MOUNTAIN TREES 



branches are long and pole-like, the low- 

 er ones sweeping far outward and down- 

 ward, often reaching the ground. The 

 needles are exceptionally long, often at- 

 taining a length of twelve inches. They 

 are mostly found on the ends of the 

 thick stems grouped in thick broom-like 

 clusters. 



Since the cones are so heavy, they 

 seldom reach the ground in a whole 

 condition. As you find them on the 

 ground they are often much the worse 

 for their fall. On the cone-bearing 

 stalks are generally found a few per- 

 sistent scales which parted from the 

 cone as it broke away and fell. Young 

 trees 20 and 30 years old bear cones 

 generally in three-year cycles. The 

 cones mature by August of the second 

 season. The Anthony gray squirrels are 

 very fond of the big fat nuts inside and 

 many a cone is harvested long before 

 mature by these little workmen of the 

 woods. It is very strange but the squir- 

 rel never gets his paws gummed up 



23 



