140 TIMBER FIXES OF THE SOUTHERN UNITED STATES. 



The Spruce Pine attains a height of from 83 to 110 feet and over; the trunk is clear of limbs 

 for a length of from 45 to 00 feet, anil it is from 2 to 2A feet in diameter breast high, seldom 

 exceeding 3 feet. The largest trees observed were about ll'O feet in height by a girth of fully 10 

 feet breast high. 



The taproot appears to be less strongly developed than in the Shortleaf, the lower lateral roots 

 run for a short distance close to the surface before penetrating the ground; the bark is close, with 

 deep, narrow furrows, separating in narrow thin scales, and of a reddish-brown color. The limbs 

 are horizontal, dividing in rectangular sin-eading branches and branchlets. The leaves also 

 become in the latter jiart of the season widely spreading, the density of the foliage being reeu- 

 forced by the leaves of the short branchlets produced on the older branches from adventitious 

 buds. To this spreading habit of the ultimate division of- the branches and of the leaves is due 

 the peculiar spraj' of the foliage, similar to that of the true cedars. 



No observations have been made of the injuries inflicted upon this tree by insects. Trees, 

 after having passed the period of full growth, at the age of about 100 years, are very frequently 

 affected with decay in the stump and with redheart in the top. In the damp hummock lands the 

 tree is rarely touched by fire. Where the underbrush and the vegetable matter of the soil covering 

 has been destroyed by repeated conflagrations, however, the trees begin to sicken and soon die. 



KEt^lTIRElVIENTS OF DEVEI.OrMEAT. 



The Spruce Pine requires the warm climate of the subtropical zone, with a mean annual 

 temperature of about 00° F. and a mean temperature of 19° F. in the winter months (in central 

 Alabama the thermometer fiills sometimes to an extreme of 5° F.), and the humid atmosphere of 

 the coastal plain, with a mean annual rainfall of ."il inches, evenly distributed throughout the year. 

 This tree will endure, during the early stages of its growth, more shade than any other of the 

 pines of the Atlantic forest region, perhaps the White Pine [Pinus strobus) excepted. Retarded 

 in its growth under severe oppression, it will finally force its way through its close surroundings, 

 and having gained a freer access to light, it pushes its crown rapidly above the broad-leaved 

 evergreens and deciduous trees which luxuriate on the same ground. It demands a loose soil, 

 rich in humus, fresh to moist but not wet, with a deep porous subsoil, which in these lands is 

 frequently a light, sandy loam. 



The Spruce Pine is never found in the forest of the alluvial bottoms, with their heavy soil, sub- 

 ject to frequent overflow, nor in the dry, sandy pine forests. Where it finds the soil conditions 

 most f;ivorable to its growth, Magnolias, Cucumber trees, Sweet Gum, Mockernut, Hickory, and 

 Beech are found of greatest thrift, not infrequently associated with the Shortleaf and the Loblolly 

 pines. The undergrowth on such lands is luxuriant, consisting of Dogwood, Hollj*, Summer Haw, 

 and a variety of shrubs. Bush Huckleberries [Taccinium virrjidtim), Farkleberries (V. arborcum), 

 Storax Bushes (Sttjra.v (jrundifoUum), Cornels [Cornus scricea), and lilue Palmetto, forming dense 

 brush interlaced by numerous woody climbers (Yitis, Ampelopsis, ^Yistaria). 



As has been observed in northwestern Florida, where it finds the proper soil conditions, the 

 second growth of this pine soon occupies the clearings made in the original forest. Tracts of young 

 forests of much promise have been met with between the Choctawhatchee and Chattahoochee 

 rivers. The hammock land, forming the home of the Spruce Pine, being witli the increase of the 

 population rapidly claimed for cultivation, this beautiful pine will soon be solely confined to the 

 most remote and inaccessible localities. Being the only really soft pine of the Southern States, 

 and having by its shade endurance a peculiar forest value, this tree will probably form an 

 important part in tlie future, when forestry has become an established business. 



