THE CORSICAN PINE. 185 
sea-level, where, upwards of thirty years ago, several extensive 
plantations were formed, the Pinus laricio, although used in very 
limited numbers, may be seen above any of the other trees planted 
at the same time, and boldly facing the south-western blasts, which 
at times sweep along the hill sides with terrific fury. 
This pine is by no means fastidious about soil; indeed, it may be 
seen growing luxuriantly here on all classes, from poor thin grave 
to deep strong loam. I have, however, always noticed its prefer- 
ence for deep gravelly soils, or such as are of a loose, porous nature ; 
indeed the largest and finest specimens on this estate are growing 
under such circumstances. 
This fact was brought forcibly under my notice at the time the 
large specimen mentioned above was blown down, for on examin- 
ing the up-turned root it was found to be almost entirely composed 
of rough gravel, with a small coating of decomposed vegetable 
matter atop, further investigation revealing the fact that the posi- 
tion on which it grew was formerly a gravel pit. Several other 
specimens of nearly equal dimensions are growing on the same site. 
That the Zaricto will succeed best on such soils is, however, not to 
be wondered at, when we take into consideration the long, deep- 
running nature of the tap root. On soft, spongy, or undrained 
marshy ground this pine will not succeed, these classes of soils 
being anything but favourable for the healthy development of the 
tree. Although of rapid growth the leader of Pinws laricio is by 
no means brittle, which is clearly proved by the fact of the tree 
seldom losing its leading shoot or becoming damaged during a 
storm. On this estate it is also less seldom blown down than the 
Austrian, but the characteristic tendency of the latter tree to form 
a dense, heavy branched head, which the slower formation of roots 
cannot support, will readily account for its being more frequently 
uprooted than the former. When allowed plenty of room for full 
development this but rarely occurs ; indeed, when standing singly 
as a lawn or park tree, although the position be very exposed, I 
cannot remember having seen either of the above trees blown 
over—a fact clearly showing that the early and timely thinning of 
woodlands, in which these trees occur, is all-important. 
One valuable qualification possessed by Pinus laricio is its 
immunity from the attacks of game, these pests having such an 
aversion to it, that even during the most severe weather, when the 
Austrian and other species of pine fall an easy prey, the Zaricio is 
left untouched. Even in a young state, and when newly trans- 
