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more inclined to bluish tints, in fact, some of the speci- 

 mens are decidedly blue, almost, if not quite as much so as 

 a good blue specimen of the Colorado Blue Spruce. They 

 certainly are better qualified to endure our bright, hot sun 

 and our dry western winds. This is perhaps due to the 

 fact that they have been grown there generation after gener- 

 ation and nature has gradually fitted them for their surround- 

 ings." Mr. Whiting also finds that "it is a little slower in 

 growth, more stocky and sturdy, the needles are larger, 

 stiffer and of a darker color, and that the tree is more com- 

 pact than the eastern White spruce. It is admirably equipped 

 for the western prairies, easily transplanted, and altogether, 

 it is very desirable for the general planter." 



Description of Varieties. 



South Dakota is as yet in the early stages of its horticul- 

 tural development; hence only a few of the many species 

 and varieties of conifers in cultivation have been tested in 

 this state. It will be well for Dakota planters to remember 

 in looking over nursery catalogues that a safe rule is not to 

 test evergreens native of regions with a much milder climate. 

 Planters will do well to confine their first plantings at least, 

 to the varieties recommended in the following list. The 

 general reader will understand that the botanical or Latin 

 names following the common names are necessary to a full 

 understanding as to what is meant, the common names vary- 

 ing widely in different, sections of the country, and of the 

 world. 



The Pines. 



The pines are the most important group of conifers includ- 

 ing over seventy species and six hundred varieties. About 

 forty species are native to North America. 



The pines have the needles arranged in sheaths from two 

 to five in a sheath. As a class they should be transplanted 

 in the early years of growth, as older specimens suffer from 



