Pink-Tree, or Pinus, L. a genus of trees consisting of 30 species, of which the following are the most remarkable:

1. The pineaster, or Wild Pine, is a native of the mountainous parts of Italy, and the South of France, whence it has been introduced into Britain. It flourishes in very indifferent soils; attains a large size ; and its branches are very extensive; but, as it advances in age, the leaves disappear, and the tree becomes naked and deformed : hence, it is seldom planted at present, though it was formerly in great esteem as an ornament to plantations. The cones of this species are remarkably large, containing a white, sweet, oily kernel ; from one pound of which, five ounces of an excellent oil may obtained, by expression.

2. The Sylvestris, or Scotch Fir.— See vol. ii. p. 276.

3. The pinca, or Stone Pine, is a tall evergreen, growing naturally in Spain and Portugal. It delights in sandy loams; though, like the rest of the pine-family, it will thrive in any soil. The kernels produced by this- species, are eaten in Italy, among other articles of the dessert, being preferred to almonds: they are reputed to be serviceable in colds, coughs, consumptions, etc.

4. The Abies, or Spruce Fir ; and

5. The picea, or Yew-leaved Fir.— See vol. ii. p. 279.

6. The Cembra, or Pinaster. — See Arvenusly.

All the species of the pine are hardy trees; and, as they not only require a similar culture, but are also infested with the same vermin; the reader will find these subjects concisely stated, under the article Fir-tree.

From this genus of trees is ex-tracled the common turpentine, which, on distillation, affords the oil known under that name; the process is performed in the following manner : Early in the spring, the bark is pared off the pine-tree, in order that the sap may flow the more freely into the vessel placed for its reception. This is the common turpentine, which is fit for immediate use: after the sap has ceased to flow, the tree is cut into billets, which are thrown into a pit, where they are set on fire-: during the ignition, a black, thick matter sinks to the bottom, whence it is conducted into a proper vessel. Such liquor is known by the name of Tar, whichs poured into barrels for sale; but, if designed to be made into Pitch, it is boiled in large cauldrons, without the addition of water, or any other fluid ; and, on becoming cool, it concretes into a hard black mass.