LARCH CONES 149 
expressive language—so far only, in deference to 
timidity we hasten to explain, as pertains to their 
drawing-up conditions for classification according to 
weight. In that case we should like to suggest 
arranging these trees, as do the managers of such 
scenic effects above referred to, into three classes, 
according to weight and size, and label them heavy, 
middle, and feather or bantam. In the heavy-weight 
division, as bearing the largest-sized cones, we place 
first the Larix Griffithii, and as his proxime accessit 
the P. L. Kemferi. Among the middle weights, 
and defining them as averaging in length from 1 in. 
to 14 in., we place the L. Europea, L. Leptolepis, the 
ex-Dahurian (now called Pendula), the Sibirica, 
Lyalli, and Occidentalis, whose cones scale in weight 
the lightest of this lot, while those of the Japanese, 
with their self-evident reflexed -scales, are the most 
rotund and tubbiest of shape. The bract manifesta- 
tions and the light they shed on the scene we have 
already discussed, in reference especially to the Occi- 
dentalis and Lyalli. Of the remaining three of these 
Larch trees so classified—namely, the European, 
Pendula, and Sibirica—their cones are of such apparent 
sameness that their differentiation becomes a puzzle, 
which Lord Dundreary might have reasonably in- 
cluded as among those problems which “ no fellah 
could understand.” 
We had almost overlooked the bantams. They 
are represented in the competition by the Tamarac 
and Kurile Larches, and the tininess of their cones 
eases the situation for identifiers as far as they are 
concerned. 
Finally, on this question it may be said that Larch 
trees are.more obliging in their ways and means of 
dispensing information to those who seek it, by dis- 
plays of cones, than are most others of their coniferous 
kith and kin. Asarule their fruits are very forthcoming. 
Ir 
