shrub, frequently attaining heights of from 20 to 25 feet. It is the 

 Inukaja, or " Wild Yew," of the Japanese ; and is by them extensively 

 employed as a hedge -plant, as well as for the decoration of their 

 gardens and pleasure-grounds. 



In this country it forms a dense spreading bush, very abundantly 

 branched, the branchlets short and slightly pendent : the leaves are 

 from Ih to 2|- inches long, closely set on the shoots in two rows; of a 

 glossy light-green tint on the upper surface, and having a silvery 

 glaucous band underneath on each side of the midrib. 



Like the other species of Cephalotaxus, a mild or well-sheltered 



