THE PINE FAMILY. 7 



broad and rounded at their apices. Undoubtedly the tree is among our 

 most beautiful ones and is well known from Georgia to Manitoba. 



In 1705 it was planted by Lord Weymouth on his grounds at Chelsea, in 

 England, and soon became known under his name as one of the first 

 American trees which throve well in Europe, although there a good deal of 

 damage is wreaked upon its young leaves and bark by the nibbling of deer. 

 Throughout New England and Canada its timber is largely used for various 

 purposes, but in those localities, as in Michigan it has been, through the un- 

 remitigating stride of the axe, considerably exhausted. New tracts of it, 

 however, are being opened up southward. In Mitchell County, N. C, 

 and extending into adjoining territory, there has lately been purchased a 

 tract containing 210,000,000 feet, the largest forest of this noble tree in the 

 south. The contract under which it was sold demanded that the land 

 should be cleared within ten years. It is therefore being steadily felled. 



One day when near enough their neighbourhood for the people to be 

 willing to relate stories concerning these trees, Mrs. Rowan and I had rather 

 anamusingexperience. Although previously warned against its perversity 

 and danger we were to ride from Cranberry to Montezuma on the little 

 railway originally constructed to carry out the lumber, and the charter of 

 which compelled it to carry a passenger coach. We had so determined on 

 account of the superb scenery through which it was reputed to pass. As 

 best we could, therefore, having come on from Roan mountain, we spent 

 the morning at Cranberry waiting for the train to be ready. It was to start 

 at one o'clock. That hour then found us in our places. The engine gave 

 its farewell salute. We were fairly off and had run up to a high ridge, 

 when the train stopped. In such a place there were surely no passengers to 

 take on, nor had we broken down. A wire had simply caught us, the 

 conductor explained, stating that the car was to be held for the train from 

 Johnston City which carried the all powerful person of the road's super- 

 intendent. 



" How long shall we be detained ? ''we asked meekly. 



"W-aal, till 'bout five or six o'clock, providin' she's not late," the cor., 

 ductor answered. 



This appalling piece of information and the prospect of sitting in that 

 dismal place for so long a time kindled us with a mighty indignation. 



" Can nothing be done ? " we asked, and were told " I reckon you-uns 

 kin sit thar."' 



Leaving the train with the languid protestation ringing in our ears. " Ef 

 y'll believe me, you-uns kin go down thar, but 'twon't do you'uns no good," 

 we made as quickly as possible for the ticket office. Here, fortunately, sat 

 a man of sense, who, when we informed him that the train should go on 



