GENUS ABIES. 19 



growth, and is so far the most rapid grower of the Japanese 

 species. In several ways it is a very desirable conifer, the 

 small grass-green foliage, with two silvery lines on the 

 under sides, and well-branched trunk, rendering it very dis- 

 tinct and pleasing. The tree is usually slender in outline, 

 the branches short and irregularly disposed, and the leaves, 

 some of which are bifid at the tips, fully three-fourths of an 

 inch long. The cones, which have been produced in this 

 country, are about 3 inches in length, oval-shaped, and with the 

 acuminate bracts projecting beyond and bent downwards over 

 the scales. It has been found perfectly hardy in several parts 

 of the country, and is truly an Alpine species of rare beauty, 

 and that is yet destined to an exalted place in our parks and 

 woods. Specimens planted under favourable conditions have 

 attained to a height of 10 feet in ten years, the branch spread 

 being fully as much as the height. 



A. Webbiana, Lindley. Webb's Silver Fir. {Syno- 

 nyms: Picea Webbiana, Loudon; Abies chiloensis of gardens.) 

 Eastern Himalayas. 1822. This is one of the handsomest 

 denizens of the Himalayan forests ; but, unfortunately, it is 

 not well suited for the climate of this country, being what is 

 usually termed "spring tender." By careful choice of soil 

 and situation, many fine specimens have, however, been reared, 

 principally in seaside parts of the country, and these have 

 amply rewarded the trouble taken to suit their particular 

 wants by their stately grandeur and distinct appearance. The 

 leaves are deep glossy green above, with two broad and very 

 conspicuous silvery bands beneath, very variable in size and 

 arrangement, usually bifid, and about 2 inches long. The cones 

 before becoming ripe, and when they have attained to full 

 size, are highly ornamental, and remarkably weighty, from the 

 great quantity of resin they contain. They are about 7 inches 

 long, of a deep purple colour, and generally several occur on 

 the same branch; indeed, what with their number and weight, 

 I have more than once seen large branches broken from off the 

 trees. So strikingly different in general appearance is this tree 

 that no mistake can ever occur in confusing it with any other 



