The tree to which I referred this morning is the Cephalonican fir. It is very beautiful and as it grows abundantly on arid mountains in the island of Cephalonica, it would probably flourish here. Parsons & Co have imported considerable quantities of the seed.

Other Syrian and Mediterranean trees worthy of trial are the following:

Cedar of Lebanon—may be obtained in any quantity of the French Nurserymen or Seedsmen

Italian Stone Pine

Italian or Graveyard Cypress (common here now)

Turkey Oak

There is a small Palm in Northern China, of which you could probably procure seeds or seedlings in Wardian cases from Shanghai, which would be quite sure to grow on your site—Chamerops Sinensis. The French Nurserymen will have it, but it would be expensive to get it that way.

The Cryptomeria Japonica is a very desireable tree for you. I don’t know why it has not been already largely imported from Japan—I think you can best get it by direct importation from there. If not it can be got from the French Nurseries.

Aurucaria Imbricata and Aurucaria Braziliensis could both be grown easily from seed here. The Nurserymen have pot plants of them which they sell at absurdly high prices. $10 each. You can get as good plants in France, although they have been but recently introduced, for $l.

The Pinus excelsa, the most beautiful of pines, is if I recollect rightly of Mexican origin and therefore not unlikely to succeed here. Seed can be procured of the Parsons’s.

Magnolia grandiflora & all the magnolias should be tried.

Of shrubs the following occur to me—Weigelia rosea, Berberis aquifolia, (both Chinese) Dwarf Scarlet Horsechestnut.

Another desirable evergreen is the Deodar or Himaleyan Cedar.

The above are all notable for their strong vitality. I think would resist drought & wind better than most &, except as I have advised otherwise, seeds could be obtained in any needed quantity in Europe.

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Also the Scotch broom which sowed with the others would probably grow rapidly and act as a shade & screen to them while tender.

I would also try the Scotch larch. Seeds of both are cheap.

Of California trees & shrubs, all common in the Coast range canons—as the Sycamore Madrona &c. The evergreen oak & the dwarf golden leafed chestnut or Chinquapin. The Indians with a little trouble could be got to collect large quantities of these very cheaply.