322 A MANUAL OF THE CONIFERS. 



Conifers thrive in well-drained, but not in too dry, soils. There are a 

 few exceptions to be hereafter specified. 



Many of the Silver Firs, although occurring in lower latitudes than 

 the Spruces and some of the Pines, have to endure in their native 

 country, from accidents of situation, a longer and more severe winter 

 and also a hotter summer than in England. Most of these in a mild 

 season, are prone to start into growth early, and are thence liable to 

 injury, often of a permanent kind, by late spring frosts. A rather 

 exposed situation is best for these, such as a north-west aspect, but at 

 the same time protected from north-east and easterly winds. The Hima- 

 layan Abies, several of the finest Californian species, and those from 

 south-eastern Europe and Asia Minor frequently suffer from the inequality 

 of our climate compared with that of their habitats. 



Those Conifers whose habitat is in close proximity to the ocean, as 

 some of the Californian, the Japanese, and South European species, 

 require protection from north, north-east, and east, either by a screen 

 of deciduous trees, or • by a belt of the hardy European and common 

 North American Conifers. A loamy soil, moist and deep, is the most 

 suitable for them. 



Nearly all the Cypress tribe, with the exception of the Thuias and 

 some of the Junipers, are natives of countries having a higher mean 

 temperature than Great Britain. They are liable to injury by piercing 

 north-east and easterly winds, from which they should be protected. 

 The true Cypresses, (Cupresstis Lmvsoniana, and G. nutkaensis with their 

 varieties excepted), the Libocedri of Chili and New Zealand, the 

 Athrotaxes, and some others, must always have sheltered situations, 

 or such as escape the worst effects of the severe frosts that occur at 

 intervals in this country. 



The lower branches and foliage of Conifers soon die and fall off 

 when they are in contact with other trees or objects, or with each 

 other. No Coniferous tree or shrub retains a symmetrical form unless 

 it is in a situation where the air can circulate freely on all sides of it. 

 To secure good specimens, in addition to the conditions stated in the 

 preceding paragraphs, it is indispensable that a sufficient space should 

 be allowed to each tree or shrub to admit of a free circulation of air 

 around it. The lengths attained by the lower branches of some of the 

 finest specimens of the most important ornamental Conifers cultivated 

 in Great Britain, are given in the notes following the descriptions; 

 from these dimensions the minimum of space Jo be allowed for each 

 can be deduced. 



No Coniferous tree or shrub thrives or lives long under the influence 

 of the smoke of large towns. The common Yew and the Chinese Arbor 

 Vitse appear to possess the greatest power of endurance of a smoky 

 atmosphere, but these eventually succumb. 



The further cultural aids to Coniferae depend much upon local cir- 



