cone (still green) three or four different stages towards this rhomboidal shape may be observed on the
same cone. At the base nearly rhomboidal, and denticulated at the apex, as in fig. 10; near the middle
almost round, but denticulate, as in fig. 11 ; near the apex more ovate, as
in fig. 12 ; and oblong ovate at the very point, as in figs. 13 and 14. All
these figures are drawn from the same cone. At the apex of each, a
slight denticulation is perceptible. The bradt is short, obtusely conicalshaped
[figs. 15 and 16]. The seeds [fig. 17] are small, dark brown ; the Fis- '5- Fl«-
wings are oval, semi-transparent pale; and at the base envelop the lower side of the seed. Cotyledons
seven to nine.
VAR. Carfiathica, Loudon.—This is a variety from the Carpathian Mountains, differing from the
ordinary form of the Norway Spru
r lk
X
I . some trifling respects. Its foliage is rather lighter in colour;
the leaves are rather more obtuse [fig. 18]; the rows of
stomata are rather more close, and usually five instead of
four on each side of the middle of the leaf [fig. 19.] The
branchlets [fig. 20] are slightly pubescent, and the cones are
rather larger than those of the Spruce. Mr Archibald Fowler,
the gardener and forester at Castle Kennedy, describes it, from
the young plants there, which have reached upwards of 20
feet in height, as being somewhat more robust in habit than the typical Spruce Fir; its outline more
irregular and less conical; single branches rather thin of foliage, frequently projecting beyond the
general mass, giving it a stiff and rugged appearance; the foliage longer, thinner, more glaucous, and
standing more eredl from the branch than does that of the Spruce. " The general appearance of the
tree," says Mr Fowler, " is very distinct, as seen here, being surrounded with numerous Spruce Firs,
planted about the same time."
VAR. nigra, Loudon.—This, although probably only an accidental variety perpetuated, has more
claims, so far as definable characters go, to be considered a
distinct species. The foliage is of a rich dark green, the tree
a strong grower; the leaves are very obtuse [figs. 21 and 22] ;
the branchlets pubescent; the pulvini not much smaller
[fig. 23] ; the cones larger than in the normal Spruce, and
more rugged in appearance; the scales more apiculate, although
still truncate [figs. 24 and 25]. The bra6ts are narrower and
more parallel [fig. 26].
Fig. 27 shews its seed.
m
It is said to have been first observed in
/ A
i
Studeley Park; and the country of its parents is unknown.
V0 VAR. Clanbrasiliana, Loudon.—This is another variety, which
there is little doubt is a sport of nature. It is the dwarf of Firs,
apparently never reaching above 2, 3, or 4 feet in height. It has
never borne fruit, consequently all the plants which are scattered over Britain, and probably over all
the temperate world wherever gardens be, have been raised by cuttings or grafts from the one original
plant. This is said to have been accidentally noticed (we presume, among other Spruces) on the estate
of Moira, near Belfast, about the end of last century; and to have been first introduced into Britain by
Lord Clanbrasil, whence its name.
Its foliage is that ©f the Spruce, but much smaller, and with the leaves more acute [fig. 28]. . There
are only one to three rows of stomata on each side, on both faces of the leaf: the stomata are large
[ 24 ] „ i„