THE CORSICAN PINE. 185 
Selby. That the tree may have lost its leader is by no means 
unlikely, as I am informed by Mr Nicholson that the extreme top 
is not so straight as Loudon’s figure. 
On this estate, where the Laricio has been planted pretty exten- 
sively, many fine specimens are to be seen, ranging in height from 
50 to 70 feet, and with trunks girthing from 5 to 6 feet at 3 feet 
up. The largest specimen, which occupies a prominent position on 
the lawn near the castle, is 72) feet in height, and girths, at 1 foot 
and 5 feet, 9 feet 4 inches and 9 feet 3 inches respectively, and has 
a spread of branches of 45 feet in diameter. Another fine tree, 
which was blown over during the early part of last year, measured 
as follows: The butt end was 32 inches in diameter, and at 9 feet 
it measured 6 feet 2 inches in circumference; 18 feet in length of 
the butt end was free of branches, and as straight as an arrow, and 
contained exactiy 40 cubic feet of timber. 
As a substitute for the larch in this country, this majestic tree 
has perhaps received a greater amount of attention from planters 
than any other ; for while some have spoken in admiration of its 
noble appearance and adaptability for planting in exposed or mari- 
time situations, others have enlarged on the qualities of its wood, 
and spoken of the excellent returns from this tree that might be 
realised by proprietors were they but wise enough to plant plenty 
of it. How far any or all of these views may be correct is a point 
which—at least, from practical experience of the tree in this country 
—cannot be very satisfactorily settled, and of which it would as yet 
be premature to speak with any great amount of confidence. Cer- 
tainly, as a fast-growing ornamental tree, or for planting in exposed 
or maritime situations, this pine is invaluable, and at present bids 
fair to outrival all others, not even excepting the Austrian and 
Pinaster pines, to which it is in every way superior, but more especi- 
ally as regards the quality of its wood. The dense growth, beauti- 
ful dark green foliage, and hardy nature of the Austrian pine we by 
no means wish to overlook ; but in carefully weighing its merits in 
point of general utility with those of P. /aricio, we feel in duty 
bound to throw our weight of evidence in favour of the latter tree. 
Of late years this pine has become a favourite with most planters, 
and with none perhaps more so than the noble owner of this estate, 
who, seeing its value, not only as an ornamental tree, but for planting 
in exposed or maritime situations, caused it to be extensively used 
in the formation of young plantations throughout the estate. A 
plantation containing over 30 acres, and situated at 500 to 700 
