Larix europæa (Larch). This is well known as a nurse tree for bleak places.
Picea (Abies) excelsa (Norway Spruce). One of our commonest Conifers, hence it is often used as a nurse tree for choicer subjects.
Pinus austriaca (Austrian Fir). The best of all evergreens for bleak places; Pinus Cembra (Swiss Stone Pine), of slow growth, but very ornamental, and does not mind the wind.
Pinus Laricio (Corsican Pine, or Black Pine). As indifferent to exposure as P. austriaca, P. montana (dwarf), and P. sylvestris (Scotch Fir), a well-known native, which often crowns high hill-tops.
Populus alba (Abele), P. fastigiata (Lombardy Poplar), P. deltoidea (Canadian Poplar), P. nigra (Black Poplar), and P. tremula (Aspen). In low-lying districts all these Poplars are of rapid growth, but in exposed places they make much slower progress. Even then they grow quicker than most shelter plants, and are valuable for making an effective display more quickly than some of the more permanent subjects. These can all be readily cut back within reasonable limits if desired.
Robinia Pseudacacia. The false Acacia is one of the best town trees we have; indeed, it does well almost everywhere.
Salix alba (White Willow). This will pass unscathed through fierce storms. In fairly dry spots the rate of progress is much slower than in moister soil, but, as a set-off, the silvery hue of the foliage is more pronounced.
Ulmus (Elm). The best of the Elms for this purpose is the Wych Elm, and one known as the Wheatley is also good.
[Illustration: _VARIETY TENUIFOLIA OF CORSICAN PINE (Pinus Laricio)._]
Atriplex Halimus (Sea Purslane). A silvery-leaved, free-growing shrub, indifferent to soil or situation.
Berberis (the Barberry). The best of these are the strong-growing Berberis aristata, and the common Berberis vulgaris, with its several varieties.
Colutea arborescens (Bladder Senna). The golden flowers in early summer and the large inflated seed-pods in autumn are both attractive.
Cotoneaster buxifolia, Nummularia, and Simonsii. These are all pretty berry-bearing shrubs.
Cytisus albus (White Broom), Cytisus scoparius (Yellow Broom), and its varieties.
Deutzia crenata flore-pleno. A handsome flowering shrub and the most robust of its class.