86 WEST-AMERICAN 



drifting sands, so these short-coned species climb up 

 to, and cling upon, the bare, steep rocks of alpine 

 peaks, thrusting their flexile stems under the very 

 snouts of glaciers, or pressing with might and main 

 through high passes, though beaten prostrate the 

 while by wind, and entombed half of each year in ice. 



The Oblong -Cone, Plume Pines 



Are especial representatives of the esthetic, the beau- 

 tiful, the graceful, in the Pine family. Selecting se- 

 questered, lofty, scarcely-known country seats near 

 the crowned monarchs of the Sierra, embowered by 

 kindred Pine, Spruce, and Fir, they pose on the steep 

 inclines like colossal figures on Nature's easel ex- 

 quisite specimens of modern tree-sculpture, decked 

 with emerald garments, and waving plumes, abound- 

 ing in the double-curve, Hogarth line of grace and 

 beauty, and but half concealing their royal-purple- 

 hued, pendent cones. 



The Globe-Cone, Nut Pines 



Represent the provident, liberal element in the Pine 

 family. Generally found on low hills or sunny, 

 undulating plains, they spread out their strong limbs, 

 heavily laden, in easy reach of the aborigine; the 

 cones being unarmed, few-scaled, and containing 

 comparatively the largest, most delicious, and nutri- 

 tions seeds of any trees of the family. 



