THE PINE SUB-FAMILY. 97 



with a broad wing, one inch long. Cotyledons, 9 to 11. 

 (Crest of the anthers jagged. Smith.) 



We only mention this beautiful species for the purpose 

 of inducing those favored with a milder climate than our 

 own to give it a fair trial. 



It will not grow here with the least hope of success, 

 but in its native habitat, the countries of Southern Europe, 

 it forms a splendid tree, and adds vastly 'to the effect in 

 picturesque landscapes. 



In England this pine rarely exceeds 20 or 30 feet in 

 height, but when cultivated in many sections along the 

 Mediterranean, its height varies from 50 to 60 feet. The 

 specimen in the Evans' Arboretum is about 6 feet high, 

 and has managed to survive several winters without arti- 

 ficial protection, but is nevertheless devoid of beauty, 

 owing to the sickly appearance of the foliage. 



In noticing the nutritious properties of its seeds, Loudon 

 gives the following instances : " The kernel of the fruit 

 has a taste which approaches to that of the hazel-nut, and, 

 in France and Italy, is much esteemed for the dessert. 

 Sir George Staunton mentions that the kernels of the Stone 

 Pine are also much relished by the Chinese. In Italy they 

 are put into several kinds of ragouts, and they prove ex- 

 cellent in sugar plums instead of almonds. In Provence, 

 they are extensively consumed along with Corinth raisins, 

 the dried currants of the shops. The kernels require to 

 be kept in the cone till they are about to be used, because 

 they become speedily rancid when taken out and exposed 

 to the air. In the cone they will preserve their vitality, 

 their freshness, and their taste, 5 or 6 years." 



Loudon and Gordon mention Var. fragilis, Du Harriet, 

 with a thin-shelled seed ; and Var. Cretica, London^ with 

 very large cones and slender leaves, as somewhat distinct. 

 The latter forms a much larger tree than the species. 



There are a number of unimportant synonyms attached 

 to this pine by various authors. 

 5 



