THE PINE SUB-FAMILY. 247 



tains. Then its irregular and spiry top and branches har- 

 monize admirably with the abrupt variation of the sur- 

 rounding hills, and suit well with the gloomy grandeur of 

 those frowning heights." 



Being a rapid-growing, hardy tree, the Larch is inval- 

 uable for newly planted places ; but its greatest fault, and 

 perhaps its only one, is the difficulty experienced in re- 

 moving it. True, many persons are entirely satisfied if 

 their trees show any signs of vitality after undergoing a 

 rough, careless removal; but the real lover of trees prefers 

 having them retain all their lower branches, and preserve 

 that luxuriance of vegetation, so peculiar to the genus. 

 This is only obtained by removal when small, at a proper 

 season, and in the most careful manner. Unlike the trees 

 of the other genera of the family, the Larch must be 

 transplanted very early, on account of the propensity of 

 the buds to start into action after a few mild days in the 

 spring. If delayed for some time after this takes place, 

 the destruction of the tree is almost certain. 



The timber of the Larch is very valuable, on account of 

 its durability, exceeding in this respect almost any other 

 kind. The " Venice turpentine " is extracted from a Larch, 

 as is a substance known as the " Manna of Briancon." 



1, Lt Americana^ Michaux. AMERICAN, OR BLACK 

 LAKCH. Syn. Pinus pendula, Alton ; Pinus microcarpa, 

 Lambert. Leaves from \ to f of an inch long, thread-like, 

 linear; slender, light bluish-green color. Branches, less 

 numerous than in the European species, spreading, droop- 

 ing, and in whorls. Cones, from 4- to f of an inch in length, 

 ovoid, and of a reddish color ; scales, few, slightly reflexed, 

 and rounded. Seeds, very minute, with short wings. 



Although not equalling in beauty the European Larch, 

 according to our ideas of form, we must nevertheless rec- 

 ommend our native species for hardiness, rapid growth, 

 picturesque habit, and other good qualities. 



It is emphatically a northern tree, being never found 



