MEMOIR. 75 
varieties ; and one of these indeed is of so fixed and marked a 
character, that it may probably be entitled to rank as a species. 
“It seems somewhat curious, that in Dr. Smith’s Flora By: 
annica, in Hull’s British Flora, and in Withering’s Ar 
while perhaps not fewer than six or seven varieties of some species 
of plants, not of the least known economical use or importance, are 
enumerated,—not one variety of the Pinus silvestris should be 
noticed. 
“It may here be proper to state, that lately, while observing the 
cutting down of a fir plantation, near Forfar, I was not a little 
surprised at the great difference in the size, and consequently the 
value, of some of the trees in comparison with others of the same 
species, the difference in value being not less than four times that 
of others, and in some individual trees exceeding six times. I was 
at a loss to account for this fact, as the trees were growing 
promiscuously in the same soil and situation, and had been equally 
thinned. On more minutely examining those trees that far exceeded 
the others in size, I perceived that they were all of that variety 
which I have suggested as probably entitled to rank as a species. 
“About a month ago, I re-examined the varieties of the Pinus 
silvestris, in order to collect some cones of each variety for seed ; 
and I was then led to examine them with considerable care. 
“I think the following remarks may tend to distinguish and 
characterize the different varieties. 
Var. f. 
“The Common Variety, which I shall rank as the first, is well known 
by its branches forming a pyramidal head; the leaves being 
marginated, of a dark or full green colour, and but little glaucous 
underneath; the cones being considerably elongated, and tapering 
to the point ; and the bark of the trunk being very rugged. This 
variety seems to be but short-lived, becoming soon stunted in its 
appearance, and it is altogether a very inferior tree to either var. 
2 Or 3. 
Var. 2. 
“This strongly marked and permanent variety, is distinguished 
from the former, by the disposition of its branches, which are 
remarkable for their horizontal direction, and for a tendency to 
bend downward close by the trunk. | The leaves are broader than 
in var. 1., and serrulated, not marginated as in var. 1. From that 
circumstance alone, I should at once pronounce them distinct. The 
