231 
CONIFERS AND TAXADS. 
or romantic habited kinds cannot, from their style of character, be admitted to 
polished, circumscribed, or seemingly confined residences, as individuals, the same 
reason must exclude them from such, or anything approaching such, as collections 
and families ; and it must strike any one that, were this principle strictly carried out, 
it would be equivalent to excluding a great proportion of the species in these Orders 
altogether from our gardens. This, of course, is fully admitted and acknowledged by 
explaining that the object in view is to fix attention on correct principles, by ascending 
to view them from the highest point of vision, thereby preparing ourselves the more 
correctly and gracefully to descend and proceed in carrying out ^true principles in 
degree, at least, and to the extent circumstances will permit. 
In reducing the principles in question to practice, we should do so by avoiding 
as positions for Conifers, &c, whether single specimens or as collections of the 
kinds we are dealing with, any situation with an air of confinement or restraint 
about it ; also putting them in contact with any object that creates the idea that it 
might interfere with their ultimate development and prevent them extending favour- 
ably into view. Of course it would be a pity that a partiality for Conifers, &c, 
should not be indulged where such objections as these only exist, to prevent their 
being had. Indeed they do not interfere with pleasure derivable from possession 
alone, though they do if real satisfaction from growing them also is the object in 
view. In planting a collection of Conifers, &c, a knowledge of the dimensions they 
reach in a state of nature, should in some measure be the criterion of what space to 
allow each kind ; if not as much can be spared as is sufficient for every specimen 
when it arrives at maturity, all possible to allow should be given, for there are very 
few of the larger species in the Orders that will bear removal after they have 
attained any considerable dimensions. Placing valuable species, or others, where 
they are permanently to remain, are included more particularly under the latter 
directions, and especially those whose full development of character is any concern. 
Many kinds are liable to great injury from being exposed to strong winds, which have 
a very disastrous effect, by compelling the development of specimens to take 
irregular and uncouth directions, and indeed quite preventing them from growing as 
they are naturally inclined. 
The proper general planting-season of any Conifers, &c, is, without question, 
through the autumn ; and those plants that require treating as has been directed, in 
consequence of the confinement of their roots, should have it done and be planted at 
that season ; as also should only then be moved any rather large specimens. Plants 
growing in pots and that can be turned out without their roots requiring molestation, 
may be planted at any time, but would be benefited by being so treated in the 
autumn. Further remarks on this highly interesting family are postponed till a 
future Number. 
