HYBRID CONIFERS. 



109 



This bundle branches into two divisions connected by an arched band of 

 tissue. In Abies Pinsapo the resin canals are either placed in the 

 substance of the leaf removed from the epiderm by two or three layers of 

 cells, when they are said to be parenchymatous," or they are placed 

 immediately beneath the epiderm (sub-epidermal). I have found the 

 resin- canals in this species occupying both positions in leaves taken from 

 the same branch. 



In A. ceplialonica, as in A. Nor dmanniana, the canals are sub-epidermal, 

 that is, they lie immediately within the hypoderm or only separated from 

 it by a single layer of cells. 



In the hybrid, as in A. Pinsapo, I find the position of the resin-canals 

 variable. Most often they are parenchymatous, sometimes sub-epidermal 

 (fig. 33), whilst in one leaf that I examined the canal was parenchymatous 

 on one side of the leaf and sub-epidermal on the other. 



From what has been said, it is clear that while some alleged hybrids 

 are only conjecturally of hybrid origin, there is definite proof that several 



Fig. 33. -Abies Vilmorini x , Leaf Section, Highly Magnified. 



of them are really of mixed parentage. Others are probably stages of 

 grow^th, such as are so remarkably exemplified in many Conifers, such as 

 Junipcrus, Cupressus, &c. Before their real nature was brought to light a 

 separate genus for their reception was made under the name Retinospora, 

 a name which, though still used in gardens, has now no botanical 

 significance. 



To M. Henry de Yilmorin belongs the credit of having been the first 

 to raise with his own hands, in 1867, a hybrid Conifer. His son, M. Philippe 

 de Vilmorin, purposes to study the tree critically from the anatomical 

 standpoint, and we may confidently hope that this may not only be a filial 

 duty and a continuance of the famous family tradition, but also a 

 substantial acquisition to botanical science. 



Of the possible practical benefit of hybridising Conifers it is, of course, 

 too early to speak with confidence. It may, however, be hoped that the 

 new forms which may in the future be originated may prove of advantage 



