DACRYDIUM (from dakrudion, a diminutive of dakru, a tear; referring to the resinous exudations). ORD. Coniferae. Very ornamental trees, somewhat resembling the Spruce in appearance, but with slightly pendulous branches. Male catkin ovoid, girded by imbricating bracts at base; stamens numerous, imbricate. A mixture of sandy loam and peat suits them. Propagated by cuttings, made when ripe, and placed in sand, under a glass. Generally speaking, none of the species are suited to our climate; but DACRYDIUM cupressinum and DACRYDIUM Franklinii have, under exceptional circumstances, proved successful. DACRYDIUM cupressinum (Cypress-like).* l. pale green, small, closely-imbricated all round. Branches weeping. h. 60ft. to 100ft. (in England, 16ft.). New Zealand, 1825. A pyramidal tree. DACRYDIUM elatum (tall). l. crowded, without order, erectly spreading, mucronate. h. 60ft. Palo Penang, 1830. A large timber tree, of slow growth. DACRYDIUM excelsum (lofty). l. loosely imbricate, subulate, compressedly tetragonal, mucronate, glaucous, with depressed angles. h. 200ft. New Caledonia. DACRYDIUM Franklinii (Franklin's). l. scale-like, imbricated. Branches short, horizontal; branchlets numerous, slender, pendulous. h. 100ft. Tasmania, 1844. Timber with an aromatic fragrance. DACRYDIUM Mai (Mai). l. linear-obtuse, with a callous point; margins revolute, green above, glaucous beneath. h. 80ft. Tasmania, 1844. DACRYDIUM taxoides (Yew-like). l. alternate, closely placed, falcate, obtuse at the ends, attenuated and twisted at the base, 1/2in. to 3/4in. long, and one-and-a-quarter lines broad; midribs on the upper and under surfaces prominent. Branches sub-verticillate, having a purplish tint when young. New Caledonia. A conical shrub.