CHAP. Y. ORNAMENTAL TKEES, SHRUBS, ETC. 387 



are met with in the Calcutta Botanical Gardens. Specimens are 

 only to be obtained by importing them, as they are not capable 

 of being propagated in this country. 



PINACE^E. 



CONIFEES. 



Pinus. 



P, longifolia. A lofty tree, native of the hills, but succeeds 

 very well on the plains, where specimens of large size may 

 occasionally be seen. It is, however, not well suited to the 

 garden, taking up far too much room, and not being particularly 

 ornamental withal. Propagated from seed. 



Araucaria. 



A genus of exceedingly handsome trees ; superbly ornamental 

 when grown upon a lawn, where there is ample space for them. 

 Specimens of the undermentioned have at different times been 

 brought in Wardian cases to Calcutta, where they thrive well. 

 These possibly, in the course of time, may yield seed, and thus 

 afford the means of raising young plants, otherwise it seems 

 questionable whether plants will ever be obtained in this country 

 except by importation. For the seeds travel very badly, soon 

 losing 'their vitality; and propagation by cuttings, though 

 attended with complete success elsewhere, has, as far as I can 

 learn, been universally found to fail here. I subjoin, nevertheless, 

 the method of striking cuttings as described by M. Courtins : 



" Some species strike much more readily than others. A. Cun- 

 ninghamii most easily of any. Take cuttings of shoots half ripe, 

 about three inches long. Terminal shoots of side branches may be 

 used. Let them lie till somewhat dry, to allow the turpentine to 

 exude. 



" When they have grown a few inches, bend the plants gently 

 down towards the surface of the soil, and secure them in this posi- 

 tion by small pegs. This will induce them to break out at the 

 base. When the shoots which have thus pushed out have grown 

 to a few inches, and become somewhat strong, it will be necessary 

 to cut off the branch which was bent down, which may be used 

 again as a cutting. 



" This mode of treatment is applicable to all Conifers." 



2 c 2 



