rule, the best effects are obtained by associating it with evergreens of a less 

 spectacular color. When this is done, its striking characteristics will not appear 

 gaudy, but will harmonize with the other trees in the background in a pleasing 

 manner. 



ORIENTAL SPRUCE 



The oriental spruce (Picea orientalis) from Asia is one of the most delicate 

 and graceful of all spruces. It has about the same color as Norway spruce, 

 but with more slender branches and shorter leaves. It grows very slowly and 

 is well adapted for small grounds. 



SITKA SPRUCE 



Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) also known as tideland spruce, which is 

 of so great importance for aeroplane material because of its strength, elas- 

 ticity, straight grain and comparative freedom from hidden defects, was ex- 

 tensively logged during the recent war by the government through "spruce 

 regiments." It reaches its best development in Oregon and Washington, but 

 grows to some extent along the coast of northern California. 



Sitka spruce makes a striking ornamental tree with its dense rich blue or 

 sage foliage. From a distance some branches appear greenish, others silvery, 

 the variation in color forming beautiful contrasts. It attains a height of 100 

 to 150 feet under cultivation, although a height of 200 feet is not uncommon 

 in its native habitat. 



YEWS 



Yew (Taxus) reflects many aspects of early religious and social life. 

 Virgil knew its habits when he wrote "The vine loves the hills, the yew tree, 

 the north wind and the cold." 



The pagan people of antiquity in south Europe held the cypress in rever- 

 ence, and the yew was so regarded by the northern tribes. It was their cus- 

 tom to bury their dead around yew trees, and place yew branches beneath the 

 body in the grave, since the long life of the tree was regarded by them as a 

 symbol of immortality. Yew trees are still very common in the churchyards 

 of England. They have been described as sable, sombre, and gloomy in 

 many a book of prose and poetry. 



"Like the black and melancholy yew tree, 

 Dost think to root thyself in dead men's graves, 

 And yet to prosper?" 



T. Webster. 



(41 ) 



