5 8 DECORATIVE PLANTS, TREES AND SHRUBS 



of its special seasonable use, which, we regret, is rapidly decreasing. 

 The two most handsome abies we have are " Glauca " and " Kos- 

 teri," or the blue spruce, the latter being a more intense blue than 

 the former. The variety " Clanbrassiliense " is, like " pygmea," a 

 dwarf, both of which are suitable for planting in a rockery. There is 

 also a blue form of Douglassi with glaucous blue foliage, and this 

 makes a very effective tree. " Canadensis," " Menziesii " and 

 " Parryana " are well known. The two dwarf varieties are propa- 

 gated from cuttings, most of the others either from seeds or from 

 cuttings. 



ARAUCARIA 



Araucaria imbricata (the monkey puzzle) is familiar to most 

 people, but a good specimen is the exception. As it grows it sheds 

 its foliage and its lower branches, more often than not because it is 

 planted in uncongenial soil or in a cold exposed position. Still it 

 remains b favourite, and the market nurseryman will do well to 

 raise a few every year from seed. 



CEDRUS 



There are two cedars we can include in our category, and those 

 are C. atlantica and C. deodara. The latter especially is held in 

 high esteem, its graceful drooping habit and symmetrical growth 

 making it a general favourite. " Atlantica " is an equally effective 

 cedar and is particularly hardy, and there is a glaucous form of it 

 which carries silvery-grey foliage. There is a lightness and elegance 

 about this very different to the " Libanus " type, and on lawns and 

 elsewhere, where ample space is afforded, they are among the most 

 handsome and ornamental of all trees. Grown from seed. 



CUPRESSUS LAWSONIANA (CYPRESS) 



There are a goodly number of varieties of this (see frontispiece), 

 perhaps the largest, section of purely ornamental conifers. The 

 type itself is known to all, and if one was seeking a beautiful and 

 useful conifer there would be little need to seek further for it. It is 

 probably the best seller of the whole bunch, because it is a quick 

 and symmetrical grower and is a by no means expensive bush. 

 Raised easily from seeds. 



