828 A MANUAL OF THE CONlFERiE. 



Spruce ranks first, scarcely one dies, and in a short time the young 

 trees grow with great vigour and rapidity. Pinus Laricio comes 

 next, few die, and they grow with singular rapidity and strength. P. 

 austriaca grows well after the second year, but a larger proportion die 

 than with P. 'Laricio. The Scotch Fir grows well, but some die. 

 These four species are the best of the common sorts for block 

 planting, and may be thoroughly depended on. Cedrus atlantica and 

 C. deodara do very well, but the latter is apt to become pale and 

 yellowish where the soil is superficial. The colour of Abies Nord- 

 manniana degenerates, but A. pinsapo retains its rich deep green, 

 while its growth is more free and healthy. Thuia Lobbi and 

 Cupressus nutkaensis grow most luxuriantly, and the Wellingtonia is a 

 complete success." 



IV.— AVENUES. 



Avenues for approaches and carriage drives, and for vistas may 

 be formed with any of the larger Coniferous trees, but it is evident 

 from the form and outline assumed by them during the best period 

 of their growth, and also when they have attained their maturity, 

 that there are some incomparably superior to others in producing 

 stately and picturesque effect. Of such the following are among the 

 best that can be selected : — 



Wellingtonia gigantea 

 *Cedrus deodara 

 Araucaria imbricata 

 Abies nobilis 



,, Nordmanniana 



„ pinsapo 



„ concolor (lasiocarpa) 

 Cedrus atlantica 



,, Libani 

 Pinus austriaca 



„ pyrenaica 



Pinus excelsa 



„ Strobus 



„ monticola 

 Abies brachyphylla 



„ Douglasii 



„ orientalis 

 Thuia Lobbi (gigantea) 

 Thuiopsis dolabrata 

 Cupressus Lawsoniana 

 „ nutkaensis 



Libocedrus decurrens 



The above-named trees are symmetrical in habit, hardy in constitution, 

 and clothed with foliage of a distinct and pleasing colour. To secure 

 uniformity of growth throughout an avenue planted with any one of 

 these kinds, seedling plants of the same age should be selected and the 

 soil should be of the same constituents and of equal drainage. If 

 naturally good and well drained, it will be sufficient to break up the 

 soil to a good depth before setting the young plants ; but if it is chiefly 

 composed of sand or gravel, a, good supply of fibrous loam, mixed 



