i68 CONIFEROUS TREES 



with advancing years the aspect becomes less and 

 less pleasing, and in consequence large numbers 

 have been cut down and their places filled by 

 other and more suitable kinds. 



The trunk is straight, usually carrot-shaped, 

 with brownish, stringy bark, and well supphed 

 with shghtly drooping branches and branchlets, 

 the whole contour being sharply conical. Usually 

 the leaves are spirally arranged and loosely imbri- 

 cated. The cones are obtuse, and vary much in 

 size, but are usually about 2 inches long. 



S. GIG ANTE A AUREA is a distinct variety, but 

 unfortunately, one that cannot be relied upon 

 to retain its colour, the beautiful golden yellow 

 of the branch-tips of the juvenile plants gradually 

 giving way with advancing age. I have seen 

 several very beautiful specimens of this golden 

 Wellingtonia, and if the character was constant 

 the tree would be well worth cultivation for purely 

 ornamental purposes. The best form I have seen 

 was sent to me by Mr. Baylor Hartland, from 

 Cork. 



S. GIGANTEA PENDULA. — This cauuot be de- 

 scribed as ornamental, at least when of large size, 

 though young specimens are sufficiently curious 

 and distinct to warrant more than a passing 

 notice. As seen from a distance against the sky- 

 line, old trees have a very singular appearance, 

 the long, pendulous, and irregularly produced 

 branches imparting an outline such as one rarely 

 sees, unless associated with an isolated specimen 

 that has been stranded on an exposed mountain 

 side. Young trees are far more shapely and 

 pleasing in outline, and though they cannot be 



