90 



PINE LEAVES 



In the fall the winds blow dry and brown leaves from every 

 evergreen tree. What is the age of the wood from which most 

 of the leaves are shed in white pine ? What is the age of the 

 wood from which most of the leaves are shed in pitch pine ? 

 What is the age of the wood from which most of the leaves 

 are shed in spruce ? 



Pitch Pine and White Pine Leaves. While all kinds of pine 

 look much alike, there are many differences in their leaves, 

 their bark, and their manner of growth. Compare a white 

 pine with a pitch pine. Which has the softer leaves? In 

 which is the greater scar left by the fallen leaves ? In which 



does the new wood 

 have the smoother 

 bark? What other 

 differences do you 

 see between the two 

 trees ? 



It is easy to make 

 a watch chain out of 

 pitch pine leaves. 

 Pull out two of the 

 leaves from a cluster. 

 Bend the third leaf 

 double, and tuck its outer end into the sheath or wrapping on 

 the base of the leaf. Then you have a link. Can you make a 

 chain out of white pine leaves ? 



Other Evergreen Trees. In arbor vitse the smallest twigs 

 are almost covered with scalelike leaves that overlap like 

 shingles on a roof. How old are the leaves when they fall ? 

 How many kinds of evergreens do you see on your way to 

 school? What is the most common kind in your woods? 

 What kinds are grown on the lawns of your town ? 



Besides pines and pinelike trees, what other evergreens 

 grow in your woods ? 



CHAIN OF PITCH PINE LEAVES 



