40 The greater evergreen trees 



sows itself in some heaths, and is rapidly spreading in 

 that way in some districts. 



The Monterey Pine {P. insignis). A grass-green Pine 

 of California, often thriving in the southern and western 

 parts of our country, but in inland places occasionally 

 suffering in hard winters, and therefore not good for 

 general planting, except on high ground. The tree is 

 so distinct and beautiful that it should not be forgotten 

 in the southern and milder shore lands. 



The Swiss Pine {P. Cembra). A noble alpine Pine 

 of distinct, close-growing form, a slow grower in our 

 country, as well as in its native land on the mountains 

 of central Europe or in Siberia, where it attains a maxi- 

 mum height of loo feet. This is a tree of rare beauty 

 and its wood of fine quality ; its slow growth at first does 

 not lessen its great value. 



The Austrian Pine. One of the hardiest trees ; dis- 

 tinct in form and colour, attaining a maximum height of 

 nearly loo feet; of close, dense growth when young, 

 thriving on calcareous, poor, stony or rocky ground and 

 on clay soils (but not on poor sands). Owing to its close 

 habit it nourishes the ground beneath it so well with its 

 fallen leaves that it is self-supporting and gives precious 

 shelter. It is often planted in Britain, but generally set 

 out in the usual ' specimen way ', so that it is slower in 

 taking its true form than when grouped as Pines should 

 be. The final form of the tree is very picturesque, with 

 a free open head ; giving valuable wood, however massed 

 it should be thinned so as to allow of its full develop- 

 ment. In books this Pine is sometimes classed as a 

 variety of the Corsican Pine, but, from a planter's point 

 of view, the trees are distinct in colour and form and 

 growth. 



