The Forest Trees of Wiltshire. 



153 



very fine and picturesque specimen of an old Scotch fir. The 

 Spruce Fir must be dismissed with few words, the writer having 

 with one or two exceptions, no knowledge of any remarkable 

 specimens in this county. There are plenty of fine young trees to be 

 found go where you will ; but large old ones are scarce. Longleat 

 can show some, as can Tottenham, Bowood, and, doubtless, other 

 domains. In the early stages of its existence it is, when the soil 

 suits it, and meddling man has left it to nature, a very handsome 

 tree indeed ; but it becomes shabby with age. At Longleat some 

 may be found exceeding a hundred feet in height, and measuring 

 ten or twelve feet in circumference. Probably equally large trees 

 may be found in many other parts of the county. 



The Pinaster is worthy of more general attention than seems 

 to have been given to it. Why it is not more frequently planted 

 is a marvel, for it is a hardy, free-grower, and not at all particular 

 about soil or situation ; thriving well in barren-looking sands, and 

 not flinching from any wind, even sea-breezes. Doubtless Spye 

 Park would suit them ; and a few clumps on some of the elevated 

 spots would look remarkably well. Being so like the Stone Pine 

 in form, they are striking points in a landscape ; and being of such 

 rapid growth comparatively with the latter, they would become 

 something like landmarks while the other would be little more 

 than mere shrubs. There is a group of remarkably fine Pinasters 

 at Bowood, large, lofty, and very handsome trees. 



Of the other members of the Pine and Fir family, it is not 

 intended to speak at any length, as they are mostly of too recent 

 introduction for such a notice as this. But the Cedar of Lebanon 

 demands a place ; and the Red Cedar, though seldom attaining 

 any great size here, and being found scarcely any where except in 

 a few old gardens and pleasure grounds, is worthy mention on 

 account of the excellent quality of the wood — (the pencil cedar) — 

 which when the tree is of mature age is almost indestructible. 

 The Cedar of Lebanon however, is to be found in almost every 

 part of the kingdom, and in this county are many very fine speci- 

 mens, hardly any nobleman's or gentleman's grounds being without 

 some. Trees of ten, twelve, and fifteen feet in circumference, of 



