KVEHGKEEX TIJEES. 29 



Our Pitch Pine {Plnns rigida), though veiy luudy and free- 

 growino", is scarcely deserving a i)lace in cultivation, in comparison 

 Avith better varieties. 



Our native Hemlock, Tanga (Abies) Caiiadeyisis, when planted in 

 exposed positions is very apt to suffer from the winter winds. If 

 it were a recently introducetl novelty it would be pronounced one 

 of the most graceful and beautiful of conifers, but too tender for 

 ordinary positions. Yet it is in fact one of the commonest 

 timber- trees of New P^ngland and Canada. This shows to what a 

 degree hardiness depends upon proper conditions and how careful 

 we should Ije to make sure that these conditions are complied with, 

 before we pronounce judgment upon the question of hardiness. 



Of the Silver Fir tribe, now classed as Abies, {Sapini of Veitch) 

 the native Balsam Fir is the only variety which may be said to be 

 common in New England. Young specimens are very beautiful, 

 especially in the northern sections of its growth. But it is sub- 

 ject to diseases in this vicinity, is short-lived, and must give place 

 to much more desirable varieties of this class of Silver Firs, of 

 receut introduction. A dAvarf Balsam Fir, named Hudsonica by 

 Dr. Engelmann, is found in the White Mountain region and in 

 Maine, which is quite prostrate in growth, and roots from its 

 branches like the prostrate Juniper. 



The various forms of the Arl)or Vitse {Thuja occidenta lis) are 

 in frequent use and are essential in all collections. The so-called 

 Siberian variety is given by Veitch as Thuja plicatu, coming from 

 the ueighl)orhood of Nootka Sound and Siberia. Hoopes, how- 

 ever, quoting from '' Gordon's Pinetum " considers it as having 

 originated at Ware's Coventry nursery and therefore to be called 

 T. Warea)ia. In the latter case it is to be regarded as but a fixed 

 variation from T. occidentalism differing mainly in hardiness and 

 -compactness of growth, qualities wliich make it very desirable for 

 many purposes. 



The Savin {Juiii2)erus Virginiana)^ varying much in form, color, 

 and habit of growth in different seedlings and often very attrac- 

 tive, will complete the list of conifers in common use up to a 

 comparatively recent date. 



I will now mention some of the more desirable additions which 

 have been made within the past feAV years, without any attempt at 

 a complete list, and will then pass to consider a few points in 

 culture, which I deem to be important. 



