HARDY CONIFEROUS TREES 15 



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. LASIOCARPA Arizonica, Arizona. — A beauti- 

 ful variety with silvery foliage and thick, corky, 

 cream-coloured bark. 



A. LOWIANA, Murray. (Synonyms : Picea 

 lowiana, Gordon ; Abies lasiocarpa, Masters ; 

 Picea Parsonsiana, Barron ; A. concolor, Veitch ; 

 A. lasiocarpa, Beissner ; A. grandis lowiana. 

 Masters.) Western slopes of the Sierra Nevadas, 

 North California, Oregon. 1851. — 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 Califomian firs, and when 

 seen under favourable 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 



