THE PINE. 385 



Order. Conifera. 

 Section. Abietina. Richard. 



Before we proceed to describe such individuals belong- 

 ing to this division of the Coniferce as are admissible within 

 the limits of the present work, either as being indigenous 

 to the kingdom, or introduced and naturalized for a period 

 sufficient to prove the quality and utility of their timber, 

 as well as their adaptation for extensive cultivation in a 

 British climate, a few observations on the tribe in general 

 may not be deemed out of place, considering the interest 

 created by the peculiarities which distinguish it in so 

 many striking particulars from the other orders of trees, 

 and the great importance attached to the timber of so 

 many of its members for its valuable qualities, by the 

 inhabitants of various parts of the globe. 



The section of the AMethice consists of that portion 

 of the Coniferce or cone-bearing trees, generally known 

 by the designation of firs, all of which, with the excep- 

 tion of the genus Larix, have their leaves persistent for 

 more than a year, or are what are called evergreens. As 

 a group they are distinguished from trees of other orders, 

 as well as from the Cupressina, another section belonging 

 to their own, by the linear or needle-like shape, and 

 the stiff coriaceous substance of their leaves,* composed 



* In the larch they are of a less coriaceous nature, consequently decompose 

 more rapidly when shed, and are more fertilizing to the ground beneath. 



2 c 



