Contfera—vl bies. 429 
§ 2. Leaves linear, flat, or lenticular, in two rows or raiks, 
more rarely scattered. Muture cones erect—Picna. 
* Species with the bracts of the cones longer than the scales. 
10. A. pectindta. 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, brown when 
ripe. Scales broad, thin and rounded. Seeds winged. This 
species is seldom seen inits 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 
péndula, of little merit ; a dwarf form, nana; an erect variety, 
fastigidta ; and several others scarcely worthy of notice. 
ll. A. Cephalénicu.—This is another splendid species, 
agreeing in habit and disposition of the foliage with A. Ponsapo, 
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, Apollinis, 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, 
put, like both of its relatives, suffers greatly from late Spring 
frosts. It also bears the name of A. Reginee Amélice. 
12. A.balsamea. Balsam or Balm of Gilead 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 lone. A native of North America. 
A. Fraseri isa closely allied small tree with smaller leaves, 
and cones from 1 to 2 inches long; and 4d. Hudsénica is a 
diminutive form of the latter. 
13. A. nébilis.—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 
