HARDY CONIFEROUS TREES 117 



and ruddy brown in colour. The cone scales are 

 fan-shaped with two seeds beneath each. A dis- 

 tinguishing characteristic is the large, globose, 

 reddish brown buds. The tree is of slow growth 

 when young, but after the age of about ten years 

 it shoots away freely and is then a distinct and 

 handsome specimen for the lawn or park. 



In this country P. polita must be regarded as 

 a rare species, though it is certainly one of the 

 most distinct and beautiful of the Spruces, and 

 when once seen is not apt to be forgotten or con- 

 fused with any other. Though stiff in habit of 

 growth, yet the branches, being irregular of length, 

 cause the tree to be of informal outline. It does 

 not grow rapidly, and is therefore suitable for 

 rather confined spaces. Some of the largest and 

 best-furnished specimens in this country are grow- 

 ing in peaty soil. 



P. PUNGENS, Engelmann. (Synonyms : Picea 

 Parryana, Sargent ; P. commutata, of gardens ; 

 Abies or Picea Engelmanni, of gardens.) Moun- 

 tains of Wyoming, Utah, and California. — This is 

 a very accommodating species, and one that has 

 been found well suited for ornamental planting in 

 every part of the country. It is of somewhat stiff 

 outline, owing to the rigid and horizontally 

 arranged branches and branchlets, while the stout, 

 sharply pointed leaves still further add to the 

 appearance. The leaves are in colour much like 

 those of the Douglas Fir, and the cones are fully 

 2 inches long. 



P. PUNGENS ARGENTEA, Hort., is Certainly the 

 handsomest of the spruces, while it is of good 

 habit, though bold and shapely of growth. The 



