224 Trees for Shade and Ornament 
FIRS 
Abies (see also Picea, Spruce). This genus contains some twenty- 
three species from northern and mountainous habitats, requiring cool 
Fic. 67. — Abies Pinsapo Boiss. 
positions for best success. They are mostly tall, shapely conical trees 
of symmetrical, stiff, and formal branch habit, but less so than the 
spruces; mostly with blunt-pointed, flat leaves, arranged comb-like; 
densely foliaged, the leaves persisting for seven to twelve years, cones 
standing erect, the scales falling off when mature. They are usually 
of slow but persistent growth, and highly shade-enduring. Moist, 
