THE CYPRESS SUB-FAMILY. 273 



form, almost equalling the Irish Juniper, and again spread- 

 ing and straggling in a very unsymmetrical manner. We 

 have also noticed specimens with horizontal branches, in 

 which the outline of the plant was spherical ; but this 

 latter form is not of frequent occurrence. 



Gin receives its flavor from the drupe-like berries of this 

 species, and the oil extracted from them is also used in 

 medicine. 



Var, Alpina, Linn. Syn. J. Canadensis, Loddiges ; J. 

 communis depressa, Pursh / var. Canadensis, London. 

 This is a creeping or rather a low spreading plant, extending 

 along the surface of the ground often to the distance of 7 

 or 8 feet, in every direction. The extremities of the 

 branches are usually ascending, but rarely to a greater 

 height than three feet. The foliage is very handsome, and 

 presents an agreeable contrast to the darker hues of J. 

 prostrata when growing near each other, as they are fre- 

 quently placed in ornamental grounds. 



It is principally found along the lakes on our northern 

 boundary, and is more or less common throughout Canada 

 and farther north. 



For ornamenting rock-work, this plant is well adapted ; 

 its creeping habit, united with a strong, vigorous growth, 

 making it particularly useful in such situations. We have 

 seen an artificial rockery covered with this plant and the 

 J. prostrata^ which we considered the most charming 

 feature in the collection where it was grown. 



Specimens of this variety when growing wild are often 

 remarkably beautiful; and this is particularly the case 

 along the Niagara River. 



On Goat Island, as well as on the opposite shore, this 

 hardy little plant flourishes amid the spray, and enlivens 

 the winter landscape by its peculiar silvery tints. 



Var, Uibernica, Loddiges. IRISH JUNIPER. This is 

 decidedly the most distinct and beautiful of all the van- 

 12* 



