HABITS AND GROWTH. 



The Scotch pine is quite indifferent to soil requirements. In Eu- 

 rope it grows on heavy, peaty soils, and from that extreme on all 

 classes of soils to dry, sterile sand. Good growth depends upon the 

 physical structure rather than upon the chemical composition of the 

 soil. The best development is found on a deep, sandy loam contain- 

 ing considerable lime and underlaid by a fresh, well-drained subsoil. 



In common with the moderate demands of the Scotch pine for min- 

 eral food is its extreme hardiness not only on dry, porous soils, but 

 also in a dry climate. 



The species is very intolerant of shade, in this respect exceeding all 

 of our common trees, with the exception of the larches, aspen, and 

 birch. It demands much more light than does the white pine. Not- 

 withstanding this characteristic, moderately close planting is re- 

 quired to secure clear timber, for although the lateral branches are 

 easily killed by shade they persist for a long time unless suppressed 

 while young. 



The rate of growth of this species in the United States is not well 

 known. It is safe to say, however, that its growth is fairly rapid, 

 planted groves in this country seeming to support the assertion that 

 it equals that of our red pine. 



In Europe the tree is subject to damage from a number of insects, 

 but in America it appears free from injury. At present the general 

 excellence of the tree will fully justify its wide use. 



ECONOMIC USES. 



In this country, except for fuel, no practical use has ever been 

 made of the Scotch pine. Abroad it is the most important wood of 

 commerce, furnishing the famous " red " and " yellow deals " of the 

 British lumber trade. The wood is strong, close grained, highly 

 resinous, and elastic, but not durable in contact with the soil. De- 

 spite this drawback, large quantities are used as cross-ties and pit 

 props, its value for such uses often being increased by impregnation 

 with wood preservatives to resist decay. 



Small-sized material is widely used for staves, heading, box boards, 

 etc., but the great use of the timber is for general construction pur- 

 poses. Its strength and elasticity, together with the ease with which 

 it is worked, adapt it admirably for carpentry of all sorts. 



Although inferior in many respects to our white pine, the Scotch 

 pine will form an excellent substitute, and its great hardiness com- 

 mends it for wide planting in the United States. It is well suited 

 for windbreaks and shelterbelts and has already been so used in the 

 Middle West. 



[Cir. 68] 



