396 
SKETCHES IN SPAIN. 
I cannot, therefore, avoid thinking, that G. I. T. has certainly 
taken a wrong view of the subject, which is much to be regretted, as 
I fear from the popularity of the writer, the theory will be apt to 
mislead the minds of many readers. The only sure path of improve¬ 
ment in Natural Philosophy, is by experimental enquiry, accom¬ 
panied with close observations of the phenomena of nature. 
RURAL AFFAIRS. 
Article XI.—EXTRACTS FROM VOLUME II. OF A WORK 
Published during the present Year , 1834, in London , entitled , “ Sketches in Spain, 
during the Years 1826-30-31, and 32, 
By Captain S. S. Cook, R. N., K. T. S. F. G. S. 
Of Newton-Hall, Northumberland.”—In Two Volumes. 
“The northern side of the high Pyrenees affords a complete ex¬ 
ample of successive lines or zones of superposed vegetation, which 
can be traced along the flank of the higher range, by threading the 
mountains between Bagneres de Bigorre, and Bagneres de Luchon, 
and the country east and west of these places. In the ascending series, 
the vine, chesnut, and oak of various species, are succeeded by the 
beech, the silver fir, and a few of the pinus sylvestris, or Scotch fir; 
and the highest and most inclement range, up to the limits of conge¬ 
lation, and the habitat of Lichens, and other Siberian plants exclusi- 
velv, bv the Pinus uncinata, the most interesting tree of these regions.’’ 
“In descending on the southern side, the pinus sylvestris is again 
met with, amongst the uncinata; and considerably lower another 
species.In the high vallies, the last trees and shrubs correspond 
with those of the North of England ; and above them, where it has 
not been destroyed, is invariably found the pinus uncinata. 
“The three species of pine, (P. practinata, P. sylvestris, P. unci¬ 
nata) some of them of great antiquity, maybe seen growing together, 
the uncinata gradually taking the higher place. The upper zone of 
the chain is formed entirely of the P. uncinata, which is a species 
hitherto almost unknown, or unattended to, and which is certainly 
one of the most valuable trees in the European Flora. The name 
w r as given in consequence of a peculiarly hooked form of the scales (of 
the cone) which is extremely marked, especially just before maturity. 
This character has been disputed; but a very little practice and obser¬ 
vation will enable any one to pronounce without hesitation, on seeing 
the different character and colour of the tree from those of its con- 
