Con iferce A dies. 429 



2. Leaves linear, flat, or lenticular, in two rows or ranks, 

 more rarely scattered. Mature cones erect. PICE A. 



* Species with the bracts of the cones longer than the scales. 



10. A. pectinata. Common Silver Fir. A handsome tree 

 from 100 to 150 feet high. Young branches clothed with 

 blackish short hairs. Leaves about an inch long, linear, flat, 

 obtuse, glossy, yellowish-green above, with 2 silvery lines 

 beneath. Cones about 6 inches long, cylindrical, fcrown when 

 ripe. Scales broad, thin and rounded. Seeds winged. This 

 species is seldom seen in its greatest beauty as a small plant, on 

 account of the spring frosts injuring the young shoots ; but 

 after it has attained the height of a few feet, it does not appear 

 to start into growth so early, and thus escapes the effects of the 

 cold. It is a native of Central Europe, and is well adapted for 

 cold soils or exposed situations. There is a variety called 

 pendula, of little merit ; a dwarf form, nana ; an erect variety, 

 fastigiata ; and several others scarcely worthy of notice. 



11. A. Cephalonica. This is another splendid species, 

 agreeing in habit and disposition of the foliage with A. Pinsapo, 

 but here the leaves are rather longer, less crowded, thinner, and 

 tapering to a very sharp point, glossy dark green above and 

 glaucous beneath. The cones too are longer, and the bracts 

 exceed the scales. A native of Greece and Cephalonia. 



A. Apollmis, a native of the mountains of Greece, is a 

 closely allied species or form, intermediate in character between 

 the last and the Silver Fir. It is said to be equally handsome, 

 but, like both of its relatives, suffers greatly from late Spring 

 frosts. It also bears the name of A. Reglnce Amalice. 



12. A. balsamea. Balsam or Balm of GKlead Fir. This is a 

 small tree resembling the Silver Fir, but, although hardier than 

 that, less desirable on account of its liability to disease and 

 early decay. It is also less robust, with smaller foliage, and 

 cones from 3 to 4 inches long. A native of North America. 

 A. Fraseri is a closely allied small tree with smaller leaves, 

 and cones from 1 to 2 inches long; and A. Hudsonica is a 

 diminutive form of the latter. 



13. A. nobilis. This is one of the most striking and 

 majestic species of this order, whether as a small specimen or a 

 large tree. In its native country, so rich in magnificent large 

 trees, it is said to form a most imposing sight, not only for its 



