DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TllEiJS- 275 



value of the Larch as a timber tree, several experiments 

 were made in the river Thames. Posts of equal thickness 

 and strength, some of Larch and others of oak, were 

 driven down facing the river wall, where they were 

 alternately covered with water by the effect of the tide, 

 and then left dry by its fall. This species of alternation is 

 the most trying of all circumstances for the endurance of 

 timber ; and accordingly the oaken posts decayed, and 

 were twice renewed in the course of a very few years, 

 while those that were made of the Larch remained 

 altogether unchanged. 



Besides the foregoing species {Larix Europea) we have 

 two native sorts much resembling it ; which are chiefly 

 found in the states of Maine, Vermont, and New 

 Hampshire. These are known by the names of the Red 

 Larch (L. Microcarpa) and the Black Larch {L. pendula), 

 which latter is often called Hackmatack. In the coldest 

 parts of the Union, these often grow to 80 and 100 feet 

 high ; but in the middle states they are only seen in 

 the swamps, and appear not to thrive so well except in 

 such situations. For this reason the European Larch is 

 of course greatly preferable when plantations are to be 

 made, either for profit or ornament. The latter is 

 generally increased from seed in the nurseries. 



The American Larches are well worthy a place where 

 sufficient moisture can be commanded, as their peculiar 

 forms are striking, though not so finely picturesque as that 

 of the European species. 



In the upper part of Massachusetts, we have observed 

 them in their native soils growing 70 or 80 feet high, and 

 assuming a highly pleasing appearance. Their foliage is 

 bluish-green, and more delicate ; yet altogether the Ame- 



