The average height of the Hemlock in good soils is about 70 or 80 feet; and when standing alone, or in very small groups, it is one of the most beautiful coniferous trees. The leaves are disposed in two rows on each side of the branches, and considerably resemble those of the Yew, though looser in texture, and livelier in color. The foliage, when the tree has grown to some height, hangs from the branches in loose pendulous tufts, which give it a peculiarly graceful appearance. When young, the form of the head is regularly pyramidal; but when the tree attains more age, it often assumes very irregular and picturesque forms. Sometimes it grows up in a thick, dense, dark mass of foliage, only varied by the pendulous branches, which project beyond the grand mass of the tree; at others it forms a loose, airy, and graceful top, permeable to the slightest breeze, and waving its loose tufts of leaves to every passing breath of air. In almost all cases, it is extremely ornamental, and we regret that it is not more generally employed in decorating the grounds of our residences. It should be transplanted (like all of this class of trees) quite early in the spring, the roots being preserved as nearly entire as possible, and not suffered to become the least dried, before they are replaced in the soil.
