HARDY CONIFEROUS TREES 141 



species has been largely used in the formation of 

 game coverts, and for planting rocky, almost soil- 

 less ground where few other shrubs could succeed. 

 For such purposes the spreading procumbent 

 growth and thick, massy nature of the foliage 

 render the tree peculiarly suitable. For illustrated 

 article of mine on P. montana, see The Garden, 



vol. XXX., 1886. 



P. MONTEZUMiE, Lambert. (Synonyms : P. 

 occidentalis, Humboldt, Bonpland et Kunth ; P. 

 Devoniana, Lindley ; P. Russelliana, Lindley.) 

 Mexico. 1839. — ^ ^^^^ ^^^ beautiful species, and 

 one that varies much in almost every particular. 

 As seen in this country, it is broadly pyramidal in 

 habit, well branched even to the ground, and 

 furnished liberally, particularly towards the branch 

 tips, with bluish green foliage, arranged in tufts 

 of five. By reason of the great length of the 

 leaves, 6 inches, and unusual shade of blue green, 

 a particularly striking aspect is imparted, and the 

 tree cannot well be confused with any other species. 

 The cones, which vary greatly in dimensions, some- 

 what resemble those of P. halepensis both in shape 

 and size, they being 3f inches long by i| inches 

 diameter, and nearly smooth, or without an exten- 

 sion of the scale beyond the limits of the cone. 

 As showing the variability in the size of the cone, 

 I might mention that home-grown specimens fully 

 4 inches long have been forwarded to me. It is 

 to be regretted that so distinct and beautiful a 

 species is not generally hardy in this country, for, 

 except in the south and west, it rarely succeeds. 

 P. MontezumcB may be seen in vigorous growth, 

 and about 40 feet high, both at Fota Island, Cork, 



