NOTICES OF COLLECTIONS OF CONIFERS. 417 



the writer speaks most eloquently of the pines and firs em- 

 braced therein. 



One of the oldest private arboretums in this country 

 that has been enriched with the introductions of latter 

 years, is the fine collection planted by the late John Evans, 

 in Radnor Township, Delaware Co., Pa. This place, al- 

 though unadorned by any artificial arrangements, and ex- 

 ecuted with a total disregard of the rules of landscape- 

 gardening, is, notwithstanding, one of the most picturesque 

 and natural spots we have ever beheld. The hilly slope 

 is ornamented by masses and solitary specimens of Coni- 

 fers ; the drooping branches of the Douglas' Spruce being 

 relieved by the rigid form of almost innumerable pines, 

 whilst the dark sombre hue of the former contrasts charm- 

 ingly with the lighter verdure of the latter. 



Along the little valleys and bordering the streams, are 

 placed Hemlocks and Pichta Fir, with numerous other 

 Conifers that prefer a moist locality ; and in the sheltered 

 nooks and warmer corners, the rare and doubtful Cunning- 

 hamias and Cryptomerias grow with vigor. In this col- 

 lection we would enumerate as being particularly fine, one 

 of the best specimens of the Abies Douglasii to be found 

 in the Eastern States. It is now about 25 feet high, and, 

 with one exception, when the leading shoot was destroyed, 

 this tree has grown as luxuriantly as its brethren on the 

 Pacific coast. The richness of the foliage, the play of 

 light and shadow as the branches wave and tremble in 

 the passing breeze, the graceful pendent boughs, and the 

 unusually majestic appearance of the tree, cannot but 

 excite admiration. 



Another excellent plant in this collection, and doubt- 

 less the best in the States, is a large Abies Pichta 

 about 15 feet high. This specimen is regularly conical in 

 form, and as dense and compact as any Conifer we have 

 ever seen. The color of the foliage is of that peculiar hue 

 which, seen in a strong light, displays a rich glaucousness ; 

 18* 



