CONES OF PINUS STROBUS (2 TO 4 IN LONG.) ( Sec Page 34) 
Cone-Bearers and Hardy Evergreens 
T is only by the use of evergreens that permanent beauty every day in the year can be secured 
about our homes. Carrying as they do their beautiful, richly colored foliage through the winter, 
when the deciduous trees and shrubs arc leafless, the wintry aspect of our surroundings is won¬ 
derfully brightened by their generous use. Every "home builder, no matter how small the 
grounds, needs them. As screens, they not only provide privacy, but are indispensable for shelter and wind¬ 
breaks. ’ Groups of marvelous beauty can easily be arranged by simply studying the following de¬ 
scriptions. Practically all the cone-bearers thrive best on loose sandy soils. While all evergreens re¬ 
quire light and air, the yews, firs and hemlocks are the most tolerant of shade. We exercise great care 
in preparing them for shipping. All are dug with ball of earth, securely burlapped, which insures trans¬ 
planting without shock. It must be remembered that width and symmetry are important factors in 
determining the value of evergreens, more so than their height; hence, we recommend moderate sizes. 
The sap of most evergreens, being of a resinous nature, is not active in early spring as that of de¬ 
ciduous trees, and, as a rule, all evergreens and coniferous trees succeed better planted later in the spring 
and earlier in the autumn than deciduous trees. The latter part of April or during May, and the latter 
part of summer are the best times, in ordinary seasons. August planting is not recommended, however, 
unless the season be favorable. 
ABIES: THE FIRS 
The firs, also known as balsams, are most beau¬ 
tiful in cultivation. Deep green foliage, lustrous 
above and silvery white below, combined with 
their healing, balsamic perfume, make them ne¬ 
cessities rather than luxuries. They are rapid 
growers, requiring a moist, well-drained soil. 
Although short lived, when compared with other 
varieties, they grow to large size and retain their 
native beauty for long periods. 
ABIES balsamea (Balsam Fir , Balm of Gilead). 
A rapid, slender pyramidal grower, with very 
dark foliage. Grows in cold, wet ground as 
well as in better soil. Its fragrance is sweet 
and healing. Very hardy. 2-3 ft., $1 each; 
$10 per doz. 
A. concolor. The finest of the Rocky Mountain 
evergreens. Of graceful habit; broad, hand¬ 
some foliage, bluish above, silvery beneath. A 
grand tree, very distinct and exceedingly rare 
as yet. 2-3 ft., S3 each. 
A. nobilis, var. glauca ( Noble Silver Fir). Foli¬ 
age of pleasing silver blue, the young growth 
contrasting well with the deeper shades of the 
older. A magnificent tree. S3 each. 
A. nordmanniana (Nordmann’s Silver Fir). This 
majestic fir is of symmetrical form, vigorous 
and quite hardy. Its foliage is massive, dark 
green, shining above; slightly glaucous below, 
rendering it a very handsome tree through¬ 
out the year. 3-4 ft., S5 each. 
