This section is from "The Horticulturist, And Journal Of Rural Art And Rural Taste", by P. Barry, A. J. Downing, J. Jay Smith, Peter B. Mead, F. W. Woodward, Henry T. Williams. Also available from Amazon: Horticulturist and Journal of Rural Art and Rural Taste.
In the matter of size, we would not be particular, further than in having an abundant supply of root for the trunk. This is more readily obtained to small than large trees, and, in most cases, ten years will give the tree planted when from three to five feet high a preference to the one planted when from ten to fifteen feet high.
In 1838 we found a beautiful tree, some fourteen feet high, blown over, so that the roots were in fine order for resetting. With an ample supply of help and great care we removed it In 1840 we planted a tree six feet high about as many feet from it A few days since we noticed the two trees growing so near together, in the same soil, and under equally favorable circumstances of location, and the low tree of 1840 overtops the high tree of 1838 by about six inches. The healthful appearance of the bark and foliage are superior in equal proportion.
It may not be unacceptable to such of your readers as are interested in the subject, to know how many of the new Pines and Firs stand our climate here.
Last winter was very trying to all half-hardy and tender trees and plants, on account of the severe changes of alternate freezing and thawing; and at these sudden changes the ground was not covered with snow, leaving no protection to plants. After a fine warm spell of weather in the early part of spring, we had a sudden and severe change, which injured plants more than all the winter. Our trees got through with the following success:
A little browned. Somewhat tender before becoming well established, but afterward quite hardy. A splendid tree.
Some of the foliage fallen; buds uninjured. Hardy.
More rapid growth than Libani, which it resembles. Quite hardy.
Very hardy. Splendid tree, with long, silvery foliage.
Hardy. A magnificent tree.
Hardy. Rapid growth; similar to Pinaster.
Hardy. Most rapid growth of all evergreens.
Hardy. Makes a fine tree.
Our specimens were small, and with a little protection stood well.
Hardy. Very distinct foliage, eight inches long, deep green. Desirable.
Hardy. Very rapid growth.
Hardy. Very pale green.
Slightly injured last winter, though previous winters quite hardy.
Hardy.
Hardy. A very compact, upright growing tree. Should have a place in every collection.
All hardy.
Killed.
Hardy. Slightly resembles macrocarpa.
Of this noble evergreen the specimens were small, and, though protected, are a good deal injured. I think larger plants would stand here.
Hardy. Twisted growth.
Hardy. A fine tree.
Uninjured. A noble, drooping tree.
Quite hardy.
Specimens small; protected; a good deal injured.
Hardy, though protected.
Uninjured.
Quite hardy. One of the handsomest of evergreens.
All quite hardy.
Hardy. Very distinct.
Hardy, and very desirable.
Perfectly hardy. Very handsome.
Hardy.
The specimens of both were small. Un injured, though slightly protected.
Hardy. Very handsome.
Killed.
Many would have this a Juniper, though it most evidently belongs to the Cypress. It is a most beautiful plant, and perfectly hardy.
Stood well.
Hardy. Very beautiful.
A little browned. Desirable.
All hardy.
Hardy. One of the most graceful and handsome of small weeping trees.
Hardy. Very distinct and desirable.
All hardy and handsome.
Perfectly hardy. Quite distinct.
Tender.
Quite hardy. Would take the place of Araucaria at the north.
Tender.
Hardy.
Tender.
On account of this tree making, while young, such rapid, succulent growth late in the season, it needs protection here while small It is a beautiful evergreen, and I would unhesitatingly say that it will be perfectly hardy.
Not tested, though beautiful and desirable.
Hardy. Striking and handsome from the sun, they stood well. These two are very handsome, broad-leaved varieties.
Hardy.
All hardy and beautiful.
Hardy. The handsomest.
Hardy. A very handsome small weeping tree. Desirable.
Hardy.
All hardy and desirable.
Stands well.
A good deal browned.
All hardy and handsome.
Though protected from the sun, it was much injured.
Stood better. I think it will prove hardy.
Hardy.
Quite hardy.
 
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