274 TRANSACTIONS OF ROYAL SCOTTISH ARRORICULTURAL SOCIETV, 



mendations. It is a native of Southern Chili, and was sent to 

 this country in 18i7. 



68. L. decurrens (Californian Wliite Cedar), as seen in this 

 country, is a very distinct and desirable conifer, the bright gi-een 

 foliage, columnar habit, and finely-divided frondose branches being 

 its chief recommendations. A native of North California and 

 Oregon. Introduced in 1853. 



69. Pinus Austriaca (Austrian Pine). — This tree has of late 

 years attracted considerable attention, not only from its perfect 

 hardihood, but from its ornamental appearance and the shelter 

 it affords to other less hardy kinds. As an ornamental ti-ee it 

 is certainly not behind many of its neighbours, with its wealth 

 of dark, glossy, and shaggy foliage, and pleasing contour. For 

 planting in clumps or masses it is particularly well suited ; indeed 

 few pines form a more striking feature in the landscape than this 

 tree does when arranged in irregular clumps. Single specimens, 

 when allowed j)lenty of room on the greensward, are highly 

 attractive, and jiroduce in a short space of time masses of the 

 richest green foliage, which contrasts well with other conifers of 

 a light or silvery appearance. 



As a timber ti'ee it is not without value, and several exj^eri- 

 ments made with the wood prove that it is very dui'able, and one 

 of the few kinds that may be used where it is subjected to wet 

 and dry alternately. Seven j'^ears ago we cut up two large trees 

 of this pine, and placed the planks side by side with those of the 

 Scots and Spruce firs to hold up the sliding banks of a river, 

 each being marked and noted for future observations, and on 

 examining these a year ago the Austrian pine seemed quite sound 

 but of lighter colour than when placed in position. Sufficient 

 time, however, has not elapsed for us to speak with any amount 

 of assurance as to the superiority of the wood of this tree over 

 that of either the Spruce or Scots firs, but from the present 

 appearance of gates, stiles, and posts manufactured some years 

 ago, there can be little doubt that it will, so far as lasting 

 qualities are concerned, be quite equal to either of the other two. 

 It is remarkably strong, tough, coarse of grain, very resinous, 

 works well, and takes a good polish. A native of Austria, and 

 introduced into Great Britain in 1835. 



70. F. Cembra (Swiss Stone Pine). — This is a tree that 

 deserves extended cultivation, as, apart from its ornamental 

 appearance, it is extremely hardy and well adapted for planting 



