COMPARATIVE VALUE OF EXOTIC CONIFER.E IX BRITAIN". 257 



inches, for a period of twenty-five years. The production of 

 wood is likewise rapid, and in support of this statement one 

 of many instances which came under my notice may be cited. 

 A tree of this kind was planted in good soil and a sheltered 

 southern situation in 1854, it at that time being a robust growing 

 specimen of 3 feet in height. In 1884, or thirty years after- 

 wai'ds, it had attained to 55 feet, when it was found to contain 

 Gl cubic feet of wood; giving an average annual increase of fully 

 2 cubic feet. 



The home-grown timber of A. nohilis is not of first-rate quality, 

 it being, in every instance where I have had the chance of 

 examining it, soft, easily worked, and clean grained. The timber 

 of mature trees will no doubt be of better quality than that of 

 specimens of thirty years' growth. Habitat, about the Columbia 

 River, in Oregon, and southwards to California. Introduced in 

 1831. 



22. A. Nonhnanniana (Noi'dmann's Fir). — If A. nohilis be the 

 best of the Californian silver firs, this is without doubt the finest 

 and most valuable of the European or Asiatic species. As a lawn 

 tree it can scarcely be surpassed, the handsome and regular outline, 

 I'ich glossy green foliage, and stately habit rendering it one of 

 the handsomest of conifei's for ornamental planting. We expect 

 that at no distant date it will supplant the common silver fir 

 for forest planting ; the timber is of excellent quality, the tree 

 more ornamental, and as regards soil it is less exacting. Another 

 advantage it has over the common silver fir is that, owing to 

 starting into growth later in spring, it is less apt to be injured 

 by unseasonable frosts. Few trees are less particular as to soil 

 than Nordmann's fir ; it succeeds well in reclaimed peat bog, 

 stiflT loam, decomposed vegetable matter, and light gravelly soils. 

 For planting on cold steep declivities in the vicinity of water, it 

 is invaluable, and succeeds "well where the common silver fir and 

 even the larch become seared and unsightly. The timber pro- 

 duced in this country is hard, close-giained, veiy lasting, and 

 susceptible of a fine polish. It is superior to that of the common 

 silver fir, being harder and firmer in texture, and should its 

 durability prove equal to that species it will be one of the most 

 valuable timbers. Introduced in 1848 from the Crimea. 



23. A. orientalis (Eastern Spruce). — The usually dense habit 

 of this spruce, combined with its deep dark green foliage, which 

 is perfectly distinct from any other conifer, renders it of gi-eat 



