This tree is confined to the central regions of the Crimea, forming considerable forests on the western declivity
of the chain of lofty mountains which extend alohg the coast of the Black Sea. It is called I - in
the Tartar language, and forms a tree of great size. Its wood is very knotty and resmous, and very durable,
according to Professor Pallas; but difficult to form into good planks on account of its knotty texture. The
same distinguished traveller informs us, that the largest beams obtained from it are from 4 to 6 yards in length.
The resin of this tree, which is produced in vast, quantities, Pallas says « has a.pleasant odour, and is employed
in fumigating, like that of the Mountain Pine procured from Moldavia." Tfus valuable tree was first raised in
this country about fifteen years ago by Mr. Lee, from seeds communicated to him by Professor Pallas. Of all
Pines this is the one best adapted for thin chalky soils, and maritime situations, and might be successfully
employed for covering our barren sea downs, which at present produce nothing. A few trees, which I planted
at Boy ton about twelve years ago, are now thirty feet high, and veiy luxurious; although the soil, m which they
are, is scarcely two inches thick on a bed of solid chalk. The tree throws out branches almost to the
base of the trunk, which extending in a horizontal direction, protect the roots from the scorching rays of the
sun in summer, and' likewise serve to retain moisture in the soil. The present Duke of Marlborough planted at
White Knights, from sixty to seventy young plants of this species, which have now attained considerable size.
It is a remarkable fact, that, although the trees at Boyton House produce plenty of cones annually, the seeds
have never yet ripened. This species is distinguished from Pinus maritima by the much greater size of its cones,
which are most frequently curved and grow in twos or threes together, with their scales tubercular and terminated
each by a small hard spinous point. The leaves of P. Pallasiana are likewise double the length of those
of maritima, rigid and much thicker, and the crest of its anthers is twice as broad and more rounded. It also
differs from P. Laricio by its straight and rigid leaves, furnished with a shorter sheath, and by its cones being
double the size,frequently curved with conical scales; and lastly, by the spreading and branchy habit of the tree
itself. The cones of variety p represented in the plates are constantly straight, by which mark it differs from
the variety «.
EXPLANATION OF TAB. 1.
A. Branch with cones.
B. Female catkins.
C. Young cones.
D. Male catkins.
E. E. Scales of the female catkin, shewing the stigma.
F. F. Anther surmounted by their appendage or crest.
G. Cone.
H. Scale of the cone shewing the seeds.
I. Leaves with their sheath and stipule-like scale.
J. Cones of variety 0.