THE PIXE SUB-FAMILY. 119 



have tried it in various situations, with and without pro- 

 tection, but unfortunately it perished in every case ; and 

 notwithstanding we have tested it several seasons, we 

 have met with unvarying failure, and are therefore com- 

 pelled to relinquish our attempt, however well it may suc- 

 ceed in other soils and situations. 



It was discovered by Dr. Coulter in Upper California 

 in latitude 36, near the level of the sea and growing close 

 to the beach, where it attained the height of 100 feet, 

 beautifully furnished with branches close to the ground. 

 The fact that it is a sea side plant may be the reason why 

 our plants do not flourish. Sea air and the peculiar forma- 

 tion of the soil to be found in such localities being neces- 

 sary to its permanent success, it should be tried by those 

 living in suitable localities. 



Were this tree entirely hardy here, it would be, without 

 doubt, one of the most desirable of the Californian pines. 

 The timber is tough and of first quality, which has caused 

 it to be in great demand, especially for boat-building, 

 large quantities being annually used for that purpose. 



The branches of this pine are very numerous and slen- 

 der and covered with smooth, light colored bark ; the 

 buds, small and very resinous. 



27i P. rigida. Miller. PITCH PIXE. Leaves, from 3 

 to 5 inches long, from very short sheaths, crowded, rigid, 

 flattened, mostly dark-green color. Cones, ovoid-conical, 

 or ovate-oblong, sessile, from 1 to 3 inches long, mostly 

 solitary, occasionally in clusters of 3 or 4, very peristent ; 

 the scales terminating with a small, recurved, stout prickle. 

 Seeds, small. 



This native species, so common to the middle portions 

 of our country, we do not consider one of our finest 

 trees for lawn planting, being frequently devoid of that 

 beauty of outline and compact habit of growth so neces- 

 sary in an ornamental Conifer. It forms a medium sized 

 tree, from 30 to 70 feet in height, with dark, rugged looking 



