206 THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. [September, 
indeed, the chief reason why it is so valuable. Indeed, when several leaders are 
allowed to grow up, it becomes a broad and somewhat misshapen tree, not par¬ 
ticularly desirable in a single specimen, and of no great advantage when used in 
combination, unless by way of contrasting its dense and dark foliage with trees 
of a lighter hue ; besides which, it is in this condition very liable to have its 
slender branches bent down to the ground with snow, giving it a loose and by no 
means elegant character, from which it is long in recovering. 
The Irish Juniper does not attain any great diameter, and is a very suitable 
and striking plant when placed along the margins of shrubbery borders, particu¬ 
larly where there are serpentine walks through them. If planted in small 
groups of five or six, principally on the projecting sides and at intervals, they 
will, when seen from a distance, form peculiarly effective and striking objects, 
their glaucous appearance and spire-like form contrasting well with the other 
occupants of the borders. 
The Italian Cypress differs from the other two species principally in the 
colour of the foliage. The habit of growth is compact, and the appearance 
elegant in the extreme when viewed from a distance, either standing in groups 
or in the neighbourhood of architectural embellishments ; indeed, all the three 
species associate well with the severer style of geometric gardens, besides con¬ 
tributing their share to enhance the beauties of the natural style. 
In connection with large masses of rockwork they look exceedingly well, where 
there are sheltered recesses, as they create a pleasing contrast and variety of hue, 
without taking up too much space. The spiry form so desirable in such situa¬ 
tions has often led to the planting of Conifers of a more spreading habit of 
growth, but I have generally found that they must be removed after a few years, 
unless indeed the rocks are very large, and, as is the case at Redleaf, are viewed 
from a long distance. Then Conifers in general, and Cedars of Lebanon in par¬ 
ticular, look very well in juxtaposition with the large rocks, and may be allowed 
to attain considerable dimensions. 
The Scicidopitys verticillatci seems likely to form a valuable addition to the 
class of ornamental Conifers. It is perfectly hardy, and being of slow' growth, is 
very well adapted for planting among smaller masses of rockwork. The habit 
is peculiar, and I should imagine a large tree in perfect health to be a very beau¬ 
tiful object. Doubts have at times been expressed about its thorough hardiness, 
but I have no doubt on this point, as our plant has stood unprotected for the 
last six winters, and is quite healthy. 
The several varieties of Crypiomerici are valuable as ornamental Conifers. 
Lobb’s variety is picturesque, but by no means symmetrical; it, however, appears 
to be hardier than the old C. jnponica* I have lately met with one called Cripps’ 
variety, which seems likely to throw all the rest of that class into the shade; the 
foliage is dense and compact, the habit of growth symmetrical, the colour like 
* The accompanying flgura of this plant is from Aiphand’s Les Promenades de Paris. 
