THE MOUNTAIN PINE 243 



ally at Arolla and on the Kiffelalp. Some grand 

 trees of this species also occur on the Engstlen Alp 

 (Canton Berne). A fine forest of Arolla Pine mixed 

 with Larch is traversed by the path to Fuorcla Surlej 

 from Silvaplana in the Engadine. 



The Stone Pine produces large cones. The seeds 

 are nearly as big as a hazel-nut and are edible. 



THE MOUNTAIN PINE. 



The Mountain Pine (Pinus montana, Mill), is 

 nearly related to the Scotch Fir (P. sylvestris) from 

 which it is usually to be distinguished by the dwarf 

 habit alone. The leaves are borne in pairs on short 

 shoots, and the seeds are small and winged, but the 

 cones are stalkless, or nearly so, whereas those of the 

 Scotch Fir are stalked. 



In the Pyrenees, the Mountain Pine forms 

 extensive forests, but this is rarely, if ever, the case in 

 Switzerland, though considerable masses of this tree 

 may occur exceptionally. 



In one respect the Mountain Pine is one of the 

 most extraordinary plants to be found in the Alps. 

 The habit varies from that of an erect tree, 30 feet 

 high, to that of a low straggling shrub, 7 feet or less 

 in height. The largest trees, with stout, erect, and 

 straight trunks and smaller lateral branches, are apt 

 to be mistaken for those of other species. Some of 

 the best examples of this type occur in Canton 

 Grisons, especially at Wolfgang (the pass traversed 



