523 EVERGREEN TREES AND SHR^JBS. 



ing flexible branches," An odd and picturesque, but not hand- 

 some, low tree. 



American Pines of the Pacific Slope. 



Among the wonders of vegetation on tne Pacific slope, the 

 variety of pines is not the least remarkable. From the maritime 

 slopes, to the heights near perpetual snow, the species vary from 

 colossal trees, to bushes ; but the giant forms predominate, and a 

 coarse open growth is a peculiarity of most of them. It is proba- 

 ble that most of those which prove hardy in the Atlantic northern 

 States will be barred by the grossness of their features from use in 

 decorative pleasure-grounds, except as novelties or curiosities. 



Bentham's Pine. F. Benthamiana. — This giant pine is 

 indigenous on the coast mountains of California near the bay of 

 Monterey, and on some of the mountains bordering the valley of 

 the Sacramento river, where it occupies the greatest elevations. 

 Its growth is rank, regularly pyramidal, the branches numerous, 

 spreading, and irregular, and the leaves of great length. Though 

 tested but a few years on the Atlantic slope, it has generally proved 

 hardy. But the success of well cared-for young plants, a few years, 

 is no proof of their continued health in our climate. Besides, its 

 rank loose growth may show it unfit for suburban planting, even if 

 it proves (which we doubt) hardy enough. 



Parry's Pine, P. Parryana, resembles the preceding, but has 

 more slender branches, and its cones are remarkable for their bright 

 glossy yellow color, and their freedom from resinous matter. Said 

 to be as hardy as the Benthamiana. 



Balfour's Pine. P. Balfouriana. — A species found in northern 

 California, between the Shasta and Scott's valley, at an elevation 

 of five to eight thousand feet, growing on volcanic debris ; said 

 by Gordon to be quite hardy and very distinct. This author 

 describes the branches as slender and flexible. Of its beauty or 



