Capt. 8. E. Cook on the Genus Pinus and Abies. 163 



XIX. — On the Genera Pinus and Abies, with Remarks on the 

 Cultivation of some Species, By Capt. S. E. Cook, R.N.* 



The extraordinary interest which has been excited by the 

 introduction of the various species of Pinus within the last 

 few years, may make a few observations respecting them, more 

 especially on their ceconomic value, acceptable. 



By the zeal and activity of our own and foreign collectors, 

 seconded by the assistance of various bodies and of wealthy 

 individuals, we are provided with a list of about seventy spe- 

 cies of Abies and Pinus, exclusive of the junipers, cedars 

 and other kindred Coniferce which now ornament our collec- 

 tions. The greater part of these may be considered as well- 

 defined species or varieties ; whilst, as is inevitable from the 

 comparative novelty of the subject, and the want of public gar- 

 dens and repositories for the purpose of standard reference, 

 which to the discredit of the authorities and the prejudice of 

 the public good we are yet without, a portion derive their appel- 

 lations from the gratuitous assistance of those who are inter- 

 ested in multiplying names, and frequently confer them where 

 no real distinction exists. 



It would be impossible within moderate limits to give even 

 a short notice of this long list individually. At present it is 

 intended merely to form them into groups, reserving more de- 

 tailed observations for the Europoean species, which are by far 

 the most interesting in a national and oeconomical point of view. 



We propose to divide the seventy species above-mentioned 

 into the following groups : 1st. Old America, if we may use 

 the expression, which includes the United States west of the 

 Mississippi, and Canada with Labrador, and extends to the li- 

 mits of vegetation to the north. 2nd. Those species which are 

 produced in the magnificent range which separates the waters 

 of the Atlantic from those of the Pacific, commonly known 

 by the barbaric appellation of the Rocky Mountains, for which 

 the " Northern Andes " or some native term, if such could be 

 obtained, ought to be substituted. This, which at present 

 forms about fifteen species, we shall designate by the name of 



* Read in the Section of Zoology and Botany at the Meeting of the Bri- 

 tish Association, Newcastle, and communicated by the Author. 



M 2 



