KVKIKJKEEN THEES. 31 



These three magnificent firs have a monntaiu liabitat and it is 

 too early to speak decisively of their fitness for onr climate, Imt 

 they are eminenth' worthy of careful trial. 



The Douglas Fir {P.-iewJotsuga Douglasii) or false Hemlock is 

 another giant of the northwest, being a principal tree of the vast 

 forests of British Columbia, and attaining a height of two hundred 

 and even three hundred feet. It has had extended trial and may 

 be pronounced hardj^ and decidedly ornamental, when planted in a 

 moderately dry soil. The type from Colorado has never suffered 

 from the winter with me. 



I am not aware wjiat trial has been made with Tsuga Alberticuia. 

 the Hemlock of British Columbia. The type is distinguished from 

 our common Hemlock only by its more robust and rapid growth and 

 spreading branches. It succeeds well in England, and coming 

 from such northern limits it is reasonable to hope it will prove 

 more hardy and desirable than T. Canadensis. 



Of the family known as Spruces, now classed as Piceas, decidedly 

 the most promising recent introduction is Picea puvgens. It has 

 also been known as P. Eiigelmanni and P. Parryana. It has a 

 wide habitat, extending from New Mexico to the head waters of 

 the Columbia Eiver, its Colorado ty^pe being found to be perfectly 

 hardy and suited to our climate. Its growth is stiff, very thickly 

 covered with rigid, very sharp pointed leaves, from which it 

 derives its name. It varies considerably in color from deep green 

 to steel blue, or lightest silver. Its remarkable color and regular 

 outline render it one of the best of conifers for the lawn. Fine 

 specimens of this tree ma}'^ be seen at the Arnold Arboretum, and 

 also on the estates of Professor Sargent and Mr. Huuuewell. 



Menzies's Spruce {Picea Menziesii) is a tree somewhat similar to 

 the last, though less in degree of characteristics. It deserves a 

 place in a collection. 



The Oriental Spruce ( Picea orientnlis) of the Caucasian region is 

 quite hardy with us, its foliage being of a bright, gloss}^ green and 

 its slender branelilets giving it a distinct pointed outline. 



Of the Pine family I will mention only the Corean pine (Pinus 

 Koraiensis) as being specially useful for decoration. It has long, 

 glossy green foliage, silvery within ; its habit is compact, divid- 

 ing into numerous branches when altout twelve or fifteen feet high, 

 rendering it most suitable for positions where taller varieties would 

 be undesirable. 



