CONIFERS. 55 



and south-west counties. Such particulars as we have 

 been able to collect relative to its hardiness are of a 

 very contradictory nature ; but as it is said there is a 

 variety in cultivation, which is much hardier than the 

 species, these apparently contradictory statements may 

 in a measure be reconciled. The variety alluded to is 

 A. b. Eidolfiana, which we here place as synonymous 

 with the species; and we shall be happy to receive 

 such information as will enable us to determine whether 

 such is a variety, and if it is hardier or not. 



ARAUCARIA IMBRICATA. Pavon. 



(Chili Pine.) 



STN. Dombeya chilensis. Lambert. 

 Araucaria chilensis. Mirbel. 



This very noble tree is now well known, and its 

 attractions appreciated by all. It is indigenous to 

 the mountains of Chili, where it is sometimes found 

 growing one hundred and fifty feet high ; but in very 

 elevated and exposed situations it is only a dwarf tree, 

 spreading its branches laterally rather than increasing 

 in height. "When young, its trunk is clothed with 

 whorls of branches from the ground, but in old trees it 

 is said to become naked* for three-fourths of its height. 

 Its deep green colour, highly ornamental and unique 



* The fact that many trees lose their lower branches, when crowded by 

 others, as they generally are in their native forests, must not be always 

 considered as a natural characteristic. It arises almost exclusively from 

 want of light ; and when the same kinds of trees are allowed to develope 

 themselves, unmolested by others, they retain their branches to the 

 ground, a fact of great importance where ornament alone is the object 

 sought. 



