: 
CONIFERS AND TAXADS. 
233 
the case, in consequence of the habit of Conifers, &c., rendering it necessary, which 
would be conspicuously evident as the specimen progressed towards the dimensions 
i it finally may reach, and made increased development of its natural character. Of 
the formation and afterward dealing with this mound there is something to be said. 
The site whereon it is raised should be broken up, principally for the benefit of the 
plant, which, finally planted and secured, everything should be left as smooth as 
possible ; and where the operation has been performed on the lawn, the raised part 
should be turved over, leaving a circular space uncovered about the stem of the 
specimen, varying in extent according to its size. In the course of time the mound 
will become less, and eventually seem to be small in proportion to the tree, which 
should be corrected by a greater space being broken up, and more soil added 
laterally ; it will then finally appear to be growing on a gently-rising naturally- 
formed eminence. 
Of the planting of individuals or groups of Confers, &c., so that they appear in 
I place and characteristically associated, we have yet to treat. Next to any plant being 
healthy and flourishing, this is the most important point connected with it, and with 
no one or many species is it of more consequence than with those which compose the 
i orders of which we write. It is not unusual for persons when they receive a new or 
valuable plant, to plant or place it in some favourite spot, regardless of however 
little or much it may be appropriate for the situation, or the situation for it : this has 
been greatly too much the case with Confers, &c. ; we know of numerous instances where 
all harmony has been destroyed, and true taste done violence to, by want of attention in 
this respect. The species in these orders we have seen are very much varied in habit ; 
some grow continually so neat that if their size did not interfere they would scarcely 
seem out of character on the chimney-piece of a dining-room ! There are others as much 
of an opposite habitude as to convey the idea that they could only be at home in the most 
romantic forest. A knowledge of this, then, it is which should guide the judgment of 
whoever decides the point of situation, in introducing a Conifer, &c., to their garden. 
Those of the first class, the neat and elegant habited species of which the Upright Juniper 
(Juniperus excelsa) among small things, and the Chilian Pine of large species, are 
examples — complete, delightful objects in themselves — may be admitted to central 
positions, or uniformly placed in the most highly kept select parterre, or any other 
choice part of the grounds, and in gardens generally, wherever a space in some 
measure sufficient to enable them to appear to advantage can be allowed. Quite 
reverse is it with those of an opposite character, as the Ponderous, and Mr. Sabine’s 
Pine ( Finns ponderosa and P. Sabiniana ) ; they also are truly fine, but lack that 
completeness as individuals others possess in so remarkable a degree. Their features 
of interest and beauty requires contrasting with other species to make it appear 
evident and understood ; therefore it follows that the class we are considering should 
be planted in groups, or have large tracts devoted to them, if they are to be 
judiciously disposed. The selection of sites for such groups and tracts requires, too, 
a greater exercise of judgment than may be imagined ; for if these open, straggling, 
VOL. XIII. — NO. CLIV. 
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