Pine, Rochester Bestiary, c.1230

Pine trees are evergreen, coniferous and resinous, and vary in height, between three metres and eighty metres. They are found throughout the world, but are typically native to the Northern Hemisphere.

Pines are generally long lived, typically from one hundred years up to one thousand years, although some are known to have lived in excess of four thousand years. The wood of the pine is a softwood, commonly used in construction and for making furniture.

Pine seeds are an important food source for birds, squirrels and other small animals. They are also harvested and sold as "pine nuts" for human consumption.

Pine trees have also yielded other useful products; distilled pine resin produces turpentine, a well known solvent, and when mixed with tar water has been used by vets to rid animals of worms and parasites, to treat mange, and as an antiseptic, and stimulant for rheumatic swelling.

The resin has also been used externally by people to treat skin infections and joint inflammation. Pine needles have also been used traditionally by boiling in water to make an infusion for treating fever and coughs and urinary infections.

Around the world, the pine tree has existed as a cultural symbol over many centuries, representing longevity and wisdom, or fertility and life; it also a symbol of peace.

Transcription

Translation

Pinus arbor picea. ab acumine foliorum. et
etiam tece spius fructus sic vocata. Pinum enim acu-
tum antiqui acutum dicebant. Pinus dicitur picea;
quia picem desudat. In germanie autem insulis hu-
ius arboris lacrima electrum gignit. Gutta enim
defluens; rigore vel tepore; in soliditatem dures-
cit. et gemmam facit. de qualitate sua nomen acci-
piens id est succinum. eo quod suctus(changed to succus) sit arboris. Pinus
creditur prodesse que sub ea servantur. sicut ficus
nocere omnibus. Nomine pini dicuntur superbi et elati. et
divites seculi. Unde ysaias. Gloria libani ad te veniet

The pine tree is so called from the point of its leaves, and also from the fruit of the spies. For the ancients called the sharp pine sharp. A pine is called a spruce; because it sweats the pitch. And in the islands of Germany the tear of this tree produces amber. For a drop falling down; with stiffness or warmth; it hardens into solidity, and forms a gem, taking its name from its quality, that is, amber. because it is the sap of the tree. The pine is believed to be beneficial to those who are kept under it, just as figs are harmful to all. By the name of the pine they are called the proud and proud, and the rich of the ages. Whence Isaiah The glory of Lebanon will come to you together with the

120r

abies et buxus et pinus simul;

fir and the boxwood and the pine.

Acknowledgements

With thanks for the researches of library volunteers Alan and Jean Minnerthey.