COMPARATIVE VALUE OF EXOTIC CONIFER.^ IN BRITAIN. 281 



During the growing season the foliage is of a bright green, but 

 towards autumn changes to a lovely brownish-violet. Where a 

 small-growing, neat-habited, and pretty shrubby conifer is in 

 request, this Retinospora will be found moat useful. 



92. R. jilicoides (Fern-like Retinospora), of much larger growth 

 than the last, with short fern-like branchlets, and an abundance 

 of the richest deep-green foliage. It succeeds well in this country, 

 and is of value for its distinct ornamental qualities. 



93. R. leptoclada (Slender-branched Retinospora). — Another 

 species, with silvery-tinted foliage, and a pyramidal habit. It is 

 useful for garden purposes, and succeeds best in a dampish loam. 



94. R. obiusa (Japanese Cypress). — Although of rather stiff 

 habit and sombre hue, still there is something remarkably pleasing 

 and distinct about a nice healthy specimen of this Japanese 

 conifer. It is not a rapid growing tree in this country, as it 

 rarely makes more upward growth than a foot per year ; indeed, 

 it is usually seen as a large and round-headed shrub of perhaps 

 12 feet in height, and nearly as much thx'ough. But then its 

 graceful pendent branches form fine masses of deep green foliage, 

 suffused with a purplish hue, and thus render the tree one of 

 the most distinct and ornamental with which we are acquainted. 

 Introduced from Japan in 18D0. 



95. R. obtusa aurea is one of the most striking and remarkable 

 of conifers, when a good-sized specimen is seen in a really healthy 

 state and with a well-balanced head. In this favourite variety, 

 the light fulvous green of the foliage changes into a golden- 

 yellow during the period of growth. For associating with any 

 of the darker-foliaged and semi- weeping conifers this tree is well 

 suited, and as it is of comparatively slow growth it may be 

 planted where space is limited, 



96. R. obtusa co7npacta differs little from the normal form save 

 in its more compact and dense habit. It is well worthy of a place 

 in every collection. 



97. R. obtusa nana has a dwarfed appearance, the branches 

 being much shortened, and is useful for planting on small lawns, 

 or where space is limited. 



98. R. 2^isifera (Pea- Fruited Retinospora). — This is a very 

 distinct and desirable species with fern-like bright green foliage, 

 and somewhat ii-regular habit of growth. It is a Japanese tree, 

 and useful for contrast and variety. 



99. R. plumosa (Feathery Retinospora), and its varieties 



