comparative value of exotic conib^er/e in britain. 225 



Other Exotic Conifers. ■ 



Among other useful and ornamental Exotic Conifers, all more 

 or less hardy, in the United Kingdom, and worthy of the atten- 

 tion of collectors and landscape planters, are the following : — The 

 Tasmanian Cypress, Arthrotaxis imbricata, a neat and ornamental 

 foliaged tree ; the Chinese Yew, Cephalotaxus Fortunei, and C. 

 pedunculata, small bushy trees, and fairly hardy ; several species 

 of Podocarpus from Chili, New Zealand, Tasmania, China, and 

 JajDan ; the Huon Pine of Tasmania, Dacrydium FranMinii ; the 

 Californian Nutmeg, Torreya myristica; and the Torreya nucifera 

 of Japan ; the Kauri Pine of New Zealand, Dammara australis ; 

 the Cunninghamia sinensis, from Southern China ; the Patagonian 

 Cypress, Fltzroya patagonica ; the Plum-fruited Yew, Prumno- 

 pitys elegans, from the Andes of Chili ; and Prince Albert's Yew, 

 Saxe-Gotluna conspicua, a curious and interesting member of the 

 coniferous family, from the southern parts of Chili and Patagonia. 



Remarks. — Of the commei'cial value, per cubic foot, of the 

 timber of these exotic conifers, we have not yet had sufficient 

 experience of them to enable us to give reliable figures. A genera- 

 tion or two must pass away ere this can be done with any appi'oach 

 to accuracy. It is open to doubt if many exotic trees will produce 

 as good and durable wood as when grown in their natural habitats ; 

 although the larch is a notable example of high-class timber when 

 grown in Britain, away from its natural habitat in Central Europe. 

 I hope, however, that those exotic conifers, now planted and 

 growing in this countiy, will long survive in healthy vigour, so 

 that future generations will behold trees, it may not be equal to 

 those grown in American and other genial climes, but such as we 

 have not had the pleasure of looking upon in our day. Encouraged 

 by hope, let us plant for future generations trees which shall not 

 only be majestically grand and lovely, but such as are also really 

 useful ; and, as we gradually come to know the properties of each, 

 give faithful record thereof, and thus do all we can by hand and 

 pen to advance the successful growth of the best timber trees, as 

 well as those of an ornamental character. 



See accompanying Table for measurements of specimen conifers 

 arown in Britain. 



