COMPAEATIVE VALUE OP EXOTIC CONIFER^E IN BRITAIN. 213 



be planted in free open soils, in which they always grow to ad- 

 vantage. None of the species are well adapted for growing in 

 cold, bleak, open exposures ; but all of them do fairly well when 

 moderately sheltered. They show to great advantage till about 

 20 or 30 feet in height, and as forest trees are general favourites. 



The Pines. 



The Pine family, of which the Scots Pine, Pinus sylvestris, is 

 the type, is a very numerous one, and hence I shall confine my 

 description to the larger growing and ornamental species. 



Finns Austriaca (the Austrian Pine). — Introduced in 1835. A 

 well-known tree, of a strong robust habit of growth. It is the 

 best pine I know for shelter, and for planting in exposed sitiiations 

 near the sea-coast. Timber coarse grained and knotty ; not equal 

 to that of the Scots Pine. 



P, cevihra (the Swiss Stone Pine). — Introduced about 1746. 

 Habitat, Central Europe and Siberia. A well-known pine ; useful 

 both from a commercial and ornamental point of view, and 

 perfectly hardy. 



P. c. pimiila, from Eastern Siberia and Japan, is a neat dwarf 

 ornamental variety, and useful for lawns. 



P. contorta (the Twisted Pine). — Introduced in 1831. Habitat, 

 North- West America, as far south as California. Its timber is 

 almost valueless ; but the tree is very unique and ornamental, 

 having long, slender, and curiously-twisted branches. 



P. excelsa (the Himalayan Pine). — Introduced about 1827. 

 Habitat, the Himalaya Mountains. This elegant pine grows from 

 90 to 100 feet high in its native country, where the timber is in 

 much repute. In this country it is found in most collections, and 

 forms a handsome ornamental tree, when growing in a light warm 

 soil and sheltered site. It does not thrive in cold or damp soils, 

 and bears exposure indifferently. The long slender branches, 

 gracefully clothed with bluish-green, glaucous leaves, contrast 

 pleasantly with that of other darker foliaged trees. The tree is 

 full of clear limpid turpentine, which flows from the slightest 

 incision of the bark. 



P. insignis (the Remarkable Pine). — Introduced in 1833. 

 Habitat, California. This tree well deserves its name, being 

 very ornamental, and a general favourite. Its leaves are a lively 

 grass-green colour. The wood has been favourably compared with 

 that of other pines ; but unfortunately the tree is not hardy until 



