414 SYLVICULTURAL NOTES ON TIMBER TREES 



SILVER PIR. 



Abies pectinata = The Common Silver Pir. 



Abies Nordmanniana = Nordmann's Silver Pir. 

 Abies concolor. 

 Abies grandis. 



The Common Silver Pir is native to the mountains of 

 Central Europe; and is said to have been introduced in 1603. 



As to Seed. Good crops of seed are produced from 

 about the 65th year onwards, in its native habitat. 



It bears seed in the warmer parts of this country ; but 

 home-grown seed should never be relied upon, except for 

 experimental purposes. 



One pound of seed contains about 10,000 seeds, and the 

 germinative capacity is about 40 per cent. 



The timber is white, soft, and light ; and, if grown in 

 close canopy, is of excellent quality. It may be used 

 for the same purposes as Spruce. It is easily worked, and 

 splits well. Strasburg Turpentine is obtained from this 

 tree. 



Soil and Situation. A deep soil is essential, and a fair 

 amount of moisture. On dry, sandy, or gravelly soils it 

 will not, usually, succeed. 



It is extremely tender as to spring and autumn frosts ; 

 and, also, as to hot summer sun, when the plants are 

 young. 



It will thrive on stiff clay soils, if it can get established ; 

 but, except when used as an undercrop, it will so often 

 be killed by frosts, that it should seldom be planted in the 

 open on such soils. 



It likes a fairly moist atmosphere, and a warm climate ; 

 and it succeeds best in the south and south-west of England, 

 or in the neighbourhood of the sea or inland lakes ; and it 

 prefers northern aspects. 



It has a deep root system and is a storm-proof tree. 



Cultivation, etc. The tree is rather a bad " transplanter." 



