CONIFERS 
ConiFERous trees and shrubs include many kinds that 
possess much beauty ; and when arranged with regard to 
their fitness for the positions assigned them they add 
much to the attractions of the pleasure grounds. Not- 
withstanding their distinctive characters and handsome 
appearance they must be planted sparingly in gardens of 
limited dimensions. They are for the most part formal 
in growth, many are sombre in colouring and a consider- 
able proportion require a comparatively large space for 
their full development. Conifers are also peculiar in 
their requirements and will not thrive where the soil or 
atmosphere is exceptionally dry, or where the soil is 
cold and wet. When the conditions are not favourable 
to their growth they become unhealthy and thin, and 
when in that state they present a most unsatisfactory 
appearance. No conifers are able to withstand the dele- 
terious effects of a smoke contaminated {atmosphere and 
therefore they are quite unsuited for planting in town 
gardens or in gardens of the suburbs of large towns. 
Generally speaking the larger growing kinds should 
be planted singly and in positions where they will have 
space for the development of their distinctive character- 
istics. Those of moderate growth may be planted 
singly or in groups, but in the latter they should be 
arranged far enough apart in each group to allow them 
to attain a considerable size before becoming over- 
crowded. Greater interest will be given to the groups 
when they are formed with several species and varieties 
closely allied to each other and agreeing more los 
