WESTERN WHITE PINE 143 



The distance apart that the young trees should be set 

 in the forest depends upon the location and character of 

 the soil. It is at all times desirable to secure a covering 

 for the forest floor as soon as possible, and if the ground 

 is not fertile, closer planting than would be suitable where 

 all things are favorable may be advisable. The distance 

 may range from four to six feet, or compromising on five 

 feet. Plantations have been set out in this country from 

 three to sixteen feet apart each way, and neither extreme 

 has succeeded well. As soon as the trees show any lessen- 

 ing of height growth, or show any signs of serious inter- 

 ference, thinnings should be made, to relieve those selected 

 for the permanent ones from the struggle for supremacy, 

 and eveu existence. The condition of the leader is a good 

 indication of the tree's vigor. 



It may be thought that undue importance has been given 

 to this tree. The reasons for so much being said are, that in 

 quality of lumber it is the best of all the Pines ; it has a 

 greater range of usefulness and adapts itself to a greater 

 variety and condition of soil than any other ; it is the most 

 rapid grower of any of the White Pine family and can be 

 more readily grown by artificial methods than any other ; 

 and, furthermore, it is the only one which has been success- 

 fully grown in that way. All in all, it stands at the head 

 of the list of the important timber trees of the United 

 States. 



WESTERN WHITE PINE : Pinus monticola 



THIS tree has not been burdened with many names. It 

 is almost universally known as White Pine, and the lum- 

 ber trade will undoubtedly persist in calling it that on ac- 

 count of its great similarity to the popular Eastern tree ; 

 and it must be admitted that little or no wrong can come 

 to the consumer should the lumber from the Western tree 

 be given him instead. Mr. George B. Sudworth, dendrolo- 

 gist of the United States Forest Service, suggests Western 



