HARDY CONIFEROUS TREES ii 



A. bifida, Siebold and Zuccarini.) Japan. 1861. 

 — For the great variability of its foliage this 

 tree is remarkable, and to which fact may be 

 attributed the list of synonyms with which it is 

 encumbered. The somewhat stiff, deep, glossy 

 green foliage and partially erect habit of growth, 

 as seen in the few specimens that are to be found 

 in this country, render the tree of some value for 

 ornamental planting. The leaves range from 

 under to considerably over an inch in length, some 

 being fiat and given off at right angles to the shoot, 

 while others are short and upcurved. The cones 

 are cylindrical, about 5 inches long, with imbricated 

 scales and upward - pointing bracts, which ter- 

 minate in sharp angular points. 



It seems to be grateful for shelter from cold 

 draughts of wind, and evidently thrives best in 

 light, rich loam. In the younger stages of growth 

 the leaves are distinctly cleft at the tips, hence the 

 name bifida, but with age this gradually gives way. 



A. Fraseri, Poiret. (Synonyms : Picea Fraseri, 

 Loudon ; Pinus Fraseri, Parlatore.) Mountains of 

 Carolina and Pennsylvania. 1807. — ^This tree has 

 little to recommend it, whether for ornament or 

 utility, when planted in these islands. It bears 

 considerable resemblance to A. halsamea, and is in 

 consequence often confounded with that species ; 

 but, in the absence of fruit, which is a speedy 

 method of recognition, the structure of the leaves 

 will always determine the difference. The more 

 slender and upright growth, and smaller dark green, 

 thickly arranged leaves, are also differences that 

 might be pointed out in connection with the present 

 species and A, halsamea. The cones are oval in 



