insects destructive to pines. 
LAMBERT’S DESCRIPTION OF THE GENUS PINUS. 
Linnezus has enumerated only 12 species 
in the last edition of his Systema Nature, 
and the Hortus Kewensis, though it has 
treated the subject better than any other 
work, “ does not enumerate all the spe- 
cies that are now known, nor does it dis- 
tinguish their characters correctly.’? 
Mr. Lambert, therefore, with a lauda- 
ble ambition to supply the deficience, 
and to promote the advancement of use- 
ful science, has personally and repeated- 
ly examined those that grow within a 
considerable distance from the metropo- 
lis; has observed them in different pe- 
riods of their growth ; and has particu- 
larly attended to the progress of the ~ 
cones from their first formation to their 
full maturity. He has also “ consulted 
every author of repute, with a view not 
only to ascertain the most accurate spe- 
cific distinctions, but also to collect eve- 
ry fact relative to the culture and uses of 
each species.” As the result of his la- 
bours he has now laid before the public, 
new specific characters, comprehensive 
lists of synonyms, and minute descrip- 
tions in Latim,with various miscellaneous 
obseryations in English : and as an ap- 
pendix, an account, written by Dr. Ma- 
ton, of several substances prepared from 
different species of pine, and employed 
in medicine or for other purposes ; a let- 
ter from Mr. Davis, of Hommingsham, 
in Wilts, on the different kinds of timber 
afforded by the different species ; an ex- 
tract from Coxe’s Travels relative to 
Christiana deal; and a letter from Tho- 
mas Marsham, Esq. I'R.L.S. on the 
The whole 
is illustrated by admirable figures which 
: 
| 
exhibit a branch of the plant, the inflo- 
rescence and the fruit in different stages 
of its growth; all, for the most part, in 
their natural size, with magnified dissec- 
tions of the particular parts both of the 
flower and fruit. The magnitude of the 
plates required for this purpose, the ex- 
cellent execution of the engravings, and 
‘the elegant stile in which the letter 
press part of the work is finished, have 
80 greatly enhanced its cost, as to render 
it unattainable to many who would wish 
to be in the number of its purchasers. 
‘These luxuries must be reserved for those 
who can spare as many guineas as are 
specified in its advertized price. Forthe 
benefit of others we will copy Mr. Lam- 
bert’s new specific characters entire, and 
abridge such of his, observations on each 
Species, as we imagine may be most gra- 
883 
tifying to the lovers of science and rural 
ceconomy. 
1. Pinus sylvestris ; Scotch fir. 
Foliis geminis rigidis; strobilis ju- 
nioribus pedunculatis, recurvis depen. 
dentibus; antherarum crista exigua. 
From this species is obtained what 
is called in London, yellow deal, in the 
country red deal, and sometimes, being 
generally imported from Christiana, 
Christiana deal. The Scotch fir raised 
in England is equal to the foreign in 
weight and durability, but is seldom so. 
fine in the grain, and has a greater quan- 
tity of sap. 
Most species of pine may be made to 
yield, and many of them produce spon- 
taneously, a remarkable resinous juice 
usually called turpentine. Thetrue Te- 
rebinthus of the ancients .is obtained 
from trees of another genus, called by 
Linnezus pistachia ; but the produce of 
the Scotch fir is now most commonly 
used on all occasions when a Terebin- 
thinate juice is wanted, either in medi- 
cine or the arts. 
From this resinous juice is obtained 
the essential oil of turpentine, by diss 
tilling four pounds of it with five pints 
of water. 
Common resin is the residuum of the 
process, which, pushed as far as the nae 
ture of the substance will admit, pro- 
duces black resin or colophony. 
Tar is obtained from the roots and 
other parts of old pines, and differs 
from the native resinous juice in having 
acquired a disagreeable empyreumatic 
quality from the action of fire, and in 
containing the saline and mucilaginous 
parts of the tree mixed with the extrac- 
tive and the oily. 
Pitch is procured by melting coarse 
hard resin with an equal quantity of 
tar. 
2. Pinus pumilio: the mugho, or 
mountain pine. Sylvestris y of Aiton, 
B of Gmelin. 
Foliis geminis abbreviatis  strictis 4 
strobilis ovatis, obtusis, minimis ; junio- 
ribus sessilibus erectis. 
It grows on the tops of the highest 
mountains where scarcely any other tree 
is tobe found, and often covers with its 
thick and almost impenetrable branches 
a very extensive tract. When iis 
branches are broken, a transparent resin 
of a very fragrant smell exudes, which 
is collected and sold in the form of 2 na- 
tive balsam. 
ee 
