COMPARATIVE VALUE OF EXOTIC COXIFER.E IN BRITAIN. 255 



that has been found well suited for planting in almost any part 

 of the British Isles, as may also be said of the nearly-allied species 

 A. Fattoniana. Both are elegant trees for the lawn or park. 

 The former is a native of California, and was sent to this country 

 in 1854, A. Pattoniana occupies the higher regions of the 

 Sierra Nevada, and was introduced in 1851. By most botanists 

 these trees are considered as the same, and should such prove 

 to be the case, the name Pattoniana has priority over that 

 of Hookeriana. 



17. A. magnijica (stately Silver Fir). — When seen at its best 

 in this country A. magnijica is truly a magnificent tree, but 

 somewhat stiff in form. By some this tree is supposed to be but 

 a form of the better known A. nohilis ; but such is not our 

 opinion, for, judging from several specimens of fairly large pro- 

 portions, the differences are very marked. The foliage of A. 

 magnijica is at all times of a whitish silvery appeai'ance, as 

 if coated with hoar frost. As an ornamental tree A. magnijica 

 is of great value, while its growth is rapid, one specimen of 

 which we have a record having attained the height of 25 feet in 

 twelve years. Little is known regarding its value as a timber 

 producer. Habitat, North California and Oregon. Introduced 

 in 1851. 



18. A. Maresii, a native of Japan, introduced to this country 

 in 1879, is likely to turn out a very ornamental tree; but too 

 shoi't time has elapsed since its introduction for us to speak with 

 confidence of its value. 



19. A. Menziesii (Menzies' Fir). — The many good qualities of 

 this conifer, its strong, hardy nature, and its valuable timber, 

 render it pre-eminent among the tribe. The symmetrical outline 

 and vivid bluish-green foliage are its peculiar chai-acteristics, and 

 when in a young state it is one of the handsomest of evergreen 

 trees. The cones are very ornamental ; indeed, they are the most 

 distinct and pretty of any produced by the tribe. In eool, damp 

 loam, and where partial shelter from prevailing winds is secured, 

 this spruce does best, but it does not bear crowding. The thick 

 spreading branches point straight outwards, so that in order to 

 have well-gi'own luxuriant specimens ample room on all sides 

 must be provided. Where the soil is light and dry the foliage is, 

 if we may use the term for an evergreen, semi-deciduous and 

 meagre, and the whole tree stunted in appearance ; indeed, so 

 changed in general aspect does it become under these circuui- 



