Pines 231 



from China resembling the true larches very closely, except that the 

 clusters or rosettes of leaves are larger, the leaves longer, turning to a 

 clear yellow autumn tint different from other larches. It is hardy 

 north of Massachusetts. Its freedom from insect pests and fungus 

 diseases seems to be its special advantage. 



PINES 



Pinus. The largest genus of the conifers, with about seventy-five 

 species, of which over half are found in North America, and altogether 

 over six hundred varieties in form, from mere shrubs through all the 

 gradations of size to the tallest trees (over two hundred feet) and in 

 every variety of form. There are among them some of the hardiest 

 conifers, adaptive to the driest soils and drouthiest climate, as well as 

 to swamps and humid climates, with representatives ranging almost to 

 the Arctics and to near the equator, in valleys, and in mountains to 

 near timber-line. 



Highly important as timber trees, their ornamental value is, with 

 few exceptions, less than that of most other conifers. Yet by the intro- 

 duction of large masses and proper variety, as background, a strong 

 characteristic sky-line can be secured, as with no other group. Some- 

 what like the spruces in habit, although less formal, the white pines 

 should lend themselves to avenue planting, while yellow pines, being 

 more rugged in habit, are more fit for picturesqueness, particularly as 

 accent trees and for sky-line effects. 



Owing to less symmetrical form and more rapid changes in habit, 

 the awkward period intervening between the conical young form and 

 the picturesque old crown (broad, flattened, or rounded) is more pro- 

 nounced and more extended than with other conifers. The foliage is 

 less dense, though longer and more flexible, persisting only two or three 

 years, in fascicles of two to five, which, in the older trees, is crowded in 

 tufts to the end of the branches. They are all light-needing, mostly 

 rapid growers, with variable root system, but usually deep-rooted, and 

 easily handled. 



There are generally three groups to be distinguished, which differ 

 in character of development, soil requirements, ornamental value, as 

 well as in other respects, namely the white pines, the yellow pines, and 

 the nut pines. 



WHITE PINES. This is the most useful and at the same time the 



