CONIFERS. 



73 



varieties of it, the only ones, however, worthy of commendation 

 being : — Argentea, (silvery- variegated,) Aurea, (golden-variegated,) 

 Fastigiata^ (compact-branched,) Glaiica, (very glaucous-leaved,) Nana, 

 (very dwarf,) and Viridis, (very green-leaved,) all beautiful ornamental 

 plants. 



CUPRKSSUS LusITANICA: The Portugal Cypress.* 



This, although introduced into this countr}^ from Goa, nearly two 

 hundred years ago, was but little known until a more recent date, when 

 it was sent to us from Cintra, Spain, and Portugal, China, and, more 

 recently still, from California, Mexico, and other countries, as a new 

 species. From its being found in so many countries it is not to be 

 wondered at that we should find it very diverse in its appearance and 

 deportment ; and moreover, it is a most variable kind, and very 

 inconstant in its distinguishing characteristics ; for, when raised from 

 seed, the plants will be apparently very different from plants propagated 

 from cuttings of the same tree. 



It is a somewhat difficult plant to describe, inasmuch as it may be 

 grown to one two three or four dozen feet in height ; and although 

 generally a green and glaucous-looking, pendulous-branched tree, yet, 

 in a young state, its branches may be spreading, flexuose, pendent, or 

 erect, distant or close, brittle or pliant ; while its branches may be 

 either flat or rounded, few or many, twiggy or smooth, spreading or 

 erect, incurved or pendulous : and its foliage may be of all real, or 

 fancied shades and tints, from the dullest green, to the most 

 glaucous or silvery-white. It is also found in the variegated 

 forms, so that to enumerate the varieties of the Cedar of Goa," 

 which is in itself a conglomeration of varieties, would serve no 

 purpose here. This Cypress, though distinct and beautiful, is 

 somewhat too tender and delicate for our climate, but in good soil 

 and sheltered situations, it is doing tolerably well with us here in the 

 south of Hampshire. 



CUPRESSUS MaCROGARPA: Large-Coned Cypress. 



This is a beautiful and likely to be a useful kind ; it attains heights of 

 from fifty to seventy feet, with a trunk circumference of from six to 

 ten feet. It is sufficiently hardy for the climate of Britain, and will 

 do tolerably well in most kinds of soil if in a sweet and healthy con- 

 dition ; and ought to have a place in every collection of ornamental 

 trees. It is to be found in two forms. Macrocarpa, when raised 

 from seed, has a distinct, continuous, and erect leader with the side 

 branches regularly disposed, and gracefully drooping, with very light 



