Abies _(Spruce Firs)_
 

Among these ornamental conifers mention may be
made of the beautiful Japanese Spruce Ajanensis, which grows freely
in most soils and has dual-coloured leaves--dark green on the upper
surface and silvery white underneath; this makes a grand single
specimen anywhere. The White Spruce (_Abies Alba Glauca_) is a rapid
grower, but while it is small makes a lovely show in the border; it
prefers a moist situation. Of the slow-growing and dwarf varieties
Gregorii is a favourite. The Caerulea, or Blue Spruce, is also very
beautiful. Clanbrasiliana is a good lawn shrub, never exceeding 4 ft.
in height. The Pigmy Spruce (_A. Pygmea_) is the smallest of all firs,
only attaining the height of 1 ft. Any of these may be increased by
cuttings.