COMPARATIVE VALUE OF EXOTIC CONIFER^E IN BRITAIN. 273 



G3. J. Sabina (Savin), altlioiigh hardly worthy of special remark 

 as an ornamental plant, is of great value for rockwork decoration, 

 or wherever a small-growing and widely-spreading evergreen 

 shrub is in request. It is a native of Southern Europe, and was 

 introduced to this country prior to 1548. 



64. J. virginiana (Red Cedar). — This tree is of the easiest 

 cultui'B, and seems to succeed well in almost any situation, but 

 attains greatest perfection when planted near the sea-coast. As 

 an ornamental tree it is well known and much valued for lawn 

 and shrubbery decoration. It is a native of North America, and 

 was introduced in 1664. 



65. Larix europcea (European or Common Larch). — As a valu- 

 able timber-producing tree the common larch is surpassed by no 

 other that has been introduced into this country. The wood is 

 very durable, strong, and easily worked, and largely employed 

 for rural purposes. As an ornamental tree the larch is, we think, 

 not sufficiently appreciated. In the spring months, just when 

 the young leaves are bursting from the bud, few trees have a more 

 decided golden-green tint, or are more enchanting when viewed 

 from a distance. Unfortunately of late years the larch has become 

 subject to a disease which has to some extent lessened the value 

 of the tree for forest planting. It is a native of the Alps and 

 Central Europe. The date of introduction is uncertain, but it 

 must have been prior to 1629, in which year it is mentioned by 

 Parkinson. 



66. L. Kczmpferi (Golden or Chinese Larch). — This is a highly 

 ornamental tree, the foliage of which in spring is of the most 

 delicate pea-green, and towards autumn assumes a bright or clear 

 golden-yellow. Even when leafless, the beautiful yellowish-green 

 or golden-brown of the young shoots is particularly efiective, and 

 as uncommon as it is beautiful. We have found the golden larch 

 to be perfectly hardy, to succeed well, perhaps best, on a free 

 gravelly loam, and to bear stem and branch pruning with impunity. 

 It is the only deciduous golden conifer at present introduced, and 

 is the largest in growth. For its ornamental qualities it is cer- 

 tainly well worthy of extended culture. A native of China, and 

 introduced in 1846. 



67. Lihocedrus chilensis (Chilian Arbor-Yitse), although not 

 perfectly hardy in all parts of Britain, is well worthy of culture 

 in warm and sheltered situations for its ornamental aspect. The 

 bright glaucous green foliage and neat habit are good recom. 



