_>s AMERICAN FOREST TREES 



PINON (Pinus edulis). This is one of the nut pines abounding 

 among the western mountains, and it is called pinon in Texas, nut pine in 

 Texas and Colorado, pinon pine and New Mexican pinon in other parts 

 of its range, extending from Colorado through New Mexico to western 

 Texas. It has two and three leaves to the cluster. They begin to fall 

 the third year and continue through six or seven years following. The 

 cones are quite small, the largest not exceeding one and one-half inches 

 in length. Trees are from thirty to forty feet high, and large trunks may 

 be two and one-half feet in diameter. The tree runs up mountain sides to 

 altitudes of 8,000 or 9,000 feet. It exists in rather large bodies, but is not 

 an important timber tree, because the trunks are short and are generally 

 of poor form. It often branches near the ground and assumes the 

 appearance of a large shrub. Ties of pinon have been used with various 

 results. Some have proved satisfactory, others have proved weak 

 by breaking, and the ties occasionally split when spikes are driven. 

 The wood's service as posts varies also. Some posts will last only three 

 or four years, while others remain sound a long time. The difference 

 in lasting properties is due to the difference in resinous contents of the 

 wood. Few softwoods rank above it in fuel value, and much is cut in 

 some localities. Large areas have been totally stripped for fuel. Char- 

 coal for local smithies is burned from this pine. The wood is widely 

 used for ranch purposes, but not in large quantities. The edible nuts 

 are sought by birds, rodents, and Indians. Some stores keep the nuts 

 for sale. The tree is handicapped in its effort at reproduction by weight, 

 and the small wing power of the seeds. They fall near the base of the 

 parent tree, and most of them are speedily devoured. 



