130 



Trees, Stars, and Birds 



Its seed or nut, the size 

 of a navy bean, is 

 edible, as are the seeds 

 of several smaller species 

 of pine, called " piiions," 

 that grow in the South- 

 west. Another impor- 

 tant pine is the western 

 yellow pine, which is a 

 valuable source of both 

 lumber and turpentine. 

 Cones of the pine. 

 By comparing the cones 

 of such pines as grow 

 in your vicinity you 

 will find differences in 

 form and size. The 

 Scotch pine, which is 



often planted in this country, has cones about 2 inches 

 long, while the cones of the white pine are usually from 

 4 to 6 inches in length and may reach a length of n 

 inches. The cones of pines require 2 years for their 

 development, while those of the spruce and fir require 

 but i year. When the winged seeds at the base of- the 

 scales are mature, the scales spread apart enough to 

 allow the seeds to fall out and be borne away by the 

 wind. The seeds of these and other evergreens are not 

 inclosed in an ovary, but grow at the base of the cone 

 scales. See if you can find them. <v 



Pine needles. The needles of the valuable Georgia 

 pine, which is one species of yellow pine, are sometimes 



FIG. 86. Spray of Scotch pine, showing 

 leaves and cone 04). Leaves of the white 

 pine are shown at the left (B) and of the 

 Georgia or long-leaf pine at the right (C). 



