INTRODUCTION. IX 



will, however, grow anywhere, excepting on chalky forma- 

 tions, and laud surcharged with moisture (although some 

 of the American kinds flourish under this latter con- 

 dition). The Firs (of which class the roots run imme- 

 diately under the surface), do not require a deep soil, but 

 they will not produce large and fine timber without a 

 sandy loam and cool subsoil. 



It would be beyond the purpose on the present occasion 

 to detail all the uses of this important tribe. I may, 

 however, observe, that the yellow deal of Europe is the 

 produce of Pinus sylvestris ; the Norway white deal that 

 of Abies excelsa; and the white American Pine that of 

 Pinus Strobus. All of these are, besides their other uses, 

 of the greatest value to man in the construction both of his 

 habitation on the earth, and of the arks which bear him 

 and his treasures in safety through the fathomless deep. 



