CONIFERS AND TAXADS. 
261 
that is valuable, in consequence. The male tree is stated to grow only a third as 
lofty as the female, which towers up from fifty to a hundred and fifty feet, and has 
been with us since 1796. 1822 brought our collections acquainted with the Indian 
Cedar, which came from Nepal, attaining a similar height to the Chili Pine, is as well 
known, and increases with facility by seeds, cuttings, and by grafting. 
Pines are probably the most extensive family in the Order ; several score species 
and varieties are catalogued as composing it. The members of the genus do not, 
perhaps, differ so much as may be imagined. In the colour of their foliage and style 
of growth they cannot boast much dissimilarity, though they may great variation in 
the length of the leaves. The Long-leaved Pine {Pinus longifolia) is the most 
striking in this respect. It is a large-growing tree, with leaves a foot long, is a 
native of Nepal, whence it was introduced in 1821. 
The Ponderous (Mr. Sabine's and Coulter's Pines) approach the long-leaved 
species as far as regards their foliage ; and the three attain similar altitude, reaching 
from fifty to a hundred feet ; were introduced between 1826 and 1832, the two 
latter coming from California, and the first from North America. These species are 
typical of those remarkable for grandness, several more of which there are, and 
numerous beneath them, so to speak, descending in various degrees of resemblance 
to the Scotch Fir. The Upright Pine {Pinus excelsa) is a really beautiful species, 
rather close-growing, with charming silvery-green foliage. Another is the Remark- 
able Pine {Pinus insignis), which has a dense habit and dark green leaves. It is a 
fine and very distinct species, a native of California. 
Of Silver Firs, the genus Picea, perhaps, the Great Silver Fir, (P. grandis), a 
native of California, of recent introduction, and growing two hundred feet high, is 
the finest. The Noble Silver Fir (P. nobilis) is a most beautiful species, a natural 
neighbour of the last, grows to a great size, and is a charmingly regular and beautiful 
grower. Webb's Silver Fir (P. Webbiana) has something very original and noble 
in its character. It grows nearly a hundred feet high, and is from Nepal. 
Spruce Firs [Abies) are better known than the preceding genus. Douglas's 
splendid kind is now comparatively common, but notwithstanding, we may state it 
reaches naturally near two hundred feet in height, inhabits North America, and 
was introduced from thence in 1826. It propagates freely by layering, grafting, &c. 
There are other species in the genus less known than A. Douglasii, but nearly 
equal to it in magnificence, which space compels us to exclude further notice of. 
If we were to enumerate a tithe only of the many charming things in the Order 
Conifers, we might occupy several pages, and still fail to do them justice, for there are 
several species in the genera, Thuja, Cupressus, Juniperus, &c, that both on 
account of novelty and peculiar beauty, deserve a separate notice. In another place, 
as opportunity occurs, we may remember them. 
As far as culture is concerned, the treatment suitable for hardy Conifers is 
equally applicable to those of a tender description, therefore much that has been 
written upon the former, strictly applies to the latter kinds. 
