510 On the growth of a peculiar Fir resembling the Pinaster. 



appears to be allied. With respect to the form of the cone, then ; 

 in the common Pinaster it is oblong, tapering towards the base, and 

 having large projecting echinate scales with deep fissures between 

 them. In the kind in question it is smaller, more ovate, tapering 

 but little towards the base, and having moderate sized unarmed 

 scales with shallow furrows between them. 



The position of the cone is a still more striking distinction. In 

 the common Pinaster the cones, of which there are generally three 

 or four, are situated behind the shoots of the whorl, and in the 

 mature state point backwards. In this obscure species on the con- 

 trary the cone is single, and it as universally occupies the place of 

 the leading shoot, the side shoots being behind it. The necessary 

 consequence of this position is, that the tree can have no regular 

 leader ; but each year one of the side shoots strengthens; and con- 

 tinues the growth for the ensuing season. The year following the 

 same process is repeated in another direction ; a new axis of growth 

 is formed, and the stem of the tree acquires a zig-zag appearance, 

 which is never entirely lost, though of course much obliterated 

 by age. 



These distinctive characters may indicate either — 1st. A distinct 

 species — 2nd. A hybrid, between adjacent species — 3rd. An acci- 

 dental, perhaps permanent variety. I know of no other answer that 

 can be given to the question of its doubtful origin, and I confess 

 that I am staggered by the difficulties which belong to each of the 

 three cases. In the first place I have the opinion of the above 

 named eminent botanists that no such species has been observed in 

 any part of the world— 2dly. Supposing it to be a mule of the 

 Pinaster with some other Fir ; amongst many specimens gradations 

 must necessarily occur, and in variuos instances the hybrid would 

 approach more or less near to one or other of its parents. In some 

 cases the character of the parent Pinaster would very decidedly 

 predominate, while the adventitious character would signalize some 



