172 THE BOOK OF EVERGREENS. 



more advanced age, this may be counterbalanced by its 

 close, compact habit and unique appearance. 



6i A. orientalis, Poiret. EASTERN SPRUCE. Leaves, % 

 of an inch long, tetragonal, rigid, stout, rather obtuse, dark 

 shining green color. Branches like the foregoing species, 

 numerous, and slender. Cones, 2|- to 3 inches long, cylin- 

 drical ; with the scales soft, thin, loose, rounded, and un- 

 even on the margins. Seeds, very small and resinous. 



A native of the coast of the Black Sea, and is found 

 growing on the Mountains of Imeretia, in Upper Mingre- 

 lia, and the neighborhood of Teflis, forming whole forests 

 between Gunil and the Adshar Mountains. Tournefort 

 says he found it growing in the vicinity of Trebisonde, 

 where it is known by the name of " elate" 



As stated in our description of the preceding species, 

 many writers considered that synonymous with the pres- 

 ent tree ; so L. Deslongchamps classed A. Orientalis as a 

 variety of A. alba, and Loudon, as a variety of A. excelsa. 



It is about 75 feet high, of a regular, conical form, 

 and in specimens standing apart from others furnished 

 with branches to the ground. 



It is so thick and close as to be considered a perfect 

 model of the compact class of Conifers, and on this ac- 

 count may be recommended for cultivation. Our speci- 

 men has been out for several years, and is equally hardy 

 as the Norway Spruce, but exceedingly like the A. obo- 

 vata in many leading characteristics. 



The timber furnished by this species resembles that of 

 the foregoing. 



7. A. Pattoniana, Jeffrey. PATTON'S GIANT SPRUCE. 

 Leaves, f- of an inch long, numerous, thinly scattered, 

 curved, triangular, light green color, and glaucous be- 

 neath. Branches, numerous, slender, somewhat drooping, 

 and covered with a dark, rough bark, and woolly pubes- 

 cence. Cones, 1 inch long, cylindrical or oblong, crowded, 



