THE SCOTCH PINE 



IT is said that the Scotch Pine is the only conifer native to Scotland and England, and 

 that this may be the reason why the tree is very commonly called the Scotch Fir in 

 Great Britain. It is a typical Pine, rather than a Fir, and the latter name was 

 probably applied to it centuries ago, before the Firs had generally been introduced into 

 Great Britain. In America the species has been very commonly planted in the past as an 

 ornamental tree, but is is not so popular now for this purpose, as experience has shown that 

 it is a short-lived tree, rather more subject to attack by insects than some of our native 

 species. 



In its general aspect, as seen at a little distance, the Scotch Pine bears a resemblance 

 to our native Pitch Pine, although it seems somewhat less rugged. Drawing nearer, one 

 finds the rather short leaves smoother than those of the Pitch Pine, and arranged in pairs 

 instead of in groups of three. The bark of the twigs is also darker and the needles them- 

 selves are not so stout. The cones when closed are longer and more slender than those of 

 the Pitch Pine, although there is a resemblance in the shape of the exposed parts of the 

 scales. They are ovate, or conical, and about an inch long. When open they have a rather 

 shapeless appearance. The general color of the foliage is slightly yellow green. In England 

 there is a horticultural variety in which the foliage changes to a golden color in winter, 

 although it is green at other seasons. The English people have shown great wisdom in 

 planting this and other species of evergreens, and various other trees and shrubs, for the 

 especial purpose of getting beautiful landscape effects during the winter months. Much 

 attention has been paid to these winter gardens, and special lists have been made of species 

 wmich will give attractive displays during each of the months from November to March. 



The Scotch Pine is found not only in Great Britain but throughout Northern Europe 

 and over much of Asia, being the chief timber pine of a vast region in the Eastern Continent. 

 This species has for many centuries furnished the masts for the ships of Europe and is 

 said to have been preferred for this purpose by English shipbuilders to any of the American 

 Pines. In his "Trees and Shrubs of Massachusetts" George B. Emerson wrote that 

 he had for many years cultivated the Scotch Pine on the very exposed part of the coast of 

 Boston Bay, and had found it "hardier, of more rapid growth, and less needing protection 

 than either of our Massachusetts Pines." This was written many years ago, and it would 

 be interesting to know the later history of these trees. The Forest service recommends 

 this species for planting in the Prairie States on account of its ability to grow in dry 

 regions. 



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