A. BRACTEATA AND GRANDIS 75 



in turn derives its name from the Latin word bractea, 

 which originally meant a thin plate or leaf of gold 

 metal. 



A. Grandis, or Giant Fir, rejoices in rather a 

 pretentious title, which it, however, contrives to 

 live up to in its native country ; and its native country 

 may be defined as the coast regions of British Colum- 

 bia and the coast States of Western America, Oregon, 

 and California. There it out-tops the highest of its 

 kith and kin among Silver Firs ; but among our 

 little lot the Common Silver Fir (A. Pectinata) reigns 

 supreme of its race. The A. Grandis was introduced 

 about 1850, the A. Pectinata about a.d. 1600 ; so far, 

 then, the championship must be regarded as undecided 

 and any finality of opinion for the present so far upon 

 the subject as nonproven. 



With us it is recognised as in the first rank of quick 

 growers, and we might go so far as to bracket these 

 two first, Grandis and Douglas, as Senior Wranglers 

 in the field of such a competition. It will stand being 

 planted under the shade of other trees. In spite of 

 a character for deep-root system, like many other 

 quick growers it has its drawbacks. The root 

 growths do not quite seem to keep pace in proportion 

 with the trees 'efforts in sky-high directions. The in- 

 evitable result of this is that they inherit a liability 

 to topple over at any unusual provocation or extra 

 dose delivered on the part of the elements. 



We speak from the bitter experience of the 191 5 

 Boxing-Day gales. Without any excuse of want 

 of sheltering influence a promising young A. Grandis 

 of some twent}^ summers' experience of its position, 

 elected, to the surprise, dismay, and mortification of 

 its man}' friends and admirers, to measure its some 

 50 to 60 feet of length upon the ground in which we 

 had all believed it to be firmly embedded. 



