THE PINE SUB-FAMILY. 135 



protection, and like the closely allied P. Strobus, is a rapid- 

 growing and graceful tree. When young, these two 

 species show a marked resemblance to each other, but as 

 the plants increase in size the distinction soon becomes 

 apparent. 



The timber of the P. Lambertiana also closely resem- 

 bles that of the White Pine in being white, soft, and light ; 

 consequently it is easily worked.- It produces an abun- 

 dant supply of resin, which is remarkably clear and pure, 

 and when taken from a partially burned tree, it acquires a 

 very sweet and pleasant taste, and is used by the natives 

 as sugar to sweeten their food. The seeds, being very 

 large and nutritious, are consequently of much value, the 

 natives using them either fresh as gathered from the tree, 

 or roasted and prepared into rough cakes during the 

 winter. 



37. P. monticola, Douglas. MOUNTAIN PINE. 

 Syn. P. Strobus monticola, Loudon. Leaves, from 3 to 4 

 inches long, from short, imbricated, very deciduous 

 sheaths; obtuse, smooth, obsoletely crenulated on the 

 margin, glaucous-green color. Cones, 7 inches long, If 

 inches broad, cylindrical, smooth, obtuse at the apex, 

 short peduncled, resinous, with loosely imbricated, pointed, 

 spineless scales. Seeds, small, with an ample wing. 



The resemblance between this species and the P. Strobus 

 has given the former the common name of " Short-leaved 

 Weymout/i Pine" which was considered by Nuttall as 

 correct, and mentioned by him in his sequel to the North 

 American Sylva, as a variety of that species. This opinion 

 was also concurred in by Loudon, who described it as a 

 variety of P. Strobus. We think, however, its specific 

 character is sufficiently distinct, and that Douglas was 

 correct in his name. This opinion is also entertained by 

 Gordon and other later writers. 



It forms a large-sized tree of 100 feet or upwards in 

 height, with a more compact head than the White Pine, 



