176 DICTIOjSTAPtY OF POPULAR NAMES FIR 



It is an elegant tree from the symmetrical disposition of its 

 branches, which droop gracefully at their extremities, and it 

 has light and tufted foliage. Its wood is not of much repute, 

 but its bark is highly valued for tanning. Its young branches 

 make excellent Spruce beer. It was introduced in 1736, but 

 considered only an ornamental tree. Forty years ago there 

 were two fine examples in the Eoyal Pleasure Gardens, Kew. 



A. lalsamea, Balm of Gilead Fir, native of Canada, Nova 

 Scotia, and other parts of North America. It is a low-growing 

 tree compared with many of its allies, seldom exceeding a 

 height of 20 to 40 feet. Its cones and bark yield a turpentine 

 called Canada Balsam, which is used in the arts, and valued for 

 preserving microscopic objects. 



A. Picea, Silver Fir, native of Central Europe and temperate 

 Northern Asia. It attains a height of 100 and even (it is 

 said) 200 feet. It takes its name from the leaves being silvery- 

 white underneath, and when standing singly it is a beautiful tree. 

 There are many good trees growing in different parts of this 

 country. Its timber is not much valued, but said to be durable 

 under water. A resin is obtained from it, which when purified 

 is known as Strasburg Turpentine. 



In California the genus Ahies is represented by about a 

 dozen species, all large trees, of which A. nobilis, A. hracteata, and 

 A. Menzlesii are conspicuous. A. religiosa, native of Mexico, is 

 a fine tree, but not hardy in this country. 



In India the genus is represented by A. Smithiana, A, Web- 

 biana, and its variety A. Pindroio ; the first is hardy, the two 

 latter are not. 



P. Nordmanniana, native of the Crimea, P. Cejphalonica and 

 P. pinsapo, natives of Southern Europe, are fine trees, hardy in 

 this country. 



Fir, Scotch. {See Pine.) 



Fitches of Scripture. (See Fennel Flower.) 



Flag. (See Fleur-de-Luce.) 



Flame Trees. — Different trees in different countries havinir 

 brilliant scarlet flowers, in most cases flowerint? before the 



