393 
SKETCHES IN SPAIN. 
similar situations, it assumes the shape of a furze bush, presenting 
an impenetrable and bristling front of dark spiculse on every side, the 
stem or branches being quite undiscoverable. This is the species to 
which the name Pyiienacca ought to have been given, it being as far 
as observations have been yet made, peculiar to that chain. It may 
he expected to form a valuable addition to our forest trees, and it is 
singular that it should have been hitherto nearly unnoticed. It is 
mentioned in Sweet’s Catalogue, as introduced in 1820. But in the 
Botanical Garden at Glasnevin ,* near Dublin , there is an indivi¬ 
dual of much longer standing. I have not seen that tree since I visited 
the Pyrennees, but I have little doubt, from the recollection of it, that it 
is the right sort. I could obtain no certain information of its history ; 
most probably it came from Paris. 
* I took the earliest opportunity, after reading the foregoing passages, to search 
for this tree in the Glasnevin Garden, and with the assistance of the curator, Mr. 
Niven, found it without the least difficulty, for it bore a conspicuous label, with 
the name inscribed. It abounded with cones, some of which had already opened 
and shed their seeds, but others were close and compact; and on taking home 
with me a pocket full, I found the seeds apparently in a sound and perfect state, 
and have since committed them to the earth. The cones are somewhat larger 
than those of the Scotch fir, but of a very different aspect when seen in the hand ; 
so that after one attentive examination they can never be again mistaken. 
The shape and arrangement of the scales is peculiarly elegant, and the uncus , 
formed by the folding back of the upper part of the scale very conspicuous. The 
bark of the tree is remarkably thick and rugged ; the lower branches very heavy, 
and showing a disposition to extend, as described by Captain Cook, if space were 
afforded. But this tree, like many others in the garden, stands in a crowded 
compartment. The character of its resisting the wind, and not showing a weather 
side, does not however hold good, as the tree has a decided inclination from the 
west, that point, whence, from the time of Giraldus Cambrensis, all our trees in 
every part of the island have been observed to flinch, if exposed to the blast. 
The specimen appears to be coeval with the formation of the garden, and no 
doubt was procured through the energy of its projector and virtual founder, the 
late Lord Oriel, then the Right Hon. John Foster. 
