VUl 



PREFACE. 



brancL. of the arboricnltural art, will supply a present and pressing 

 want at a nominal price, hence its ^present publication. 



After a fair and impartial hearing, I shall, I doubt not, receive a 

 fair and impartial sentence from you, my readers and judges, upon the 

 merits and demerits, the accomplishment or failure, of my present 

 endeavour to supply a Handbook of the Firs and Pines, in this 

 my transformed Prize Essay and Maiden Yolume. 



As this book is designed and published to supply a concise summary 

 of, at least, so much knowledge as every British Aboriculturist ought to 

 have concerning the Firs and Pines, the author has been careful to 

 explain the meaning of any technical term he may employ. Simplicity 

 of language, therefore, and brief but comprehensive descriptions, as 

 well as concise notes respecting the habits, uses, and products of this 

 tribe of trees and shrubs, have been necessary. In almost every case 

 where the term or word "see" is used in the "Alphabetical List," it 

 refers the name of the alias or synonym to the species to which it 

 belongs ; and the synonyms are only given in the Appendix, so as to 

 save space, expense, and unnecessary repetitions; for had all the 

 synonyms and the authorities for them been inserted in the body of 

 the work, it would have overgrown its present dimensions, and far 

 exceeded its present price. It will be observed that "botanical arrange- 

 ment " has in every case been employed as the servitor of " alphabetical 

 order," each in their turn and place being engaged in the service of 

 Arboriculture as a practical art. 



Senilis. 



Einejield, Lymington, Hants, 

 January, 1866. 



Entered at Stationers' Hall, and the Coptright secured from infringement. 



