114 CONIFEROUS TREES 



maturity, but changing to dark brown when fully 

 ripe. 



P. OBOVATA, Ledehour. (Synonyms : Abies 

 obovata, Loudon ; P. Maximowiczii, of gardens.) 

 North-East Europe and Northern Asia. — This 

 closely resembles the Common Spruce, and is by 

 some botanists ranked as a variety of that species. 

 The cones are, however, very different from those 

 of the Common Spruce, being only 3 inches long, 

 egg-shaped, and the scale-edges smooth. The 

 branches have a curiously warted appearance, 

 which forms another point of difference. 



This species is by no means commonly cultivated, 

 the climate of our country, save in a few upland 

 situations, seeming unsuitable to its requirements. 

 It is hardy enough, coming from Siberia, yet it 

 has generally a miserable and starved appearance, 

 which is probably owing to our mild and humid 

 climate. I have seen a good specimen growing in 

 an open, airy, though sheltered position, on high- 

 lying ground ; but, indeed, neither in an orna- 

 mental nor useful capacity is the tree worthy of 

 culture. It is somewhat after the style of the 

 Common Spruce, but altogether lighter and with 

 lithe branches and drooping branchlets. Cones 

 are freely produced, these being sub -erect and 

 just half the length of those of the Common 

 Spruce, or about 3 inches. They are nearly egg- 

 shaped, or obovate, the scale -edges being quite 

 smooth, as opposed to those of the Common Spruce, 

 which are crenulated or wavy. Unless for planting 

 as a botanical specimen in the pinetum, I would 

 not suggest that Picea obovata be procured. 



P. Omorica, Bolle, Servian Spruce. (Synonym: 



