CHAP. 17.—THE PINASTER.

The pinaster is nothing else but a wild pine: it rises to a surprising height, and throws out branches from the middle, just as the pine does from the top. This tree yields a more copious supply of resin than the pine: the mode in which this is done we shall set forth[1] on a future occasion. It grows also in flat countries. Many people think that this is the same tree that grows along the shores of Italy, and is known as the "tibulus;"[2] but this last is slender, and more com- pact than the pine; it is likewise free from knots, and hence is used in the construction of light gallies;[3] they are both almost entirely destitute of resin.

1. In c. 23 of this Book.

2. A variety of the Pinus silvestris of Linnæus.

3. "Liburnicæ." See B. ix. cc. 5 and 48.