CONIFERS FOE THE PAKE. 323 



cumstances and the purposes for which they are planted. In woods and 

 plantations they are " top-dressed " by Nature's own processes — the fall 

 of the leaf, the droppings of birds and other animals, &c. But when 

 they are planted for the decoration of the lawn and pleasure-ground, 

 these natural top-dressings are frequently, if not constantly removed 

 before they are in a condition to afford nutriment to the trees around 

 and under which they lie. And not only so, the surface of the ground 

 above the roots is usually covered with close cut turf which assimilates 

 to itself all, or by far the greater portion of, the nutritive ingredients 

 of the surface soil, and at the same time renders it impervious to sun 

 and air. In these cases top-dressings may be applied with advantage. 

 " The best and safest of all top-dressings is one composed of turfy- 

 loam from the surface of an old pasture, laid up to rot for two years 

 before it is used. It is better to add nothing to it; some are fond 

 of leaf-mould, and, at first sight, one might suppose that Nature's own 

 top-dressing must be best. But it must be borne in mind that the 

 quality of leaf-mould is very much modified by the mode of preparation, 

 and Nature's method is not exactly ours. It is also most certain that, 

 as we make and use it, it is generally more fertile of fungus than of 

 root food, and these are always injurious to the roots of trees. 



" The loam is cleaner, and in all respects better. It is also far more 

 potent as well as the more durable food. Experience is altogether in 

 favour of it, but one great difficulty is, it cannot always be had. In 

 this case, the soil out of an arable field or kitchen-garden proves a good 

 substitute for the loam. Four inches may be accepted as a useful safe 

 average for depth of top-dressing. November is the best month for 

 removing turf, where the roots are covered with it, and for applying 

 top-dressing; but if the verdure under the trees is not considered 

 indispensable, April or May would be best."* 



The Growth and well-being of Coniferse are greatly influenced by the 

 annual rainfall of the district in which they are situated (see page 12). 

 It is thence self-evident that in dry seasons, as well as on naturally 

 dry soils, the occasional soaking of the roots with pure water is bene- 

 ficial. 



II.— THE PAEK. 



All the larger Coniferous trees are appropriate subjects for Park 

 scenery; but when a selection is desirable, it may be made from 

 the following kinds : — 



N.B.— The names in this and most of the lists that follow are 



* Mr. D. T. Fish, in Journal of Forestry for July, 1880 in which the subject is treated 

 in hkTusual thoroughly practical and efficient manner. It is with much satisfaction that 

 we find Mr. Fish's Experience and suggestions in perfect accord with our own. 



