■32 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



The Umbrella Pine of Japau, as it is commonly called {Scia- 

 dopitys verticiUata) , is the most distinct of all the additions to our 

 list of hardy conifers. It is remarkable not less for its form and 

 habit than for the length and color of its leaves, which spread out 

 like the ribs of a parasol. It has gained in reputation for hardi- 

 ness, especially if somewhat sheltered, and since its effect is so 

 distinct and excellent it will douljtless become very popular. Its 

 habitat is limited to a mountain in the Island of Nippon. l)ut it is 

 being cultivated and distributed 1»y the Japanese, as also in Europe 

 flud in this country. 



To the Japanese we are also indebted for the introduction of the 

 fainily of Retinosporas. This has now come to be a numerous 

 and important class, owing to the many garden sports from the 

 two original Japanese forms, obtusa and pisiferu. Most of these 

 are quite hardy in a moist and not too exposed situation. They 

 are of moderate size, or low growing, with the exception oi obtuau 

 and 2}isiftra, and since they give great variety in color and form they 

 are much in use for garden work. We have the graceful, pendu- 

 lous growth of Jilifera ; the soft, silvery dew of squarrusn ; the rich 

 green of plumosa; and the bright, golden colors of obtusa aurea 

 and pisifera aurea. For decorative purposes they are important 

 acquisitions. 



From the same prolific source, the Islands of Japan, we have 

 received the Thujopsis dulabrata, a beautiful tree, resembling the 

 Thujas, as its name implies, with short, thick, imbricated leaves, 

 dark green above and glaucous beneath. It forms a conical tree 

 from fort}' to fifty feet high, with extending pendulous branches 

 sweeping to the ground. Though not generally distributed, it has 

 proved hardy in several exposures and it well deserves extended 

 trial. 



Of the Junipers we may mention Cracovia as a desirable, 

 hardy, erect, rol)ust variety of Juniperus coniviunis, and also J. 

 Virginiana glauca as specially fine in color and form. 



"Without dwelling longer ui)on the list of varieties let us pass to 

 consider some points in culture. First of all I wish to speak of 

 the 



Time fok Planting. — The impression prevails that there is more 

 risk of loss in transplanting evergreen trees than deciduous trees. 

 This is undoubtedly true when trees of considerable size are taken. 

 The verv name indicates that these trees are ahvavs in full leaf. 



