slowly but eventually becomes a large tree. The branches are wide spreading 

 and the foliage rich and lustrous, dark-green above and silvery underneath. 

 This is one of the best firs for ornamental purposes, since it is hardy and 

 retains its fine form for a long period. 



SPANISH FIR 



Spanish fir (Abies pinsapo) is a small tree which is of interest because 

 of its rigid, acute leaves which entirely surround the branchlets. It is planted 

 chiefly as a specimen tree, and is best adapted to a warm climate. 



SILVER FIR 



The European silver fir (Abies pectinata) reaches a height of 150 feet in its 

 native haunts. It towers far above its companions of the woodlands, which 

 led Hood to say : 



&quot;I remember, I remember, 

 The fir trees tall and high, 

 I used to think their slender spires 

 Were close against the sky.&quot; 



This silver fir does well in California, particularly in Berkeley, where it 

 forms a dignified ornamental tree. It resembles Nordman s fir except that it 

 has shorter leaves and usually more open growth. The needles are dark, glossy 

 green above and silvery beneath. 



GINKGO 



The ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) often called the maidenhair tree because of 

 the resemblance of its foliage to that of the maidenhair fern, is a native of 

 China and Japan. The ginkgo was introduced into this country not many 

 years ago from England. It is a remnant of a widely represented genus of 

 ancient times, and has been preserved for ages about the temples of the 

 Orient. 



There is a ginkgo standing in a courtyard of a monastery in the vicinity 

 of Peking which is said to have been planted by Emperor Yung Lo (1360- 

 1424). The Chinese name, Pai-kuo-shu (white- fruited tree) is derived from 

 the appearance of the fruit. 



The tree is a botanical curiosity, for although it is classed with the cone- 

 bearing trees, it bears fleshy fruit instead of cones and broad, fan-shaped 



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