168 AMERICAN HANDBOOK 



axils of the branches, large, cylindrical, 

 bluntly pointed at both ends, about six 

 inches long, and two broad. Silver fir. Na- 

 tive of Europe and Asia. 



In a deep rich loam, and a sheltered situa- 

 tion, this is one of the most rapid growing 

 and interesting firs. The branches usually 

 grow stiffly horizontal, and, when in fruit, 

 the cones, standing so rigidly erect on the 

 axils, give the species quite an unique charac- 

 ter. The best specimen at Bartram is ninety- 

 five feet high and six feet in circumference. 

 In Mr. Pierce's arboretum there are also some 

 noble specimens, little, if any, inferior to 

 these. In very dry soils it is apt to die out 

 in dry summers, and at any rate be but short- 

 lived. It may be propagated as No. 1, but 

 the seeds should be a little deeper covered. 



6. P. PICHTA, London, is generally con- 

 sidered as only a variety of this, with the 

 leaves closer set on the branches, and not so 

 silvery beneath. Specimens about here are 

 not 6ver two feet high. 



PINUS, Linnceus. Nat. Ord. Pinaceaa. 

 Monoecia, Monadelphia, Linn. Male catkins 





