120 THE BOOK OF EVERGREENS. 



bark, and generally of rather feeble growth. It inhabits 

 light, sandy soils, or dry, rocky situations, excepting in 

 some sections near the sea-coast, where it is often found 

 growing in low, marshy grounds, and in such the size of 

 the tree is very greatly increased. 



Although this species is so frequently found growing in 

 low, swampy grounds, particularly in the "Cedar Swamps " 

 of Maryland and Delaware, it is often seen flourishing in 

 situations that are exactly the opposite. Within sight of 

 where we are writing is a large group of these pines in- 

 termingled with the P. inops, which are growing on a 

 dry, slaty ridge, with a very slight depth of soil 



The wood is of little value for lumber, owing to the large 

 number of knots throughout its entire length, as well as 

 to the preponderance of sap ; but much depends upon the 

 quality of the soil from whence it is taken; trees 

 growing on light, gravelly, or rocky soils furnishing 

 a heavy, resinous timber^ whilst, on the contrary, those 

 on damp, alluvial lands produce a soft and light wood. 

 In any situation, however, it is much inferior to others 

 of our native species. The wood throws out an in- 

 tense heat in burning, and is sought after for certain pur- 

 poses. It also furnishes a liberal supply of tar, although 

 not of sufficient value for extensive manufacture. 



Var. serotina, London. POND PIXE. Syn. P. sero- 

 tina, Michaux, Chapman, &c. This pine has been re- 

 duced by Prof. Gray to a mere form of the P. rigida. 

 Loudon also describes it as a variety and Pursh suspected 

 the same, although Gordon, in England, and Chapman, 

 in this country, recognize it as a distinct species. 



The only apparent differences in the two are, that the 

 variety produces ovate or roundish cones, generally oppo- 

 site, and mostly solitary, and has rather longer leaves. We 

 are always pleased to have our authorities consolidate two 

 species, when they appear so nearly allied as the above. 



