122 HARDY COiTlI'EROUS TREES. 



dense, compact specimens, yet not stiffly so, as is the case 

 with many pigmy conifers. The affinity between the species 

 and this variety is readily recognised, but the foliage of the 

 latter is altogether thinner, and more flaccid, and of a much 

 h'ghter and more silvery-green than that of the parent. It 

 is a useful shrub for the rock-work or confined border, and the 

 silvery-tinted foliage makes the plant remarkable and pleasing. 



T. dolabrata varieg^ata is a praiseworthy variety, 

 and one that in point of vigour of growth surpasses the 

 parent, while at the same time it is far less inclined to form a 

 multiplicity of leading shoots. It is of upright growth, the 

 branches regularly arranged, and the branch tips clearly and 

 distinctly marked with a rich golden-yellow. 



T. gfig^antea, Nuttall. The Giant Arborvitae.' {Syno- 

 nyms : Thuya Lobbi of gardens; T, Menziesiiy Carriere ; 

 T. Craigiana of gardens.) Alaska to California, and Western 

 slopes of Montana. 185 1. A handsome and useful timber 

 tree in this country, and one that is perfectly hardy everywhere, 

 and of the freest growth. The quality of timber produced in 

 England warrants us in speaking highly of this conifer for 

 afforesting purposes, it being light, firm, and of good lasting 

 quality ; but it is well to remember that many worthless slow- 

 growing forms of the tree have of late years crept into circula- 

 tion. The tree, too, is very non-exacting as to the quality of 

 soil in which it is planted, and also succeeds well on 

 exposed ground. As an ornamental tree it likewise deserves 

 attention, the free growth and distinct shade of green which 

 pervades the foliage lending to it a peculiarly distinct and 

 pleasing appearance. The trunk is straight and of gradual 

 taper, the branches evenly distributed, long and lithe, and the 

 branchlets numerous and thickly supplied with dark green 

 foliage. The cones are small, about J of an inch long, oval in 

 shape, and generally produced plentifully on the upper sides 

 of the branches, where they stand almost erect. Usually the 



^ A monograph on The Giant Atborvita^ by the present writer, will be found 

 in the ** Transactions of the Royal Scottish Arboricultural Society," vol. xii., 

 part ii., 1889. 



