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BULLETIN 1061, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



Fig. 4. — Early development of longleaf pine. 



a. Seedling in October or November from 2 to 4 weeks after fall of seed. 

 6. Appearance a few days later, when the empty seed coat has been shed. 



c. By January to March the true leaves (in sheaths with 1, 2, or 3 leaves) are ex- 

 panding as shown. 



d. During the first season after germination the plant develops a very short stem, 

 above the taproot, supporting clusters of long true leaves. The early seed leaves, or 

 cotyledons, it will be noted, have been shed. 



e. A dense tuft of long, slender, drooping leaves, the whole gradually expanding and 

 massed on a short, stout stem, gives longleaf pine its characteristic appearance during 

 the first 3 to 5 years. It is this mass of green foliage and the so-called " asbestos " bud 

 that enables longleaf to persist through repeated fires. Below is developed the very 

 heavy, long tap root and strong laterals, which in other pines usually accompany saplings 

 2 to 6 feet in height. (From Forest Service Bulletin 13.) 



