ORDER CONIFERS; VAST AMOUNT OF DEAL TIMBER. 507 



tures, to decay together in water, that, whilst all traces of Oak, 

 Elm, Beech, and other hard woods were lost, the Coniferous 

 woods could be distinguished, as could also the Palms ; whilst 

 the Ferns underwent little alteration. If such a process took 

 place, as is probable, at a former period, the remains would be 

 just what we find them ; although many of the more perfect 

 Exogens might have contributed to form them. 



682. The various species of this order are distributed, as is 

 well known, over the whole globe ; but they principally abound 

 in temperate latitudes, and flourish on the sides of lofty hills, 

 where no other trees will grow. They are of great service in 

 rendering ground fertile for other kind of vegetation, by the decay 

 of their leaves and resinous excretions, at the same time that 

 they are themselves a source of profit. Some species grow to an 

 enormous height, as much as 230 feet, with a perfectly straight 

 stem. Every one is acquainted with the value of deal timber, on 

 account of its combination of softness with elasticity and firm- 

 ness, the size at which it may be readily obtained, the ease with 

 which it may be worked. The greatest part of that which is 

 used in this country, is brought eitner from Canada, or from 

 Sweden, Norway, and Russia ; the latter, which is called Baltic 

 timber, is of the best quality, but is partly kept out by a heavier 

 duty. The total quantity imported, is probably a great deal 

 more than a million loads per annum, by far the most bulky 

 product which is brought to this country ; the amount contri- 

 buted to the revenue by the duty paid on it, is about a million 

 and a half sterling annually. 



683. The general characters of the foregoing orders are so 

 distinct, that they will not be made more evident by being ar- 

 ranged in a table. 



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