12 HARDY CONIFEROUS TREES. 



notched on sterile, and pointed on fertile branches, in 

 many rows, and with two glaucous bands on the under sides. 

 The cones are from 2 inches to 3^ inches long, by i inch to 

 ij inches diameter, with the scales rounded or almost square, 

 and the bracts remarkably short and quite concealed from view. 

 This species does very well when planted in cool, rather 

 moist soil ; indeed, the finest specimens I have seen are 

 growing in loamy peat. Great diversity of opinion has 

 existed as to the specific limits of A. lasiocarpa, A . Lowiana, and 

 A, concolor. After careful and lengthened observations of 

 living specimens cultivated in this country, I have come to 

 the conclusion that for garden purposes, at least the extreme 

 forms of each should receive specific identity. 



A. Lowla.na, Murray. {Synonyms : — Picea Lowiana, 

 Gordon ; Abies lasiocarpa, hort. ; A. Parsonsiana, hort. ; A. con- 

 color ^ Veitch ; A. concolor lasiocarpa, Beissner ; A. grandis 

 Loiviana, Masters.) Western slopes of the Sierra Nevadas, 

 North California, Oregon. 185 1. — A handsome and, in this 

 country, fast growing species, that is readily distinguished by 

 its light and airy appearance, as well as comparatively long 

 leaves, these frequently reaching 3 inches in length. They 

 are generally of a pale glaucous tint, and so thinly arranged 

 as to expose the shoots. The cones are oblong-cylindrical, 

 and from 3 inches to 5 inches long, with crescent-shaped scales 

 and minute bracts. Undoubtedly this is one of the most 

 beautiful of the Californian firs, and when seen under favour- 

 able conditions in this country, with its long and peculiarly 

 incurved foliage, which is silvery-green beneath, and regularity 

 of branch arrangement, combined with its wonderful vigour 

 and perfect hardihood, it may well rank with the choicest of 

 ornamental conifers. 



A. magrnifica, Murray. Stately Silver Fir. {Syno- 

 nyms: — A. campy locarpa, W.\xxx-scf \ Picca magnifica, Gordon.) 

 North California. 185 1. — Though rather stiff of growth, yet 

 when seen under the most favourable conditions, this is truly 

 a beautiful and magnificent tree. The branches are horizon- 

 tally arranged, with dense foliage, crowded more above than 



