COMPARATIVE VALUE OF EXOTIC CONIFEPwE IN BRITAIN. 263 



are perhaps more popular for garden decoration than any of the 

 others. B. orientalia aureo-variegata is another distinct and pretty 

 form with jjiebald foliage, or one-half green and the other a rich 

 yellow. B. orientalis eleganiissiina is of rigid upright growth, and 

 with changeable foliage, usually of a pale yellow colour. B. orien- 

 talis falcata is a distinct but not an ornamental plant, while 

 B. orientalis japonica is of good form, and valuable for planting 

 in masses, where its pleasing globular form is best displayed, 

 B. orientalis pendula is, as its name denotes, of a weeping 

 habit, and when well grown and placed to advantage is second to 

 none of its relatives as a distinct and handsome shrub. B. 

 orientalis semjyer-atirescens is a counterpart of the golden form in 

 habit, but it is of a different shade of yellow. These are the 

 princijial varieties in cultivation, and where small and bright 

 foliaged plants are in request they are very useful. 



35. Cedrus atlantica (Mount Atlas or African Cedar) is, par- 

 ticularly in a young state, hardly distinguishable from the more 

 commonly cultivated G. Lihani, although, after a few years' growth, 

 its erect haV)it and rigid branches are sufficient means of identi- 

 fication. As an ornamental tree it cannot compare with the 

 cedar of Lebanon, although as a forest tree it is in every way 

 preferable, 2:)roducing more valuable timber, and having less 

 inclination to ramify into unwieldy branches. For the latter 

 reason alone it is valuable, for while the branches of the cedar 

 of Lebanon suffer severely during stormy weather, and are 

 often torn clean off, those of C. atlautica remain unharmed, their 

 less length and weight freeing them from injury. In exposed 

 situations, and where the soil is naturally cold, the Mount Atlas 

 cedar makes a sturdy growth, and for this reason it is now 

 much sought after for planting on bleak hill-sides. Little is yet 

 known regarding the value of its timber produced in this country, 

 as too short time has elapsed since its introduction for it to 

 approach maturity. That it is superior to the wood of the cedar 

 of Lebanon in trees of equal age, we are, however, convinced, 

 and there can be little doubt that in after years, when maturity 

 has been attained, it will be found of great value for many con- 

 structive purposes in these isles. It is a native of Mount Atlas 

 in Northern Afi'ica, and was introduced into Europe in 1841, 

 and afterwards into England. 



36. C. Deodar (Indian Cedar). — This tree is almost uniivalled 

 in the grandeur of its lithe and beautifully pendulous branches ; 



