THE PINE SUB-FAMILY. 91 



The P. Mugho forms a small tree about 25 feet in 

 height, but is occasionally only a large shrub. " M. Vil- 

 lars observes that, when it grows on the summits of moun- 

 tains, it is a mere bush ; but that, as it descends to the 

 plains, it becomes a tree." (Loudon.) 



It is from the mountains of Central Europe, and is found 

 growing on the Pyrenees and Alps. Although, of too 

 small a size to produce valuable timber, the wood is never- 

 theless very close-grained and durable, and of a bright red 

 color. 



In ornamental plantations, we have seen this Pine used 

 to excellent advantage, particularly where a mass of per- 

 sistent foliage was desired. The dark green color of the 

 leaves, in conjunction with the great density of the whole 

 plant, admirably adapts it to this purpose. It is quite as 

 hardy as our own native species, enduring the greatest de- 

 gree of cold, and the most severe winds that visit our 

 latitude, with perfect impunity. 



Gordon arranges the hitherto numerous varieties of this 

 species, as follows : 



Var. rostrata, Antoine. Syn. P. montana, Bau- 

 mann ; P. sylvestris uncinata, Wlddrington. This vari- 

 ety is said to be found on the upper zone, or line, of the 

 forest vegetation of the Pyrenees. Capt. "Widdrington 

 states that "this Pine is extremely valuable from its hard- 

 iness, as well as for the resinous quality and great dura- 

 bility of its timber." He also remarks : " As an orna- 

 mental tree it will be highly desirable, from the intensely 

 dark green of its foliage, as well as the close and solid 

 mass it forms ; and the habit of the tree, where left at 

 liberty, to throw out massive arms trailing on the ground, 

 a quality so unusual in its class." 



It forms a small tree about thirty feet high, and produc- 

 es cones, with the scales greatly elevated, hooked at the 

 points, and larger than those of the species. 



Var. rotundata, Link. P. montana, Wahlenberg. 



