148 
Cultivation of Coniferous Trees. 
season the strength and secretions of the plant ; in the very severe- 
winter of 1860-61, we found many of the pines named in the 
list appended to this paper standing the most intense degrees of 
frost, while the very same specimens have since been injured by 
the changeable weather of the spring months, becoming browned 
in foliage by the continuance of a frosty wind after genial open 
weather, the growth being doubtless impeded thereby. It is to 
this cause, we think, that the doubts as to the suitability in 
relation to climate "of most of the newly introduced coniferze is to 
be ascribed, rather than to any uncertainty as to their ability 
to withstand with impunity the degree of frost to which they are 
subjected in Scotland. For example, we found in the memorable 
winter of 1860-61 the Cupressus lawsoniana at Oxcnford Castle, 
braving uninjured the severity of that season, with the thermo- 
meter at its very roots indicating twelve degrees heluio zero, while 
the same conifer has in several instances been found by us since 
then, browned by the frosty winds and nights of March and 
April. 
3rdly. We stated that the recun-ent fogs and hoar frosts of 
spring were prejudicial to these new pines. In support of 
this statement we may mention that, in 1860-61, having had 
occasion very particularly to examine the state of trees and 
shrubs, we found that a greater number perished from the effects 
of the hoar frost and " hiiar " than from the severity of the frost 
itself. 
4thly. Wind is another great enemy to the progress and 
establishment in this climate of these rarer trees, especially to 
these of the coniferous order. Their evergreen foliage and heavy 
mass of branches exposed to the rockings of the blast prove most 
prejudicial to their progress anil welfare. Their roots become 
strained and loosened from the earth, and the spongeoles of the 
rootlets are ruptured by the oscillating motion of the plant over- 
head during the frequent gales to which they are subjected, 
rendering true the saying of a thoroughly practical forester, to 
whom we lately spoke regarding these newer introductions, 
which he had in large numbers under his charge, when he 
said, in reply to our question how his new pines were thriving 
with him ? " Oh ! well enough, if the wind wud gae them 
peace ! " 
Another fruitful source of failure to many of the rarer pines 
and trees is the practice of planting them when young in too 
rich soil. With mistaken kindness, they are often placed in leaf 
mould, or in "rich" soil made up of decomposed vegetable 
matter. This only engenders filth about their rootlets and fibres, 
besides encouraging insect larva», which afterwards prove de- 
structive to the young wood of the plant. Many of the species 
