6 



lonpr; and they occur 2 and 3 in a cluster. The cones are 

 from 3 to 6 inches long. 



21. The wood is similar to that of longleaf pine, and it 

 is not distinguished from it on the market. It weighs about 

 40 pounds to the cubic foot. 



22. It occurs in the Coastal Plain; but it does not ex- 

 tend as far inland as the longleaf. It grows more rapidly 

 than the longleaf; and it has a better flow of resin; and 

 where it is practicable to make a choice between the two 

 it should be favored. The ways in which a tree may be fa- 

 vored will be discussed further on, in connection with repro- 

 duction and thinning. 



23. Loblolly pine, PiNUS taeda.— The needles are 6 to 

 9 inches long, occurring 3 in a cluster. The cones are from 3 

 to 5 inches long: they are closely attached to the stem. 



24. The wood is lighter in weight than the longleaf, 

 Cuban, and shortieaf pines, running about 32 pounds to the 

 cubic foot. Its coarse grain tends to unfit it for finishing. 

 It does not last long in contact with the soil, and this unfits 

 it for posts. But it does as well as the other pines for sleep- 

 ers, studding and rafters; and it costs less. Its lack of 

 durability in contact with the soil may be overcome by treat- 

 ing it with creosote which the porous wood readily absorbs. 



25. It occurs in the Coastal Plain and the Piedmont 

 Plateau. It reproduces abundantly and grows rapidly. It 

 often comes up in dense stands in abandoned fields, and for 

 this reason it is sometimes called Old Field Pine. On ac- 

 count of its rapid growth and ability to absorb preservatives 

 it is destined to play an important role in the forestry of the 

 Piedmont Plateau. Where it competes with the shortieaf, 

 and there is a choice, the loblolly should be favored. 



