458 ANNUAL REPORT 



The Hemlock Spruce, Abies canadensis, is also found in con- 

 siderable quantity. In my estimation it is the most beauti- 

 ful evergreen tree of our temperate climate, either native or 

 foreign. Had it been brought from some foreign country, 

 doubtless it would long before this have been extensively planted 

 and our horticultural and arboricultural publications would have 

 been filled with its praises. We venture to afi&rm that there is 

 not another evergreen that will thrive in this latitude that can 

 equal it in elegance and gracefulness; and yet it has been sel- 

 dom planted for ornamental purposes. The upper and under 

 sides of the leaves are in marked contrast, and when the tree is 

 swayed by the wind, the foliage presents a pleasing play of light 

 and shade. 



The Balsam Fir, Abies balsamea, is also quite common, espe- 

 cially in the northern parts of this province. While young it is 

 very handsome, and for a number of years is a very ornamental 

 tree, but unfortunately as it reaches maturity the lower limbs lose 

 their foliage and gradually die, giving to the tree a very unsightly 

 appearance. 



The Black Spruce, Abies nigra, also seems to be most at home 

 in the northern counties. When growing in deep alluvial bot- 

 toms it makes a handsome tree, but like the balsam fir, it 

 grows unsightly with age. 



The American Arborvitee, Thuja occidentalis, grows abun- 

 dantly in moist places. «This evergreen is well adapted for plant- 

 ing in grounds of quite moderate dimensions, as a hedge plant. 

 It is very patient under the knife and can be trimmed into any 

 desired form. On account of our winter snows, it is important 

 that when used as a hedge it be trimmed to a steep slope. 



The Eed Cedar, Juniperns virginiana, is most abundant in the 

 southern counties. It has not been much used in ornamental 

 planting, but is well adapted for that purpose on grounds of con- 

 siderable size, inasmuch as the trees take on a great variety of 

 form and give a very picturesque effect to the landscape. It has 

 been used to some extent for hedging, but so far as my observa- 

 tion extends the result has not been satisfactory; the trees do not 

 seem to bear being planted so close together. 



The Common Juniper, Juniperus communis, also varies greatly 

 in its habit of growth, and might be used with good effect in 

 landscape gardening, but like the red cedar does not bear being 

 •crowded, or planted so close as would be necessary in making a 

 iedge. 



