90 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



The Tiger's Tail Spruce (P. polita) is perhaps one of the most 

 picturesque of the spruces. The rigid branches and stiff leaves 

 give it a singular and interesting appearance. It is quite hardy 

 and does remarkably well at Rochester. 



Our native Black Spruce {P. Mariana) is not by any means to be 

 despised, although it is not held in favor by many planters. A 

 group of the Black Spruce in the Arnold Arboretum looks remark- 

 ably well and presents a decidedly picturesque appearance. 



The Red Spruce (P. ruhens), whilst hardy enough, presents a 

 sickly appearance and looks very unhappy, and with us seems to be 

 utterly unfitted for cultivation. 



The Norway Spruce (P. e.vcelsa) is more planted than any other 

 spruce, and better known, but we confess to have little respect for 

 it. There is so much of it to be seen around the country in a sickly, 

 decrepit condition that famiUarity with it in this way has bred 

 almost a feeling of contempt. The habit of the Norway Spruce 

 is coarse and conveys no aspect of refinement or picturesque beauty. 

 In a moist cool well-drained soil it grows rapidly, and where a quick 

 evergreen shelter belt or a protective hedge is wanted in a short 

 time, the Norway Spruce will perhaps fulfil those conditions 

 fairly well; but even in the best of conditions it will not endure 

 many years. There are numerous varieties of the Norway Spruce in 

 cultivation, but the best for gardening purposes are the different 

 dwarf forms which are quite interesting. 



The Douglas Spruce {Pseudotsuga mucronata), particularly the 

 hardier form which grows in the interior of the continent on the 

 higher altitudes, is a most beautiful evergreen and a most important 

 conifer for planting in ornamental grounds. The slender branches 

 give this tree a most graceful appearance. It is quite variable in 

 the color of its foliage, and varies from dark olive green to different 

 glaucous tints. In a moist cool soil it grows rapidly. 



The Hemlock spruces are a most beautiful genus of conifers, and 

 the common Hemlock Spruce {Tsuga Canadensis) is the most 

 important amongst them. The late JOsiah Hoopes, who wrote an 

 admirable treatise on conifers, said if he were restricted in his choice 

 to only one evergreen he would prefer a fine sjjecimen of the Hem- 

 lock S])ruce. The Hemlock, although a common native, will not 

 stand the sweep of cold wintls without serious injury. It should 



