CHAP. CXI II. 



coNi fer-t;. r inus. 



2199 



tally, and remaining on the tree for many years. At Dropmore, there are 

 cones adhering to the trunk and larger branches of more than 20 years' growth, 

 giving the tree a vei-y singular appearance ; and rendering its trunk easily 

 distinguishable, even at a distance, from those of all others of the pine 

 tribe. The geographical range of this tree, according to Michaux, is very 

 limited, it being chiefly found on the Table Mountain in North Carolina, 

 one of the highest points of the Alleghanies, at nearly 300 miles from the 

 sea, which summit it covers almost exclusively, being rare on the adjoin- 

 ing ones. Pursh only mentions the Grandfather and Table Mountains as its 

 habitats ; but Mr. WiUiam Strickland, who introduced the species into Eng- 

 land, stated to Mr. Lambert that he observed large forests of it on the Blue 

 Mountains, on the frontiers of Virginia. Of all the forest trees of America, 

 Michaux observes, this is the only species restricted to such narrow limits ; 

 and it will, probably, be among the first to become extinct, as the mountains 

 which produce it are easy of access, are favoured with a salubrious air and a fer- 

 tile soil, and are rapidly peopling ; besides which, their forests are frequently 

 ravaged by fire. P. pungens was introduced into England in ISOlj and, as 

 cones are frequently imported, it is occasionally to be found in collections. 

 The largest tree we know of is at Dropmore; where, in 1837, it was 34 ft. 

 high J the diameter of the trunk 1 ft. 9 in., and of the head 33 ft. Fig. 2080. 

 is a portrait of this tree. There is a tree in the Horticultural Society's 

 Garden, 8 ft. high ; and a small plant at Messrs. Loddiges's. In America, 



