HARDY CONIFEROUS TREES 23 



value of the timber is concerned, it might be 

 pointed out that on comparison with that of the 

 Silver Fir, it is harder, closer grained, and better 

 suited for the finer constructive works. 



Under favourable conditions, the rate of growth 

 annually of A. Pinsapo for fully twenty years was 

 about 14 inches, while in one case, at least, I have 

 known it to produce 30 feet of timber in a like 

 number of years. For planting on chalk}^ ground, 

 this tree is certainly an acquisition. At High 

 Elms, Lord Avebury's Kentish property, where 

 are some of the largest and healthiest trees of its 

 kind in the country, I have oft been struck by 

 its rapid rate of growth, and that, too, where 

 only a small quantity of loam overlies the chalk. 

 It is perfectly hardy, and succeeds well when 

 planted on exposed ground. 



At High Elms several species of Abies and 

 other coniferous trees have attained to noble 

 dimensions. The late Lord Avebury told me that 

 the choice of trees, selection of sites, and planting 

 were carried out under the supervision of Loudon. 



A. Pinsapo glauca well merits attention as a 

 distinct and desirable variety with leaves of a 

 pronounced glaucous tint. 



A. Pinsapo Hamondii, of which there is a fine 

 specimen near Hemel Hempstead, in Herts, is a 

 curious form, giving one the idea of having been 

 beheaded, and the branches, in consequence, 

 much lengthened and supple. It forms a dense 

 mass of foliage, of the same colour as the parent, 

 but the leaves are individually smaller. As a 

 lawn bush when planted on the greensward, it is 

 both interesting and distinct. 



