108 



THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. 



Pinus insignis appears to prefer the old red to the limestone ; on the latter 

 formation it maintains its health, but its annual growth is comparatively small. 

 The most vigorous specimen of this Pine which I possess stands on a deep 

 loam, formed by the detrital matter of the overhanging hill, at the point of 

 contact of the old red sandstone and the clay of the lower lias. This tree, 

 which was planted about the year 1843, is now 40 feet high, and, at a foot 

 from the ground, 5 feet in circumference. 



In Araucaria imbricata, though planted in considerable abundance, and in 

 every variety of soil, I have not been able to detect any decided preference for 

 one formation over another. It has an evident dislike to a wet locality, and it 

 generally, though not exclusively, thrives best upon a deep soil. 



Cupressus funebris, and Cupressus Goveniana, are both growing vigorously 

 on limestone rock, with but little surface soil. The former of these trees is 

 thriving equally upon a deep soil of the old red sandstone. Cupressus macro- 

 carpa is growing rapidly on the clay of the carboniferous limestone. 



Taxodium sempervirens appears to be extremely capricious in its taste as 

 regards the formation on which it grows ; but I have in several cases remarked 

 that it thrives, and even appears to luxuriate, in a shade which proves deleterous 

 and often fatal, to Pinus insignis. 



There are many other Coniferae which appear to manifest habits or tastes 

 peculiar to themselves ; but which are either too young, or in numbers insuffi- 

 cient to justify me in attempting to generalise upon them. Indeed, all the 

 remarks which I venture to offer in this short paper, are not made with a view 

 to dogmatise upon the subject, but in order to call the attention of persons cul- 

 tivating this tribe of plants, to the importance of selecting the position of such 

 Conifers as show any decided tastes. With some reference to geological 

 position, it is true that many formations are not often met with upon one 

 estate, more especially in one park — the locality in which the more valuable 

 Coniferse are generally planted ; but where such conditions do occur, a know- 

 ledge of the formation in which each species appears to thrive best cannot fail 

 to prove important. Before such knowledge can be attained, more extended 

 and more accurate observations will be necessary ; and should this paper prove 

 the means of calling the attention of more competent persons to this study, I 

 shall feel that I have not recorded my brief experience in vain. 



Eakl Dtjcie, in Transactions of the Scottish Arboricultural Society. 



STRAWBERRIES. 



The Strawberry crop and season here have been excellent. A powerful 

 West-Indian sun has brought out flavour which, for the last two years, I 

 could not detect. The crops of Wonderful, Eliza, and Sanspareil, have been 

 especially heavy. With the exception of the Queen and shy-setting Brittany 

 White Pine, the others have cropped well. As I can get no clay or sandy 

 loam, I must give up the Queen, which is still the best. 



Let me first speak of novelties. 1. The Royal Hautbois. — I thought this 

 was an advance la&t year, and now I am sure of it. It is a certain setter and 

 heavy cropper. The fruit is very large and of exquisite flavour ; as good as 

 the Black Hautbois. 



2. Frogmore Late Pine. — I consider this to be a most valuable addition. 

 It is hardy as a plant ; and the fruit is handsome and of good brisk Pine 

 flavour. It is a heavy cropper. Messrs. Leach and Knox, respectively the 

 head gardeners of Lord Portman and Mr. Farquharson, brought me a 



