GYMNOSPEEMIA. 



661 



flattened imbricated carpels or scales arising from the axils of 

 membranous bracts; ovules naked, 2 {fig. 712) or more, on the 

 upper surface of each carpel. Fruit a woody cone {figs. 267 and 

 1024) or a galbulus {figs. 707 and 708). Seeds naked (^i^s. 1025 



Fig, 1024. 



Fig. 1025. 



Fig. 1026. 



Fig. 1024. A ripe cone of the Larch {Abies Larix or Larix eurnpcea). Fig. 



1025. A ripe scale or carpel of the Scotch Fir iPinus sylvestris), with 

 two winged seeds at its base. mic. Micropyle. ch. Chalaza. Fig. 



1026. A scale of tlie Larch bearing a naked seed, the other seed has 

 been removed. 



and 1026), with a hard crustaceous integument, albuminous ; 

 cotgledons 2, or many {fig. 753). 



Division of the Order, and Examples of the Genera. — This 

 order has been divided into two sub-orders as follows : — 



Sub-Order 1. AbietecB. — Ovules inverted, with the micropyle 

 next the base of the carpel {fig. 712). Pollen oval. Examples: 

 — Pinus, Abies, Araucaria. 



Sub-Order 2. Ctopressea. — Ovules erect. Pollen spheroidal. 

 Examples : — Juniperus, Cupressus, Taxodium. 



Distribution and Numbers. — The plants of this order occur in 

 all parts of the world ; but they abound most in temperate 

 climates. There are about 120 species. 



Properties and Uses. — They possess very important properties. 

 Many supply valuable timber, and most of the species contain an 

 oleo-resi nous juice or turpentine, which is composed of a volatile 

 oil and resin. 



Abies. — Several species of this genus supply valuable timber, as Abies 

 excelsa, the Norway Spruce, Abies alba, the White Spruce, A. canadensis, the 

 Hemlock Spruce, A. Larix ox Larix europoea, the Common Larch, &c. Abies 

 excelsa yields by spontaneous exudation a resinous substance called frank- 

 incense, which when melted and strained constitutes our officinal Burgimdy 

 Pitch : this is imported from Switzerland. Grood paper has been made from 



