436 



Coniferce A ra uca ria. 



tree is so distinct in habit and foliage as to preclude the possi- 

 bility of its being confounded with any other hardy species in 



this country. A. Brazi- 

 liana and A. Bidwillii 

 are allied tender species. 

 The former is from South 

 America, and will just 

 exist in one or two locali- 

 ties in England. The 

 other is an Australian 

 tree. The Chili Pine is 

 quite hardy only on well 

 drained soils. It was in- 

 troduced in 1796byMen- 

 zies, and there are now 

 many magnificent large 

 specimens in various 

 parts of this country. 

 Of the original specimens 

 that at Dropmore is the 

 rinest and largest, not a 

 bran cli being wanted to 

 complete its symmetry. 



There is a group of 

 Australasian species dif- 

 fering in their smaller 

 narrower foliage, and 

 more flexible branches. A. excelsa, the Norfolk Island Pine 

 (fig. 219), is one of the handsomest, but though too tender 

 for the open air in this country, it may frequently be seen in 

 conservatories or out of doors in Summer. In its native 

 country it often exceeds 200 feet in height. 



7. SEQTJOIA. 



Grigantic evergreen trees with linear distichous or needle- 

 shaped or scale-shaped and imbricated leaves and small solitary 

 terminal cones. Flowers monoecious ; males in globular stalked 

 catkins. Scales of the cones woody and persistent. Seeds 

 small winged, from 3 to 5 under each scale. There are but two 

 species described, both of which are in cultivation. The deri- 

 vation of the generic name is obscure, but it has been suggested 



Fig. 219. Araucaria excelsa. 



