130 TIMBER PINES OP THE SOUTHERN UNITED STATES. 



The Spruce Piue attains a height of from 85 to 110 feet and over; the trunk is clear of limbs 

 for a length of from 45 to 00 feet, and it is from '2 to 2i feet in diameter breast high, seldom 

 exceeding 3 feet. The largest trees observed were about 120 feet in height by a girth of fuily 10 

 feet breast high. 



The taproot appears to be less strongly developed than in the Sliortleaf tlie lower lateral roots 

 run for a short distance close to tlie surface before penetrating the ground; the bark is close, with 

 deep, narrow furrows, separating in narrow thin scales and of a reddishbrowu color. The lind>s 

 are horizontal, dividing in rectangular spreading branches and branchlets. Tlie leaves also 

 become iu tiic latter ])art of the season widely spreading, the density of the foliage being reen- 

 forced by the leaves of the short branchlets produced on tlie older branches from adventitious 

 buds. To this spreading lial)it of tlie ultimate division of the branches and of the leaves is due 

 the peculiar spray of the foliage, similar to that of the true cedars. 



ENEMIES. 



No observations have been made of the injuries inflicted upon this tree by insects. Trees, 

 after having passed the period of full growth, at the age of about 100 years are very frequently 

 affected with decay in the stump and with redheart in the top. In the damp liummock lands the 

 tree is rarely touched by lire. Where the underbrush ;ii)d the vegetable matter of the soil coseriug 

 lias been destroyed by repeated conflagrations, how ever, the trees begin to sicken and soon die. 



REQUIREMENTS OF DEVELOrMENT. 



The Spruce Pine re([uires the warm climate of the subtropical zone, with a mean annual 

 tomjierature of about 06° F. and a mean temperature of 49° F. in the winter months (in central 

 Alabama the thermometer falls sometimes to an extreme of 5° F.), and the humid atmosphere of 

 the coastal ])laiii, with a mean annual rainfall of 54 inches, evenly distributed throughout the year. 

 This tree will endure, during the early stages of its growth, more shade than any other of the 

 pines of the Atlantic forest region, perhaps the White Pine {Piini.s .strobus) excepted. Ketarded 

 in its growth under severe oppression, it will finally force its way through its close surroundings, 

 and having gained a freer access to light, it pushes its crown rajiidly above tlie broad leaved 

 evergreens and deciduous trees which luxuriate on the same ground. It demands a loose soil, 

 rich in humus, fresh to moist but not wet, with a deep porous subsoil, which in these lauds is 

 frequently a light, sandy loam. 



The ypruce Pine is never found in the forest of the alluvial bottoms with their heavy soil, sub- 

 ject to frequent overflow, nor iu the dry, sandy pine forests. Where it finds the soil conditions 

 most favorable to its growth, Magnolias, Cucumber trees, Sweet (Inm, Mockernnt Hickory, and 

 Deecli are found of greatest thrift, not iiifreiiiiently associated with the Sliortleaf and the Loblolly 

 pines. The undergrowth on such lands is luxuriant, consisting of Dogwood, Holly, Summer I law, 

 and a variety of shrubs, P>nsh TTucklelierries ( Vdccinium rir<iutiiiii), Farkleberrics {V. nrliiircnm), 

 Storax IJushes (Slyni.r {iniii<li/oliiii>i),Vorm\\A (Contnn scriced ).i\ml r.lue I'almetto, forming dense 

 brush interlaced by numerous woody climbers ( Vitis, Ampelopsi.s, Wistaria). 



As has been observed in northwestern Florida, where it finds the pro]>er soil conditions, the 

 second growth of this pine soon occupies the clearings made in the original forest. Tracts of young 

 forests of much promise have been met with between the Choctawhatchee and Chattahoochee 

 rivers. The hummock land, forming the home of the Spruce Pine, being with the increase of the 

 population rapidly claimed for cultivation, this beautiful jiine will soon be solely confined to the 

 most remote and inaccessible localities. Peing the only really soft ])ine of the Southern States, 

 and having by its shade endurance a peculiar forest value, this tree will probably form an 

 important part in the future, when forestry has become an established business. 



