NEW AND RARE CONIFERZ AT PENRHYN CASTLE. 55 
VI. On the New and Rare Conifere at Penrhyn Castle, North 
Wales. With Illustrations. By Ancus D. WeEssTER, 
Forester, Penrhyn Castle, Bangor, North Wales. 
Bounded on one side by the Menai Straits, and on the other by 
the great Snowdonian range of mountains, this estate affords 
peculiar advantages for the successful cultivation of the less 
hardy conifers of recent introduction. 
The mild, genial climate of this part is clearly shown by the 
growth of such plants as Hydrangea hortensis, Fuchsia Riccartoni, 
and Cunninghamia sinensis—all of which stand our winters with 
impunity. Being at a considerable elevation above sea-level, 
those parts of the park around the castle are often exposed to 
cold, cutting winds, blowing in from the Irish Sea, or to still 
more severe storms from the south-west, which latter often 
occasion much damage to trees and shrubs. From a list preserved 
here it would appear that at one time (upwards of thirty years 
ago) most of the Conifers then introduced were planted out 
experimentally over the park. Of these many have died out 
altogether, others have progressed very slowly, and many 
additions have been made of the kinds which seemed to thrive 
best in the locality. 
The trees enumerated in the following report are, with few 
exceptions, growing within the park, scattered over an extent of 
nearly a thousand acres. The soil varies a good deal in different 
parts, but is principally composed of sandy loam resting on shaley 
rock or slate. A more detailed description of the soil and situa- 
tion will, however, be given where necessary as we proceed :— 
ABIES CANADENSIS. 
Feet. Inches. 
Height of tree, . : : ; : 46 0 
Girth of stem at 1 foot up, . : - 4 4 
Girth of stem at 5 feet up, . : ‘ 3 2 
Diameter of spread of branches, . : 21 0 
The drooping, plume-like habit of this tree renders it particu- 
larly suitable for planting as a single specimen on the lawn or 
pleasure ground. It prefers a moist, shady situation, and cool, 
light soil. The best tree of this kind (the dimensions of which 
