100 PINACE^. 



and even on tte same tree they may be found in bud-like clusters or 

 bundles, each containing various numbers of leaves ; their seed-leaves 

 are also very variable in number. 



Cones, of various sizes, ranging from less than an inch to over 

 a foot in length, and from half an inch to six inches broad ; they are 

 also variously formed : conical, cylindrical, oblong, or roundish and 

 ligneous ; scales numerous and imbricated ; the seeds being somewhat 

 oval in form, having hard, bony shells, and farinaceous albuminous 

 kernels; in some species winged, and in some they are wingless. 



This is the most numerous in species and quasi-species, and amongst 

 themselves as a family or S.D., excepting perhaps Cupressinece. 

 the most apparently dissimilar yet cognate group of Pinacess. 

 In their native habitats they have a wide range, for they are to be 

 found north and south, east and west ; at all altitudes, high and low ; 

 in all kinds of situations, from the most warm and sheltered to the 

 most cold and exposed. ~Sot unfrequently, a particular or given 

 species may be found in some particular part of the world, where, 

 under conditions favourable to its healthy growth and full develop- 

 ment, it may attain heights of from one hundred to two hundred feet; 

 whereas, when found in other parts, and under conditions uncongenial 

 to its healthy growth and full development, the very same species may 

 be discovered struggling for existence ; making, it may be, all but 

 imperceptible annual growth. Yet, even under such adverse circum- 

 stances, by indomitable perseverance for many years, it may reach a 

 good old age, though from the hardships it has to undergo it may be 

 reduced to a sprawling, scrubby bush ; while, had fate or fortune given 

 it a place in some more favoured clime, a richer or more congenial sod. 

 and situation, it might have formed in the same number of years a 

 handsome and majestic pine. This fact is one of the chief causes 

 which have led inexperienced tree-collectors to send home so many 

 said-to-be new species of pines, and coupled with the equally patent 

 one — the present endeavour to send out some "Fine I^ew Conifer," to 

 which too many unscrupulous plant vendors haA'-e lately been in the 

 habit of resorting, and encouraged by the high encomium of some 

 botanic pedant, or the "first-class certificate" of some wise savans, who 

 know much about pinks and peas, but little if anything about firs 

 and pines ; and the sine qua non a good sale for the " Fine 'New 

 Pine," may in some measure account for the sad lack of precision 

 wherewith the species of this genus are at present found named and 

 described. 



