42 THE PINE-TREE, OR 



tures, which, as before intimated, is to be attributed to the dif- 

 ference in their location. 



Of course, we must yield to the opinions of learned botanists ; 

 but while they maintain that these two are simply varieties of 

 the same species, the proof seems insufficient to convince many 

 whose daily occupation renders them most familiar with forest 

 trees. If the difference is only attributable to soil and position, 

 then we may reply that we have found the sapling in all possi- 

 ble locations. Besides, there are marked distinctions. The gen- 

 eral contour differs much. The size, number, and position of the 

 branches, the shape of the trunk, the toughness of the wood in 

 the sapling, and the softness of that of the pumpkin Pine, all in- 

 dicate a specific and essential difference. We have seen whole 

 groves of saplings on low, swampy land. The same number of 

 saplings are generally much sounder than an equal number of 

 soft Pine. 



The soft Pine-tree holds its diameter to a much greater length 

 than the sapling. I have seen a log of the former twenty feet 

 long, differing not more than an inch and a half in diameter at 

 either end. In a sapling log of the same length there would be 

 a difference of several inches. 



There is one circumstance in the habits of this Pine worthy of 

 note. As a general thing, they grow in clusters or communities. 

 Indeed, this is a common characteristic of the Hemlock, the Ce- 

 dar, and the Hackmatack. 



But there is, however, a sort of nationality in the local attitude 

 of the latter. While the Pines, growing in clusters, seem to con- 

 stitute the aristocracy — families of nobility — the rest of the forest 

 seems to make up the populace ; and I may add, that backwoods- 

 men are accustomed to pay them the same deferential regard 

 above other gentlemen foresters which is awarded to superiors in 

 human society. Indeed, the Pine has claims upon our regard, 

 not only on account of its unequaled dimensions, but " from the 



