486 Culture of Taxodium sempervirens. 



branches, which fall into wreaths, ahnost like the Norway- 

 spruce, or Cedar of Lebanon, spread about eight feet from 

 the stem, producing by its numerous ramifications, and the 

 dark green leaves with which it is loaded, one of the most 

 picturesque objects imaginable. The stem at the base meas- 

 ures one foot and six inches in circumference. 



The second, which was planted in common soil, is not 

 exactly so high ; its branches are nearer the main stem, and 

 the form or habit of the tree is more pyramidal, but the 

 effect of which is not less beautiful. 



If we consider attentively this tree, we easily recognize 

 that nature has given it every good quality to render it the 

 most valuable of all hardy trees. The great facility with 

 which it is propagated has enabled nurserymen to multiply 

 it in such large quantities, that, although it is of very re- 

 cent introduction, they are now supplied with an abundant 

 stock. 



The first ones which have been planted on lawns and 

 pleasure grounds, are so beautiful that they justify the haste 

 which nurserymen have taken in propagating this tree. 



For some time, seeing the rapidity of its growth, we feared 

 that it was not sufficiently hardy to resist our winters ; but 

 five years ago it grew in the open air, like all other hardy 

 evergreen trees ; besides, last spring we had 30° of frost, of 

 Fahrenheit ; at this time it had already began to grow, and 

 the sap in full circulation, which was a most favorable con- 

 dition to receive injury from frost ; nevertheless, none but a 

 few of the young shoots of the late autumn growth were 

 stricken, and a few buds already open, and only the young 

 plants in the nurseries, — large ones were saved. The young 

 shoots and buds which suffered were cut off, the adventi- 

 tious buds opened with great vigor, and now those, the ex- 

 tremities of which had suffered, are the most beautiful. We 

 can thus say that this splendid tree is perfectly hardy, and 

 grows with great rapidity. 



Angers, Sept. 15, 1850. 



