20 THE BOOK OF EVERGREENS. 



ria Japonica. On the limestone, its leading shoot is al- 

 ways defective, and its growth generally devoted to the 

 formation of a nest-like mass of small roots ; whilst, on 

 the old red, a formation deficient in lime, its growth is 

 regular, upright, and graceful, and so rapid that I have no 

 hesitation in affirming that, in this locality, it would out- 

 grow the Larch. 



" The Deodar, on the other hand, appears to be the least 

 discriminating and the most accommodating of all the 

 Coniferse. No position, and no variety of soil, appear to 

 come amiss to it ; on lime or sandstone, rock or clay, it 

 grows with equal facility, though depth of soil, as before 

 stated, invariably contributes to rapid growth. 



" In Araucaria imbricata, though planted in consider- 

 able abundance, and in every variety of soil, I have not 

 been able to detect any decided preference for one forma- 

 tion over another. It has an evident dislike to a wet lo- 

 cality, and it generally, though not exclusively, thrives 

 best upon a dry soil." 



A number of other instances are given, but as they are 

 of species which we are debarred from cultivating on ac- 

 count of climate, we have not quoted them. We are un- 

 aware of any observations having been made in our coun- 

 try in regard to this important subject, but as every 

 incident connected with the proper acclimating of trees is 

 of incalculable benefit to planters, we earnestly desire a 

 careful investigation of this subject, believing it will even- 

 tually lead to discoveries which will very materially en- 

 large our list of available Conifers. 



In planting, a sufficiently large hole should be excavated 

 to allow full scope for the roots to start vigorously into 

 action. A very deep hole is unnecessary, as those roots 

 that principally maintain the health and vigor of the tree 

 extend near the surface of the ground ; and the large 

 roots that penetrate downward for a great distance are 

 for the purpose of sustaining the tree erect, and prevent- 



