62 NEW AND RARE CONIFER AT PENRHYN CASTLE, 
light fresh lively tints of the younger, foliage. Whether planted 
on the lawn, or mixed with other trees for the sake of contrast 
and variety along the margins of plantations, it never fails to 
attract attention and produce the most pleasing effects. This tree 
is also capable of accommodating itself to a great variety of soils 
and situations ; although like other species of Picea, it prefers a 
strong deep loam, rich in organic matter, and not apt to dry up 
in summer or retain too much moisture in winter. On the other 
hand, cold stiff clay and poor inorganic surface accumulations are 
inimical to its growth, more especially where the subsoil consists 
of hard pan. From the appearance of the timber of trees which 
I have cut up, there can be no doubt that it will possess the 
qualities, and sustain the reputation of the timber grown upon its 
native hills ; it is hard, resinous, and the concentric rings firmly 
packed. No. 2 was planted in 1857 by Sir James M‘Garel 
Hogg. Introduced in 1848 from the Crimea, 
PicEA WEBBIANA. 
Feet. Inches. 
Height of tree, . é ‘ : 5 56 0 
Girth of stem at 1 foot up, . . : 5 2 
Girth of stem at 5 feet up, . : : 4 2 
Diameter of spread of branches, . : 22 0 
When in perfect health, the beautiful dark green leaves dis- 
tinctly marked underneath with white or silvery stripes, and 
large prominent cones of a deep purple colour, contribute to make 
this tree perhaps the most ornamental of the genus. Unless 
planted in a rather cold, late soil, and sheltered position, it is 
subject to injury from unseasonable spring frosts, by which the 
young growths are frequently killed ; more than a foot in length 
of many branches being almost destitute of leaves, and giving to 
the tree an unhealthy and miserable appearance. Our largest 
specimen, though not the finest, stands on the edge of a walk 
that winds along the Ogwen river. It is well sheltered from all 
parts, and is growing on rich, damp, vegetable mould. 
Another specimen growing at Brynmeirig, near the Penrhyn 
Slate Quarry, though inferior in point of size to the above, has a 
more healthy and thriving appearance. It is growing on peaty 
loam, incumbent on slate rock, with a northern aspect. Intro- 
duced in 1822 from Northern India. 
