ON TREES AND SHRUBS. 



5°9 



America, grows vigorously in cool moist soil. It is distinct and 

 very handsome. Its leaves are pale green with silvery lines 

 beneath. P. sylvestris (Scotch Fir) is a handsome, very hardy Fir, 

 too well known to need more than passing reference. It thrives 

 on all soils, is of rapid growth, and very cheap. P. s. aurea 

 (Golden Scotch Fir) is very attractive, especially in winter ; it is a 

 slow-growing variety, and although its leaves are usually of a 

 pale green shade in summer, they assume a rich yellow in winter, 

 at which season it is 

 unquestionably the bright- 

 est of golden - coloured 

 Conifers. An open situ- 

 ation should be afforded it, 

 and a dry rather than a 

 moist soil suits it best. 

 P. s. fastigiata (Fig. 324) 

 is conspicuous for its 

 Lombardy Poplar - like 

 habit, and is worthy of 

 recognition. P. s. globosa 

 is a small, very compact; 

 much-branched tree, with 

 glaucous leaves, distinct, 

 and very slow in growth. 

 P. Thunbergi is a Japanese 

 species, and rather rare 

 in this country. It is a 

 vigorous grower, with short, 

 stout branches, and stiff 

 deep green leaves ; it pre- 

 fers a sheltered situation. 

 P. T. variegata differs from 

 the type in the lower 

 portion of its leaves being 

 marked with yellow, a 

 constant colour which im- 

 parts a distinct appearance 

 to the tree. 



Podocarpus. — This is 

 a large genus, scattered over Australia, China, Japan, Africa, &c. 

 The majority of the species are, however, not sufficiently hardy 

 to withstand the open air in this country. They succeed best 

 in a moist, loamy soil, but water should not become stagnant 

 at the roots. A position screened from east winds should, if 

 possible, be selected. Those species here mentioned are the 

 hardiest and most serviceable for the garden. 



P. alpina, a Tasmanian shrub of humble growth, is very 

 rare in this country, even in good collections of Conifers. Its 



Fig. 323. — Pinus Pinea. 



