156 
THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
[ July, 
The effects of these are greatly enhanced by repetition of certain striking forms 
in Conifers, for although repetition in many cases is apt to degenerate into 
monotony, yet in this case admixture with the differing forms of other shrubs 
entirely relieves it from the charge, and indeed contributes the principal features 
which enhance the pleasing effects of the whole in combination. 
In borders of great length it is very easy to vary these attractions by the use 
of Conifers of different forms and habits of growth to the preceding, such 
as Thuja Warreana , Libocedrus decurrens , or Thuja gigantea , and Cupressus 
Lawsoniana , with its beautiful varieties, aurea and argentea ; together with a 
newer and still more charming variety, called Cupressus Lawsoniana erecta 
viridis , which seems likely to grow into one of the most beautiful of the Cypress 
tribe. These may be backed up by that most rapid of rapid growers, the Cupressus 
macrocarpa, which on account of its celerity of growth should always be placed 
in the back row; indeed, I know of no subject more desirable than it to plant 
for the purpose of forming screens to hide out any unsightly buildings or other 
objectionable places. Care must, however, be taken to obtain the true variety, 
as many are apt to confound it with Cupressus Goveniana or calif or nica, to which 
in a young state it is often very similar in appearance, and coming from the 
same regions, it might be supposed they were equally hardy ; the reverse, how¬ 
ever, is the case, as in the severe winter we had a few years back, every plant of 
C. Goveniana was killed, where C. macrocarpa stood unharmed. Juniperus vir- 
giniana , and that most lovely of Junipers when in bloom, Juniperus sinensis , may 
enter into this combination ; and with their aid we have the means of producing 
very varied and charming effects indeed, always supposing them to be mixed up 
with evergreen, deciduous, and flowering shrubs, not too much crowded, and the 
same form in Conifers recurring at nearly equal distances throughout the 
serpentine lines or undulating forms of the borders. 
It is not to be denied that most of the above, and indeed many more, are very 
beautiful and attractive as single specimens or in groups of two or three upon 
grass, where they can have plenty of good soil and ample room for development. 
So treated, they afford the means of producing very grand effects in scenic 
embellishment, depending, however, more on their intrinsic merit as perfectly- 
grown specimens than on their beauty in combination. I do not, therefore, 
agree with many who say that it is the only proper way to grow the more orna¬ 
mental Conifers; I can see a vast amount of beauty in them when mixed with a 
variety of foliage; and in this case inferior specimens may be used, because when 
seen from a distance where, as the poet sings, 
“ Distance lends enchantment to the view,” 
it is only the tops of the trees and shrubs which attract attention, and if the 
plants in the front are tolerably well furnished, we can afford to dispense with 
perfect specimens in the background. Besides, most evergreen and many 
deciduous shrubs bear cutting back well, so that by their aid the borders may 
always have a furnished appearance maintained, and the Conifers thrusting 
