Conifer ce Pimis. 



421 



1. Leaves usually two in each sheath. 



1 . P. sylvestris. Scotch Pine or Fir. A tree from 50 to 100 

 feet high. This is the only species native of the British 

 Islands, and it is now rarely seen in a wild state. The foliage 

 is dense, of a glaucous hue, and from 1^ to 2J inches long. 

 Sheath small, persistent, nearly black. Cones solitary or 2 or 

 3 together, about 2 inches long, tapering towards the apex ; 

 tops of the scales elevated and ridged, with a square or 

 triquetrous outline and a small shield with a deciduous point. 

 Seeds winged. There are many slight varieties of this species, 

 few of which are worthy of distinctive names or detailed 

 notice, especially as this species is quite superseded for 

 ornamental purposes by 



others of handsomer 

 growth and aspect. The 

 variety nana is a dwarf 

 bush, variegata has some 

 of the leaves tinged with 

 yellow, and monophylla 

 has the two leaves more 

 or less combined. 



2. P. Austrlaca, syn. 

 P. nlgricans and nlgra. 

 Austrian Pine. A 

 handsome tree from 60 

 to 120 feet high with 

 dense erect' rich glossy 

 dark green foliage from 

 2-| to 4 inches or more 

 long. Sheath short, per- 

 sistent. Cone reddish- 

 brown, from 2 to 3 inches 

 long, with less elevated 

 smooth and shining scales. 

 Seeds winged. This is 

 perhaps the best of this 

 section for general plant- 

 ing, being equally orna- 

 mental with any of the 



others and sufficiently hardy to develop its beauty in the 

 bleakest and most exposed situations. In fact, it is unrivalled 



1 ig. 215. Pinus Laricio. 



