Trees on McGill University Grounds. 429 



50. The Spruces. Abies. (Species.) 



We had originally no spruces on the grounds. The late 

 Major Campbell of St. Hilaire was kind enough to send a 

 car-load of young spruces to the College many years ago, 

 principally of the black spruce, A. nigra. They were 

 planted and grew well ; but those in the vicinity of the 

 cricket ground were all killed by the rough treatment they 

 received. A group around the lawn tennis shelter still 

 remains ; but the best were planted on the east side of 

 the grounds and have been destroyed. Mr. Gibb, at a later 

 date, presented young plants of the Norway spruce, one of 

 which remains. This species is finer in habit of growth 

 than those of our country and perfectly hardy. 



51. The Arbor Yitje. Thuya occidentalis. 



A few of these trees were planted in a clump in the cen- 

 tral part of the ground in 1856 and still remain. I trust 

 they will not require to be removed, as I am very desirous 

 to obtain a record of the rate of growth of this tree, which 

 seems to be extremely slow, a fact perhaps connected with 

 the very durable character of the wood. Our specimens 

 are only a few inches in diameter, while the elms and 

 maples planted at the same time are a foot or more, and 

 the spruces planted long after are twice their size. 



52. The Larch. Larix americana. L. 



Only a few specimens of the American larch were planted 

 on the grounds, and I believe all have been destroyed. A 

 fine specimen of the European larch still exists, but is too 

 near to an intended roadway to be permitted to survive. 

 The European larch is a finer and more compact tree than 

 ours, and with more pendulous branches and larger and 

 brighter coloured cones. It is perfectly hardy. The native 

 larch has in many places been destroyed by the ravages of 

 a cate pillar. 1 have not yet observed tnis to attack the 

 English spene>. 



