COMPARATIVE VALUE OF EXOTIC COXIFER^ IN BRITAIN. 253 



be excellent and durable. A native of tlie Rocky Mountains, 

 and introduced in 1864. 



12. A. excelsa (Norway Spruce). — Whether as a hardy shelter- 

 giving tx-ee, or for the quantity of fairly good timber it produces, 

 the common or Norway spruce must ever rank high in the list of 

 exotic conifers which have been found suitable for culture in the 

 British Isles. It is acknowledged by all to be a tree in every 

 sense well adapted for extensive planting. It luxuriates at high 

 altitudes fully exposed to our worst winds, and at the same time 

 produces a great quantity of timber of excellent quality and well 

 suited for general constructive purposes. The wood of the 

 Norway spruce, like most other English grown timber, has fallen 

 sadly into disfavour, but there can be little doubt that in a 

 few years, when foreign supplies will be on the wane, its many 

 good qualities will again bring it to the front. The wood is 

 valuable for a great variety of purposes, but being of a 

 knotty character, it is difficult to work. When clean grown it 

 is valuable for roofing material (for which it has been long used 

 in Scotland), flooring, pit pi'ops, fencing rails, and packing boxes. 



As an ornamental tree, the fine proportions and well-clothed 

 stem of the Norway spruce are rarely seen to advantage, and it 

 may be for this reason that it is seldom found occupying the pro- 

 minent position it deserves as a decorative species. For park 

 and lawn ornamentation it is worthy of greater attention, as it 

 is one of the best and most efiective of hardy conifers. Habitat, 

 Europe, as far south as the Alps and Pyi'enees. Introduced 

 previous to 1548, but exact date not certain. 



13. A. Jirma, known in most collections under the name of 

 A. bifida, is only seen in this country as an ornamental tree, few 

 specimens having attained to anything approaching maturity. 

 The somewhat stifi" but deep glossy green foliage, and erect habit 

 of the tree as revealed in home grown specimens, render it one of 

 great value for ornamental planting. It is found to be hardy. 

 Introduced from Japan in 1861. 



14. A. Fraseri. — Introduced from North Carolina in 1811, has 

 little to recommend it either for ornament or utility in these 

 Islands. It is of low growth, with slender branches, and leaves 

 deep green above and silvery underneath. 



15. A. grandis (Great Silver Fir). — This is truly a handsome 

 conifer, and well adapted for ornamental planting ; the soft, rich, 

 green foliage, densely branched stem, and symmetrical habit being 



VOL. XII., PART II. R 



