260 
CONIFERS AND TAXADS. 
the Noble Silver Fir (Picea nobilis), descends into littleness ; but with one, and that 
healthy and strong, those species, in common with most in the order, will make way 
and continue more than proportionably handsome, though they should be without 
any other living buds than those the leader possesses. 
To the usefulness, necessarily, the picturesque usefulness of Conifers, we will 
now briefly advert. The most extensive field for the exhibition of this feature of 
their character is the landscape ; consequently in beautifying the face of a country by 
investing it with a warm and cheerful aspect in winter, and rendering it more varied 
by the contrast of their sombreness with all that is fresh and animated in summer, 
the common kinds are conspicuously serviceable. At most three or four species only 
are thus employed, and those seldom directly for the purpose in question, being in a 
general view of the case more often planted as " nurses " to young trees, shelter for 
dwellings, farm establishments, cultivated land, &c. But this is rather straying from 
our object, which we allow ourselves to have done, that we may return by remarking 
upon the likelihood of many Conifers, &c, that are now only maintained as rare 
ornamental trees, being largely used, before long, in the way the Spruce, Scotch, 
and Silver Firs are now. That they are very eminently superior, as far as the 
creation of effect is concerned to the kinds mentioned, there can be no disputing, as 
little can it be doubted but that they are equal to them in most other respects. 
This is considering the picturesque serviceableness of the Conifer family upon 
the broadest basis it can be regarded as occupying ; but if we recede and take a 
more confined view, examine to what extent they can be rendered serviceable in 
beautifying our gardens and grounds, it is discovered there is equal cause for con- 
gratulation ; for, in forming clumps of evergreens, and belts of trees as connecting 
links between the grounds and their outside, in introducing single specimens, &c, 
we can in no way dispense with some of the many Conifers there are ; but largely 
profit by extensively using them. There are several species, as the Prostrate and 
Tamarisk-leaved Junipers, the common Savine, &c, Juniperns prostrata, tamaris- 
cifolia and Sabina,) especially suitable for rockwork, planting on banks, mounds of 
earth, and in such like situations ; which frequently occur in grounds, and often 
could be greatly improved by being wholly or partially covered with such things. There 
is a variegated variety of the common Savine, a most pretty prostrate shrub, and the 
Clanbrazil's Spruce (Abies Clanbraziliana), a remarkable little Fir, growing a few 
inches high only, and many others equally appropriate for the last-mentioned purposes. 
In concluding, we purpose taking a partial review of Conifers, &c, and giving 
slightly detailed accounts of some of the most prominent and deserving species in the 
Order ; and, in doing so, the names by which they are mentioned will be those they 
are best known by. 
The Chili Pine, as being among the most magnificent hardy ornamental trees 
known, first deserves mention ; but mention only, from its being so familiar to most 
culturists. It propagates by seeds ; when well and favourably placed grows rapidly, 
attaining an immense altitude — the female tree, at least, does so. It is the latter 
