CONIFERiE. 67 



them are too small in stature and dimensions ever to be of any economic 

 value as timber trees in this country : two of them, however, we have 

 upon probation, which give fair promise of proving hereafter that they 

 deserve to be grown for their timber, Gigantea and Menziesii ; for 

 although their timber is somewhat soft in texture, yet it will be found 

 to be tolerably tough and durable. 



Thuja Antarctica : The Dwarf Antarctic. 



This is a small-sized quasi-species of the prototype ; a curious, 

 tufted, spreading bush, never exceeding a yard or two in height ; 

 tlioroughly hardy, and useful as an ornamental shrub. 



Thuja Gigantea : The Giant Arbor- Vitse. 



This is somewhat distinct, though related to its congeners, and 

 likewise to that arbor- vitse-like cypress Laiosoniana. It is the 

 " Noo-wy-as " (Cedar) of the North- West American Indians ; and the 

 natives of JS'ootka Sound make their cloaks from its inner bark ; which 

 are soft, pliable, comfortable, and waterproof ; its bark is also used in 

 making their mats, ropes, sails, and for other domestic purposes. 



It is found more or less plentiful on the north-west coast of 

 America, California, Columbia, and other parts, both in high and low 

 situations ; attaining heights of from forty to one hundred and forty 

 feet, with trunks from two to five feet in diameter. Its wood is fine- 

 grained, tough, porous, non-resinous, yet durable ; when young, white ; 

 when matured and seasoned, bright yellow in colour. 



It is thoroughly hardy, not fastidious as to soil, and no situation is 

 too exposed or cold for it ; but it is of somewhat moderate annual 

 growth. As a timber tree of the small-sized class it deserves to be 

 planted in more or less limited quantity on trial, and it may be safely 

 planted anj^where in Britain as an ornamental tree. 



Thuja Menziesii: Menzies' Arbor-Vitse. 



This is one of Douglas's good tilings which he discovered on the 

 north-west coast of America and California, growing to a height of 

 fifty feet, having long flexible branches, thickly clothed with laterals 

 well covered with foliage ; young trees of it in this country bid fair to 

 rival our common forest trees in their annual rate of growth; and 

 from its hardiness and accommodating nature it seems doing well 

 wherever planted in a healthy soil ; and it is undoubtedly the best 

 grower of aU the Arbor- Vities, and a fine graceful ornamental tree. 

 Though its timber be somewhat soft and porous when green, yet, I 

 tliink, from its texture, that when matured and seasoned it will be 

 tough and durable, and it well deserves to be planted upon trial as a 



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