THE PINE SUB-FAMILY. 197 



come more apparent ; we therefore yield to the judgment 

 of such authorities as Link, Antoine, and Ranch, and like 

 Gordon have given it a specific description, although sub- 

 sequent observation may cause us to differ from them. 



It is a native of Greece, where it is found growing on 

 the mountains at different elevations, from 1,500 to 4,000 

 feet, and forming a tree from 60 to 70 feet in height. 

 Young plants in our grounds have proven hardy, and as 

 they resemble A. Cephalonica, are equally handsome. 

 "We feel no hesitation in recommending it for trial. 



o 



23. A, balsamea, Marshall. BALSAM FIR, OR BALM OF 

 GILEAD FIR. Syn. Picea balsamea, London. Leaves, 

 from f to 1 inch long, narrowly linear, spreading, slightly 

 recurved, flat, dark green above, and silvery glaucous be- 

 neath. Branches, horizontal and numerous, with a smooth 

 bark, abounding in resinous vesicles. Cones, 3 to 4 inches 

 long, cylindrical, violet colored ; scales, broad, thin, round- 

 ed, smooth ; and obovate, mucronate, serrulate bracts. 

 Seeds, small and angular. 



The Balsam Fir was first described by Humphry 

 Marshall, the pioneer in American botanical authorship, 

 in his work entitled Arbustum Americamtm. The 

 habitat of this species, according to Gray, is in cold, damp 

 woods and swamps, New England to Pennsylvania, Wis- 

 consin and northward. It is also a native of Canada, 

 Nova Scotia, etc., where it is very abundant. 



This Fir has been frequently confounded with the A. 

 Fraseri, especially as the description given by Michaux 

 of -4. balsamifera belongs to A. Fraseri. The two are 

 quite distinct in their cones, and especially so in the bracts, 

 but otherwise are much alike. 



The Balsam Fir generally grows about 30 or 40 feet in 

 height, and forms, when young, a compact, conical tree of 

 regular outline and rapid growth. It has been so long a 

 popular ornamental tree in many parts of this country, 

 that it appears like turning our backs upon an old friend 



