49 NOTES ON TREES. 
near the ground, some of which, taking root, are rising round it 
like independent trees. Another Thuya gigantea, undoubtedly 
planted in 1882, but in harder, poorer soil, is 46 feet high, with 
a girth of 4 feet 8 inches. Larch planted.in 1886 are 56 feet 
high, and 34 feet in girth. Far surpassing these are specimens. 
of Picea grandis, planted in 1882, and then two or three feet 
high—now 62 feet high, and 6} feet in girth—60 feet of addi- 
tional height in 24 years, and taking their thickness with them. 
And here I should like to draw special attention to this noble 
tree, for Picea grandis is truly a noble tree, worthy of its name, 
sound and hardy of constitution, a thing of beauty at all 
seasons, but especially in early summer, when the fresh young 
shoots so lavishly thrown out, show up in their brilliant green in 
contrast to the darker foliage behind. Beautiful in form and 
colour and in luxuriance of growth, it is an admirable tree for 
ornamental planting, and should prove a good forest tree as well. 
If plants could be obtained more cheaply, we might have planta- 
tions of Picea grandis mixed with Douglas firs, in sheltered spots, 
which in beauty, rapidity of growth, and quantity of timber pro- 
duced would surpass anything we have now, and would yield 
pretty good timber too, though not equal to Larch for outside 
use. 
Picea Nordmanniana, much more generally grown, is very 
similar in appearance and growth in its early stages, but sadly 
lacks the robust constitution of Grandis. I have found Nord- 
manniana a most disappointing tree. 
The only large specimen of Abies Menziesii at Terregles 
dates from about 1840. It is 744 feet high, with a girth of 153 
feet. I think its rate of growth is much the same as that of 
Abies Douglasii, and its timber is much the same. Here I may 
remark that in exposed places the variety taxifolia of Abies 
Douglasii may be found more satisfactory than the ordinary type. 
Slower of growth, but of sturdier habit and less liable to lose its 
top, it seems better fitted for roughing it. 
In rapidity of growth the trees above-mentioned all far sur- 
pass the Pines, austriaca, laricio, and sylvestris, and the latter 
have no chance when planted with them; but the Pines will 
thrive, and root themselves so as to resist the fiercest gale in the 
most exposed situations, while the others need shelter from the 
blast. 
