18 THE BOOK OF EVERGREENS. 



find that the plant has either been prevented from forming 

 its growth early in the season, and, in consequence, has 

 been overtaken by the frosts, or, as is very often the case, 

 it has grown over-luxuriantly, and the nature of the soil 

 has prevented it from properly ripening the young wood. 



An excellent example of the value attached to light 

 soils is shown by a Deodar Cedar that is standing on our 

 own grounds. 



This beautiful species has been pronounced tender by 

 almost all planters, and its dissemination consequently 

 discouraged. The specimen to which we allude is, at the 

 present time, about 25 or 30 feet in height, and quite broad 

 in proportion ; and so perfectly is it adapted to the situ- 

 ation, and, to all present appearances, entirely acclimated, 

 that it passes through each winter without the least pro- 

 tection; and by all owners of heavy soils is regarded with 

 undisguised astonishment. 



It is growing in a somewhat warm exposure, and in al- 

 most pure sand, with a good, mellow surface. Thus, whilst 

 the tree is debarred from making a rank growth, the wood 

 ripens sound and healthy, and the very end buds remain 

 until spring sound and full of vitality.* 



The magnificent specimen of Abies Douglasii, referred 

 to in the description of that species, and at the present 

 time growing in the Evans Arboretum, is another excellent 

 example of the influence of soil on the growth of half- 

 hardy plants. 



Trees that are natives of low, swampy grounds will 

 also, in many cases, thrive satisfactorily in dry situations. 

 Near the Deodar above mentioned, is growing a fine, 

 healthy, deciduous Cypress, (Taxodium distiehum,) that 

 inhabits the low miasmatic swamps of the Southern States; 

 and yet, on this apparently dry ground, it flourishes with 

 all the vigor that the wild trees do in their marshy soil. 



* This tree has, since the above was written, been killed by unprecedented^ 

 severe weather. 



