II 



AMERICAN CONIFERS 



AMERICAN SILVER FIRS - - ABIES 



The germination of the American firs runs very nearly on the 

 same lines as that of the European species; some germinate easily, 

 others such as Abies magnifica slowly and with difficulty, 

 like Abies Nordmanniana, showing but seldom their real value in 

 germinating tests. 



The species with comparatively small seeds, A. balsamea and 

 and A. subalpina, both belonging to the Balsam Fir group, as well 

 as A. arizonica and A. concolor from the Rocky Mountains, ger- 

 minate easily. 



The handsome, quick growing and valuable A. grandis would 

 germinate much better than it does, if only the Americans would 

 not continue to damage the seeds by a too violent removal of 

 the wings. I have tried for years to get this improper practice 

 discontinued, but hitherto without success. In future I shall try 

 to obtain the seed in an uncleaned condition and have the wings 

 removed here. 



Sometimes, however, the low practical value of this seed is 

 not a consequence of the manner in which the wings have been 

 removed, but must be attributed to other causes, unknown to me. 

 As a matter of fact, the mean real value of 13 samples, as appears 

 from the Table on page 68, only amounts to 17.4 %; the highest ger- 

 minating capacity 74, the lowest 4.7. Moreover it is a fact proved 

 by experience, and one that cannot be too strongly emphasised, 



