1917] ANDREWS—LONGLEAF PINES 507 
around the growing axes at the end of the branches, where they 
form the tassel-like clusters or ‘‘pinetops”’ which are such a striking 
characteristic of the longleaf pines (fig. 5). Under the influence of 
light the lateral stems supporting these tassels tend to curve upward. 
This upright position has the advantage that the fire, which 
Fic. 5.—Young longleaf pine with stem surrounded by bristlin 
g chevaux-de-frise 
of needles, growth of several successive years. 
ordinarily makes its attack from below, has to cut its way through 
the entire phalanx of protecting needles before it can reach the 
growing point. If the rosettes were drooping as in the winter 
condition of the white pine, they would, instead of protecting the 
buds, act as refractors to converge the heat upon them. 
