512 THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



the Scottish seat of Earl Stairs, is a showy, free-growing variety, 

 but less vigorous than the type. In spring the leaves are nearly 

 white, and as summer advances they gradually change to a pale 

 green hue ; a distinct and beautiful lawn tree. P. D. taxifolia 

 is a handsome variety, with rather short upright branches, the 

 branchlets being clothed with rich green leaves ; it is a sturdy 

 grower, and is suitable for positions where the lofty-growing type 

 would be inadmissible. 



Retinosporas. — See Cupressus. 



Sciadopitys vkrticillata (Umbrella or Parasol Pine). — 

 This is one of the handsomest and most distinct of Japanese 

 Conifers (Fig. 326). The first plant received in this country 

 came from Japan, in 1853, but it was so weakly that 

 it soon died. About eight years later a quantity of seeds 

 were sent to Messrs. . Veitch, of Chelsea, and these 

 germinated and grew into beautiful plants. In its .natural 

 habitat it grows to a height of 80ft., but in this country 

 few specimens are as yet above 20ft. high. It is thoroughly 

 hardy, but dislikes cold winds, especially . when growth is 

 tender. This species is somewhat slow in growth, and 

 delights in peaty soil, with which is incorporated a quantity 

 of leaf-mould. An eastern exposure should be avoided, but the 

 greatest drawback to its successful culture is a cold, wet, badly- 

 drained soil, as anything like stagnation at the roots is fatal to 

 it. As it does not transplant well, great care should be taken 

 in the preparation. A good ball of earth should be attached 

 to the roots, and the latter protected from drying winds by 

 placing mats or similar material round the ball. After planting 

 is completed, water should be given to settle the soil about the 

 roots, and an occasional damping overhead will induce healthy 

 growth. A yearly top-dressing of leaf-mould will increase the 

 vigour of the plants. £. verticillata is well adapted for planting 

 as single specimens on the lawn, and is serviceable for all kinds 

 of decorative work. It forms a bold, symmetrical specimen, with 

 horizontal, spreading branches, and long, narrow, leathery leaves of 

 the deepest green, produced in whorls of from thirty to forty at 

 the tips of the growths, and bearing some resemblance to an 

 open umbrella; hence the popular name. 



Sequoia [Wellingtonia) gigantea. — This, the tallest tree suit- 

 able for outdoor culture in these isles, has become well known, 

 and bears the appropriate name of Mammoth Tree, on account of 

 the great size which it attains. The Californian Wellingtonia forests 

 are amongst the most imposing in the world. There S. gigantea 

 towers to a height of upwards of 360ft. It is a handsome tree 

 for the park, and delights in a good deep loam, thoroughly well 

 drained, and in a situation open yet shielded from piercing winds 

 and spring frosts. S. gigantea never makes satisfactory progress 



