SOILS. 57 



to grow to a vast size,* is excellent timber, 

 and is used for many valuable purposes. In 

 particular, turpentine is extracted from it ; 

 and it would seem that from this tree is ex- 

 tracted the true Venice turpentine ; although 

 there is an inferior kind extracted from the 

 Larch, which also passes under that name. 



As an ornamental tree, it is admissible in 

 all extensive designs; and even on a smaller 

 scale, where variety is studied. Some, how- 

 ever, have thought otherwise, on account of 

 its ragged appearance as it becomes aged ; 

 and also, that the tips of its branches frequently 

 wither in hot weather, if it grow not on moist 

 land. In Spring, it is observable of this tree, 

 also, that it frequently suffers in its extremi- 

 ties, if severe frost happens after a series of 

 fine weather; a thing not at all uncommon 

 in our variable climate. 



* Some majestic Silver Firs at Duplin, the seat of 

 Lord Kinnoul, are supposed the largest in the kingdom. 

 I must acknowledge I have not seen their equals. 



