44 



PINACE^. 



is found more or less plentiful on the snow-capped mountains and 

 alpine heights of north-western India, at elevations ranging from seven 

 thousand to thirteen thousand feet; and like all the other firs and 

 pines, is much influenced in its stature and dimensions, and likewise 

 in the size of its foliage and cones, by the soil, climate, and altitude in 

 which it may be found growing ; hence the many conflicting and con- 

 tradictory descriptions which have been from time to time given us of 

 the Indian Silver Fir. 



This fir is sufficiently hardy for our climate ; but it is very fastidious 

 as to soil and situation ; and is predisposed to early spring growth, and 

 consequently is liable to injury from late spring frosts ; and whenever 

 it is intended to plant it, the best soil and most sheltered situation in 

 the most northern aspect of the pinetum or plantation should be 

 assigned to it ; for a southern aspect and early or meridian sun are the 

 causes of its dislikes to Albion's Isles. 



As a timber tree it has no claims ; for its best specimens are soft and 

 spongy and of mushroom durability : as an ornamental tree it is only 

 useful as a variety in a large collection where a suitable soil and situa- 

 tion can be afforded it. 



PiGEA PiNSAPO ' The Pinsapo or Spanish Silver Fir. 



Hail ! Pinsapo ! thou goodly tree ! 

 Thou art all grace and symmetry, 



Gem of Iberia's land. 

 A pitchy wood though we confess, 

 Yet, perfect lignine these hath less ; 



And well thy charms demand 

 That thee in rank our strains address 

 As next our Queen, — our fair Princess. 



Leaves, comparatively small, being from a quarter to one inch in 

 length ; somewhat flat on their upper face, and more or less rounded 

 below, and almost minus the conspicuous silvery bands, the dis- 

 tingushing characteristic so much appreciated in the Silver Fir or 

 Ficea section; — for in this species it is at most but very imperfectly 

 illustrated : no two-toothed leaves do we find, but sharp needle-pointed 

 little lancets or daggers, so closely and regularly disposed on the branch 

 stems at right angles, that from a cylinder sprig an ordinary mathema- 

 tician might define by angles, if not square the circle : when young, the 

 foliage is pea-green, when matured, rich green, and when aged, bright 

 shining green. 



Cones, from four to six inches long, and from one-and-a-half to three 

 inches broad ; cylindrical in form, but ovate at base and apex ; minus 



