248 TRANSACTIONS OF ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



om- parks and grounds. Introduced in 18G1 from the Island of 

 Ni]»pon, Japan. 



3. A. amabilis (Lovely Fir). — This handsome tree is not common 

 in this country, probably owing to the confusion which, until 

 recently, existed respecting the identity and nomenclature of this 

 and others of the North-West American Fii's. When planted in 

 suitable soil (the finest specimens I have noted are growing in 

 reclaimed peat bog) A. amnhilis is of rapid growth, one specimen 

 in particular growing under favourable circumstances having for 

 several successive years made an upward growth of 15 inches. 

 As an ornamental tree it is second to no other conifei', the easily- 

 arranged, semi-decumbent branches and great wealth of intense 

 bluish-green foliage rendering it as unique as it is beautiful. 

 Little is known regarding the quality of timber of this tree in 

 the British Isles. Habitat, Oregon and British Columbia. In- 

 troduced in 1831. 



4. A . brachyj)hylla (Short-Leaved Japanese Fir) is well worthy 

 of attention, it being perfectly hardy and highly ornamental. From 

 what we have seen of this unusually pretty fir, it is certainly well 

 worthy of extended culture, particularly where a bright-foliaged 

 and not too densely-branched conifer is in request. Introduced 

 about the year 1870. Habitat, the Island of Saghalien and 

 Japan. 



5. A. bracteata (Santa Lucia Fir). — Too much cannot be said 

 in favour of this little known tree, for, with its long and thick 

 deep-green foliage, erect habit, and generally pleasing contour, 

 it is beyond doubt one of the most handsome of the many conifers 

 with which California has enriched our Empire. Even the 

 cones are so distinct from those of any other member of its 

 tribe, being thickly covered with long leaf-like bracts, that recog- 

 nition of the species from these alone is not difficult. The 

 largest, best furnished, and most healthy specimen of yl. bracteata 

 that I have seen is growing in a soil largely composed of peat, 

 and partially sheltered from the prevailing winds of the district. 

 After becoming established the upward growth of this tree is 

 I'airly rapid, the annual addition to the height of the specimen 

 referred to, for five consecutive yeai's, averaging 13^ inches. 

 Being of recent introduction, few opportunities of testing the 

 tpiality of the timber have been afforded. Native of Santa Lucia, 

 in South California, and introduced in 1853. 



6. A. Branoniana (Indian Hemlock Fir) cannot be considered 



