206 TRANSACTIONS OF ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



X. On the Comparative Valtie of Exotic Coniferce as Ornamental 

 or Timber Trees in Britain. With Table of Measurements. 

 By Thomas Wilkie, Forester, Tyiiinghame, East Lotliian. 



There is nothing which adds more to the attractions and 

 amenity of a phxce than the careful selection and distribution of 

 hardy, ornamental, and timber ti'ees, the setting and growth of 

 which gives shelter and ornament to both estate and mansion. 

 Receiving " all things richly to enjoy," we have a diversity of 

 leafa^^e and outline in plants which enables us to make a selection 

 from almost every part of the known world, such as is calculated 

 to produce that appearance and effect which we desire. 



Our experience and knowledge of the hardiness and ornamental 

 effect of the more recently introduced species and varieties of 

 conifers is being gradually extended, and from numerous reports 

 thereon we may now with some accuracy select those best calcu- 

 lated to suit the soil, climate, and exposure of particular localities. 

 It is not to be expected that one can actually describe the 

 peculiar properties of each species, or of any plant in particular, 

 from a point or in a manner to be at once just and pleasing to 

 every observer, as each individual has his own peculiar tastes, 

 fancies, and beliefs as regards both ornament and value. From 

 my own experience, I shall endeavour to give a shoi't description 

 of those most commonly grown and which are useful for timber 

 purposes ; and also make reference thereto as far as their orna- 

 mental effect is concerned. 



This being a very numerous family of plants, I have purposely 

 omitted a full description of many of the less useful species, so as 

 to keep my report within moderate dimensions. The figures in 

 the Table are chiefly gleaned from rejDorts by travellers and good 

 home authorities, and some have been collected by myself. I 

 cannot, however, be held responsible for the statements of others, 

 which I have had no opportunity to corroborate. I believe that 

 man, animals, and plants are more especially adapted for, and 

 will prosper best in, those parts and temperatures where nature 

 has placed them ; hence, we cannot rationally expect that exotic 

 conifers will succeed in every case. Had travellers given us full 

 particulars as to soils, exposures, altitudes, and extremes of tem- 

 peratures, our knowledge of the suitability of each variety would 

 have been more cheaply gained ; because, when we can set plants 



