BOTAXICAL CHAEACTEPJSTICS. 3 



lars: — Its leaves and cones are considerably smaller, 

 the latter being only about half the size of those of the 

 common larch. It bears so strong a resemblance to 

 the European larch, that by many it is considered to 

 be only a variety. It grows to a large size, and thrives 

 well at an elevation equal to that at which the common 

 larch will grow. Its trunk is smooth, straight, tall, 

 and slender, being frequently three feet diameter in its 

 best condition, and rising to the height of a hundred 

 feet in places suited to its growth. Like the European 

 species, its wood is tough and durable; its specific 

 gravity is so great that its weight is sometimes regarded 

 as an objection to it. It is extensively used in ship- 

 building and every other purpose to which the wood of 

 the common larch is applied. 



"There is another species or variety, known in 

 America as the microcarpa, which also has pendulous 

 branches, but it is distinguishable from the above 

 variety by its minute and small fruit. Sir A. B. Lam- 

 bert describes it as a distinct species, while others 

 regard it, and probably more correctly, as only a 

 variety. Its wood, like that of the tamarac, is durable, 

 tough, and heavy, and its uses are similar to those of 

 the common European larch. I have heard it stated 

 that the Duke of Athole planted several of the Larix 

 pendula about Dunkeld ; but it is said they never 

 attained the same size and perfection as those of the 

 common European species. Whatever be the relative 

 value for forest culture between them and the com- 

 mon larch, it is certain that both species are wonder- 



