TREES BEST ADAPTED FOR VARIOUS SOILS. 259 
foliage. In districts with not a particle of lime in the soil I 
have noticed this fir thriving well; but, in comparison with 
those growing on warm chalk or limestone soils, the differences 
are markedly in favour of the latter. The Mount Enos Fir (Abzes 
cephalonica) is well adapted for growing in chalky districts. In 
some places where it is of unusually robust growth, the soil is 
little else than pure chalk, with a small admixture of loam or 
vegetable matter, but yet its appearance and vigorous growth 
are such as betoken perfect health. The number of evergreen 
trees that succeed on chalky soil is well known to be limited, 
and it is important that two such beautiful conifers as the 
Spanish and Mount Enos firs should there find their most con- 
genial home. 
The Weymouth Pine (Pinus Strobus) has been recommended as 
a suitable tree for calcareous soils, which I can corroborate, for 
on the chalky downs of Kent and Surrey it grows with great 
vigour, if partially sheltered from cold, cutting winds. The Scots 
pine ranks high as a tree for planting in chalky soils. Near the 
chalk pits at Downe, in Kent, grows a noble clump of the Scots 
pine. I have never seen a better example of the “survival 
of the fittest” than is here presented, for, nature being allowed 
her freedom, the strongest trees are gradually exterminating the 
weaker. But this is not all, for by such a course of natural 
treatment clean, straight, and almost branchless trees are 
produced, which, when compared with such as have been 
allowed room to develop their side branches, are vastly 
superior in economic value. ‘This clump of Scots pine is 
growing on a bed of chalk, with only a small quantity of loam 
on the surface. 
The Giant Arbor-Vite (Zhuja gigantea) is peculiarly well suited 
for planting in chalky soils. This beautiful, quick-growing, and 
valuable timber tree is fast coming to the front for forest purposes, 
and it is often found difficult to meet the ever-increasing demand 
for young plants. The American Arbor-Vitz (7’. occidentalis) 
also does well when planted on chalky soils, if not too dry. For 
forming a screen this tree is admirably adapted ; but for timber 
or ornamental purposes we cannot say much in its favour. The 
Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus Libani) is a first-class tree for the 
chalk, for finer trees than those at Goodwood, in Sussex, could 
not be seen ; and equally fine are those at Wargrave, in Berk- 
shire, where only a thin Jayer of soil overlies the chalk, The 
VOL, XII. PART Il. s 
