THE DECORATIVE CHARACTER OF CONIFERS. 



67 



The true beauty and decorative character of the larger Coni- 

 fers can perhaps only rightly be seen just in proportion as the 

 trees themselves are allowed their freedom for development in 

 the open and in natural positions, but that is not the particular 

 aspect in which I can, in a paper of this character, and within 

 this limited scope, point out. The Conifer considered in relation 

 to natural adornment is a captivating subject, but we must not 

 be tempted to discuss it now. We must pass on all too rapidly. 

 Time is inexorable. Next to this isolation in native and natural 

 grandeur and stateliness I suppose we might place the Pinetum, 

 which is one of the methods of art to present the nobility of the 

 Conifers in the majesty of individual isolation, but in a certain 

 order of classification or arrangement, to show, as far as can 

 be shown under such conditions, the true aspect and character 

 of each species, and to secure an artistic effect which shall at 

 once be a permanent source of attraction, of instruction, and of 

 ornamentation. Woburn, Chatsworth, Dropmore, Bicton, and 

 many other places have this splendid additional attraction to 

 the garden resources as ordinarily enjoyed, and it seems useless 

 to attempt to indicate by written word what is the impression 

 produced upon one by such noble collections of noble plants. 



I had the privilege a few days ago of walking through the 

 Pinetum at the Bache Hall, near Chester, the charming 

 residence of Mrs. Hudson ; and whilst the Wellingtonia, the 

 Pines and the Firs were all beautiful, Cedrus atlantica with 

 Pinus excelsa were so captivating as to make one throw aside the 

 pen and the brush as unworthy media to describe these queens 

 at home. And it is the same everywhere, whenever we find 

 them thus enthroned in their stately dignity. I pass along a cor- 

 ridor of Conifers every morning in my walk through the Chester 

 nurseries, and I am always captivated by the charm of the varied 

 forms which blend so gracefully with the interwoven tints of 

 green and gold. 



The next decorative feature to which the Conifers readily lend 

 themselves is the adornment of park or pleasure-grounds, where 

 the trees stand out in less solitary grandeur than in the Pinetum ; 

 yet even here we have single specimens here and there and 

 dotted about in groups — Firs, Cedars, and Pines, whilst Thuyas, 

 Yews, and other resources are all brought into requisition for this 

 purpose. Coming now into the closer and more confined quarters 



