174 THE BOOK OF EVEEGEEENS. 



verticillate. Cones, from 6 to 7 inches long, ovate-oblong ; 

 scales, light brown, oblong, entire, smooth, loosely imbri- 

 cated, and enclosing small, dark brown seeds, with yellow, 

 thin, membranaceous wings. 



This remarkably Beautiful tree, although thoroughly 

 tested for several years, does not, as far north as Philadel- 

 phia, yet give that satisfaction which many were at first 

 led to expect. Specimens on dry, gravelly subsoils succeed 

 very well, but where the soil is retentive of moisture, the 

 leading shoot is almost invariably killed. 



It is a native of Bhotan, China, Japan, etc., generally 

 frequenting the mountain districts, and forming even on 

 very high elevations magnificent specimens not unlike the 

 Norway Spruce in shape and character, but more graceful 

 in growth and delicate in color. On the Himalayas, at 

 elevations varying from 7,000 to 12,000 feet, it forms a 

 tree of from 100 to 150 feet in height, and from 18 to 20 

 feet in circumference. Capt. Hodgson measured the trunk 

 of one that was 169 feet in length. 



Ko one should attempt to introduce this tree unless ev- 

 ery care and attention can be bestowed upon it after 

 planting, having first selected a congenial spot. The 

 Himalayan Spruce is almost invariably found on the north- 

 ern declivities of the mountains in its native country, and 

 therefore requires either a partially shaded aspect or a 

 northern exposure. In the latter case, if a belt of ev- 

 ergreens or other protection be afforded it, fine specimens 

 may be obtained, but as it belongs to that class of uncer- 

 tain trees neither tender nor yet entirely hardy, care is ab- 

 solutely necessary to induce it to thrive properly. 



We know of no tree whatever that is more luxuriant 

 and beautiful in a proper situation, or, on the other hand, 

 a more dejected looking, pitiable sight in an improper 

 one, than the A. Smithiana. 



Having experimented with this species for a number of 

 years in several situations, we are of the opinion that when 



