of the Coniferee in Canada. 211 
ing on all sides from acommon centre. Grows along the banks 
of the St Lawrence on both sides from Quebec downwards. 
On the plains of Abraham a single specimen is found. Up- 
wards it is not met with till we reach the Falls of Chaudiére 
in Hull, where a few specimens exist.* Foliage, ight olive; 
berries blue, possessing the properties of the juniper berries 
of the North of Europe. 
Juniperus virginiana (Red Cedar).—A se tree growing 
along the shores of the Upper Lakes. It appears to dread the 
severe climate of Lower Canada, for, with the exception of a 
few specimens at the Falls of the Chaudiére in Hull, it is not 
found in this section of the province in the shape of a tree; 
but a variety with a dwarf prostrate habit grows on the rocks 
on both shores of the St Lawrence below Quebec, generally 
associated with the common juniper; the deep clothing of snow 
proving a protection to it in the severe winter weather of those 
localities, and in all probability causing its procumbent habit. 
This variety rises with a single stem, but, instead of assuming 
the shape of a tree, becomes quite prostrate, and is blown about 
in all directions by the wind. The timber of the tree, as grow- 
‘ing in Upper Canada, resembles in texture, and has the 
fragrance of, J. bermudiana, with which lead-pencils are 
made; it is light, close-grained, strong, and indestructible: 
possessing these good qualities, it is much used for the ties of 
railroads. | 
Taxus canadensis (Ground Hemlock).—Our yew can 
scarcely be distinguished botanically from the European tree, 
its decumbent habit constituting the greatest difference between 
them. It grows in rich shady woods, steep banks of rivers, 
and dark ravines throughout the province, forming extensive 
patches in its favourite localities. It never rises to the shape 
of a tree like its namesake of England, therefore it is unsuited 
to the purpose for which our sturdy forefathers used this wood. 
Tt forms only a prostrate bush, the branches bending upwards. 
The berries are red, like those of the European species, yet I 
once found in a deep ravine a very marked variety, bearing 
white berries, partially translucent. 
* Tt is also common about Kingston, and along the banks of the Gananogue 
River and connected lakes. 
