164 J.J.Koize 



are not durable in the ground. Almost all pines prefer sandy 

 or loamy soils and most of them are hardy to frost. All except 

 P'mus insignis are rather slow growers. 



Pinus insignis, — This large, handsome and quick growing tree 

 has been very widely planted throughout South Africa, but 

 it thrives best in the coastal districts from Cape Town to 

 Storms River in the Humansdorp District. It is quite at 

 home in these winter and all-the-year rainfall areas. Not 

 to be recommended for summer rainfall areas except in cer- 

 tain moist mountain situations nor for localities where the 

 rainfall is low. Likes a good well-drained soil and not 

 affected by frost Produces a greater volume of wood per 

 acre in a shorter time than any other pine. From 1 2 to 15 

 years it is large enough to yield boxwood and at 30 years 

 reaches a height of 1 00 feet with a diameter of 1 8 to 24 

 inches. Its timber is not strong, though tough, and is not 

 durable in the ground. Practically free from resin and 

 useful for any purposes where strength and durability are not 

 required, such as for ceiling-boards, joinery, packing-cases» 

 fruit boxes etc. 



Pinus pinaster, (The Cluster Pine.) — Has become naturalised 

 in the Cape Peninsula. Also prefers winter rainfall areas 

 though grows well in summer rain areas as well. Hardier to 

 drought than Pinus insignis and will thrive on poorer soils 

 than the latter. It is the safest Pine to plant on poor, peaty 

 or swampy soils. Very hardy to frost. Often raised by 

 in situ sowings. When broad-casted I 0-20 lbs. of seed per 

 acre are required. Does best near the coast in localities 

 with fairly good rainfall. Its timber is useful for flooring, 

 rafters, joists and general carpentry. 



Pinus halepensis (Aleppo Pine.) — A sweet-veld Pine. Hardy 

 against both drought and frost and does not mind shaly or 

 calcareous soils. Does well in both winter and summer 

 rainfall areas. Has a bushy habit of growth for the first 

 three or four years, but then shoots up. 



