(81 ) 

 PART 5— HEMLOCKS 



BEAUTIFUL SHADE-ENDURING EVERGREENS 



The collection of Hemlocks occupies a rather small area between 

 the railroad and drive on the west side of the Garden. The area 

 lies south of the 200th Street entrance and is a continuation of 

 the last section of the Firs adjacent to the Elevated Railroad 

 Approach (Map p. 57). 



The first four low bush}- spreading evergreens near the path on 

 the west side of the road are 



Tsuga canadensis var. pendula, the Weeping or Sargent's 



Hemlock 



This is one of the most graceful and pleasing of pendulous 

 conifers. It forms, generally, a flat-topped low broad mound of 

 remarkable beauty. It is extensively used and worthy of recom- 

 mendation. 



This handsome variety of our Canada Hemlock is of native and 

 natural origin. It was discovered about 1870 by General Joseph 

 Howland near the summit of Fishkill Mountain near Beacon City 

 on the Hudson River. Four plants were found and distributed to 

 a corresponding number of persons, including Professor Sargent, 

 whose name the plants now bear. One was retained by the dis- 

 coverer himself. In 1924 the two plants thus originally disposed 

 of were the only remaining living specimens of the original forms. 

 The plants in cultivation are grafts, which vary in habit and 

 appearance and have a less dense character than the originals, for 

 the}- tend to form an erect stem and are looser and more tufted 

 in habit. The remaining original of Professor Sargent is 6 feet 

 high, 23 feet through, and has a circumference of 70 feet. 



Other specimens of this handsome evergreen will be found at 

 several places in the Garden. One that is particularly attractive in 

 Spring, when the bright green new growth covers it, overhangs 

 the water in the fountain before the Museum Building. 



The isolated and more upright though small hemlock just north 

 of these weeping forms is 



