INTBODUCTION. O 



its native home. The order is alphabetical for greater convenience of 

 reference. 



There exists much diversity of opinion as to the precise limits of 

 the Coniferous genera, some authorities raising to the rank of genus, 

 kinds which others regard as species of some more widely defined 

 type.* Specific characters are in many cases still more vaguely framed, 

 so that the species of some authors are by others considered to be 

 varieties of some more common form.f Into any discussion of con- 

 troverted subjects like these it is not our province to enter. It is 

 sufficient, therefore, to state once for all, that the names given as 

 specific, and under which the trees and shrubs in Part II. are 

 described, are the names of kinds which, for Arboricultural and 

 Horticultural purposes, are sufficiently distinct to require special notice, 

 and without in any way indicating our belief or disbelief that they 

 are species, in the ordinary acceptation of the term, or not. "We 

 have not, however, hesitated to quote authorities, whose opinions are 

 entitled to respect, on a few controverted points which have arisen, 

 and which could not be passed over in silence. 



In the descriptions of the trees and shrubs, many botanical details 

 are omitted; for these the reader must consult the more elaborate 

 works especially devoted to the subject ; but, we trust, enough is given 

 to convey a clear idea of the plants described, and even sufficient in 

 most cases to enable them to be identified. To the description of each 

 of the most important trees is added the date of its introduction into 

 Britain, where it can be ascertained ; also information respecting the 

 economic properties and the purposes for which it is employed. 



We have derived much valuable information from existing Pineta. 

 Foremost among these we may mention that of the Eight Hon. 

 Lady Eolle, whose magnificent collection at Bicton stands unrivalled 

 in this country. We must also name those of the Eight Hon. 

 Earl Ducie, at Tortworth; the Eight Hon. Viscount Holmesdale, at 



* Abies Cedrus and Larix are brought by some authorities under Pinus ; Wellingtonia 

 under Sequoia ; Chamajcyparis and Retinospora under Cupressus ; Biota and Thuiopsis 

 under Thnia, &e. 



+ Cedrus deodara, G. atlantica, and 0. Mbani are regarded by eminent authorities as 

 onlv forms of one species. Pinus austriaca and P. Pallasicma are described by Parlatore 

 -s varieties of P Laricio. Abies Cephalonica is considered by the same botanist to be 

 onlv a variety of A. pectmata; and many other instances might be cited. It must, 

 however, be admitted that the difficulty of framing specific characters is often very 

 <rreat and that a divergence of opinion among botanists as to the relative specific s 

 va'ue of any character, or combination of characters, would seem to be almost inevitable. 



