150 TRANSACTIONS AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE [Sess. lxiii. 



the Arctic regions of Xorth America, and in Asia. In 

 other words, we find it growing from regions rendered 

 humid under the influence of the Gulf Stream, to the 

 regions of perpetual snow and ice. 



But that is not all. We find that its natural situation 

 is peat bogs, but it has been transplanted to a dry soil in a 

 garden border, and grown successfully without any special 

 care for years. My own attempt in the same direction I 

 have told you of, but surely it is some evidence that the 

 plant is thriving when it flowers out of time after being 

 transplanted. 



It would be unsatisfactory to pronounce any definite 

 opinions as to the causes which enable the plant to exist 

 under such different conditions with the meagre evidence 

 before us, but I might almost hazard the guess that it will 

 be found that some constituents in the soil (possibly lime 

 or peat) have more to do with the healthy growth of the 

 plant than mere climatic conditions. 



May I ask that some of you, better equipped for such 

 investigations, will give A. 2'>ol{folia your consideration and 

 study, in the hope that more light may be shed iipon its 

 cultivation, life-history, and distribution ? 



On the Development of Quadkifoliar Spurs in Pinus 

 Laricio, Poir. By A. W. Bortiiwick, B.Sc. (With Plate.) 



(Read 12tli .laimary 1.S99.) 



Finns Laricio, the l)liick ])ine, was introduced during the 

 present century into lUilain. It is a forest tree of no 

 mean importance, and for ornamental purposes it is 

 greatly prized. The stem is straight and well formed, 

 reaching a height of si.xty to seventy-five feet at maturity. 

 The natural distribution of this species is in Southern Europe, 

 stretching from the south of Spain to Asia Minor, and from 

 Wiener Wald south to Sicily. 



On account of the regular whorl l)ranching, the deep 

 corona, and tliick dark green needles, this tree is well 

 adapted for parks and ornamental grounds, especially in 

 the vicinity of large towns, as it withstands the smoky 

 atmosphere bettei' than any other pine. This species has 

 been relegated to the section Pinaster, sub-section I'inea, 



