Some Notes on the ConifercB of California. 137 



to two hundred feet in height \ is unusually straight, and destitute of branches 

 about two-thirds of its height : the leaves are similar to those of our white 

 pine {P. sirobus), are rigid, and of a bright-green color ; the cones are pen- 

 dulous from the ends of the branches, in form not unlike those of the 

 white pine ; the seeds, however, are large, sweet, and pleasant to the taste 

 (Loudon, Arl)ordf:im, p. 2289). It occurs in groves with P. ponderosa in 

 the damper localities of California (Bolander). It is considered " the giant 

 of the forest, with cones twelve to sixteen inches in length, and eleven inches 

 in circumference in the thickest part " (Hooker, Flora Bonali Americana^ 

 vol. ii.). Gordon {Pinetum, p. 228) speaks of it as quite hardy; and Mr. 

 Hunnewell confirms the general opinion of its extreme hardiness, and 

 adaptedness to our own ornamental plantings, recommending its use. 



4. P. jHuricata (Don). — In manner of growth, this species resembles the 

 P. insignis very much. The leaves always in pairs, and silvery on the lower 

 surfaces ; the cones scarcely two inches long, and persistent for a number 

 of years. On the plains quite near the seacoast, from the River Albin to Men- 

 docino City (Bolander). According to Gordon, it is a very distinct species, 

 and was first discovered by Dr. Coulter, in Upper California, at an elevation 

 of three thousand feet, and within ten miles of the seashore. Its growth 

 is straight, but rather stunted; seldom exceeding forty feet in height. Mr. 

 Hartweg found it growing on the declivity of the mountains, w-thin two miles 

 of the seashore, intermi.xed with the P. insignis ; and it was again observed 

 by Mr. Jeffrey, on the Lisklyon Mountains, in a moist soil, at an elevation 

 of seven thousand and five hundred feet. It is known under the syno- 

 nymes of P. JMurrayana and P. Edgarriana; and is the "obispo," or bish- 

 op's pine, of the Californians {Pinetu?n, p. 175). 



5. P. ponderosa (Douglass). — The yellow pine. This is one of the 

 species indicated by H. H. Hunnewell, Esq., as well adapted to artificial 

 planting, on account of its hardiness. " In its habit of growth," says Lawson, 

 " it seems to surpass all others of the genus for strength and luxuriance ; its 

 branches few, regularly verticillate, horizontal, and pendulous with age." 

 {Manual, p. 355). It was discovered by Douglass, and sent to England in 

 1826. The timber is of great solidity and weight, so as scarcely to float 

 in water. According to Bolander, it seems *^o be widely distributed in Cali- 

 fornia. Gordon tells us that it grows upwards of a hundred feet in height, 



