The Torreyas: The Ginkgo. 



315 



tree, growing to the height of from 50 to 80 feet, with a thin and 

 rather light yellowish green foliage, much resembling the common 

 yew of the Atlantic States in its blossom and fruit, but with 

 shorter leaves, and an upright habit. This tree occurs on Van- 

 couver's Island and the main shore opposite, in British Columbia, 

 sometimes reaching a diameter of two feet. It is found southward 

 across the whole Pacific coast, to or near the Mexican line. The 

 wood of this tree is very tough, hard, and of beautiful rose color, 

 and is used for various ornamental purposes. It was formerly used 

 by the Indians in making bows, spear-handles, fish-hooks, etc. 



1289. The Edeopean Yew {Taxus bmcata). This is readily cul- 

 tivated for ornament, and there are many varieties. The " Irish 

 juniper," one or these, has a tall, narrow growth. Other varieties 

 form excellent screens in ornamental planting. 



The Califoenia Nutmeg Teee {Torreya Calif omicd). 



1290. This is a rare tree, growing along the Coast Range and the 

 Sierras, to the height 

 of from 50 to 75 feet, 

 and closely resem- 

 bling the yew in its 

 foliage and general 

 appearance. It de- 

 rives its name from 

 the fruit, which has 

 the texture and ap- 



eparance of a nut- 153. The Fruit and Leaf o£ the Torreya Cali/omica. 



meg, but is strongly charged with turpentine, and of no available 



use. 



1291. Another species, the "stinking yew" (T. taxifolia), occurs 

 within a narrow range in North-western Florida, where it is a small 

 tree of from twenty to forty feet in height. It derives its name 

 from the foetid odor of the leaves when bruised. 



The Ginkgo (Salkhurm adiarttijblia). 



1292. This remarkable " conifer " is introduced from China and 

 Japan, and is easily cultivated. Although belonging to the coni- 

 fers, its single seed is imbedded in a pulp ; although associated with 

 the evergreens, it sheds its leaves promptly in autumn, and it has 



