56 THE PRACTICAL PLANTER. 



they are chiefly distinguished. Some reckon 

 a third variety, namely, the Red, and from 

 the same circumstance, the colour of the 

 cone. 



This tree, in America, arrives to great 

 magnitude, and produces that vast store of 

 masts and spars exported thence to Europe. 

 Of this tree they also construct many ships 

 of great burthen. But, in this country, the 

 Larch far excels it in any situation, and, as 

 timber, is more valuable for this and all 

 other purposes. 



It becomes a fine ornamental detached tree 

 on good soil, if allowed room to branch in its 

 youth, and while nursing; but at the same 

 time it requires shelter. 



THE SILVER FIR 



Grows most luxuriantly in deep, loamy 

 earth ; but there its wood is soft and spongy. 

 It will thrive on bleak exposures, and thin 

 gravelly or sandy soil. But that in which 

 we may expect its timber in highest perfec- 

 tion, is a sandy loam, lying on a gravelly 

 sub-soil or dry rock. 



On the mountains of Switzerland, it is said 



