216 THE BOOK OF EVERGREENS. 



oval, sessile; with entire, broad, rounded scales; and 

 small bracts. Seeds, soft and angular. Cotyledons, 7. 



A very striking and beautiful tree from the mountains 

 of Spain, where it constitutes large forests, and especially 

 in portions of the Sierra de la Nieve, at an elevation of 

 from 4,000 to 6,000 feet, and growing from 60 to 70 feet 

 in height. 



Although we are not prepared to accord to this tree the 

 title of " perfectly hardy," as described in Sargent's edi- 

 tion of Downing's Landscape Gardening, yet we can say 

 it will succeed in many sheltered situations, if in favorable 

 soil. We know that it has failed frequently in the neigh- 

 borhood of Philadelphia and elsewhere, but we presume 

 from the effects of a heavy soil and imperfect drainage. 

 In our vicinity there are two or three fine plants, that, 

 except being a little injured in a severe winter a few years 

 since, have succceeded splendidly, and we trust that in 

 favorable localities it may prove satisfactory. It never- 

 theless belongs to the class of trees that are uncertain in 

 particular soils and situations. We are pleased to hear, 

 however, that it proves so fine at Woodenethe, where 

 there is a plant 10 feet high, and perfect in its proportions, 

 showing conclusively the effect of good soil and careful 

 cultivation. 



In its native haunts, this species is frequently found near 

 the summits of the tallest mountains, where the snow 

 occasionally lies four or five months in the year, but when 

 in such situations, chiefly on the northern exposures. The 

 timber resembles that of the Common Silver Fir, and 

 abounds in resin. 



Var, Yariegata, Hort. Is described by Gordon as hav- 

 ing a portion of the leaves and smaller shoots of a pale 

 yellow or straw color, intermixed with the ordinary ones. 



37. A. WcbMana, Lindley. WEBB'S PURPLE-CONED SIL- 

 VER FIR. Syn. A. spectabilis, Spach ; Picea Webbiana, 



