PINE. 209 
Uses.—The Rock Pine has the power of withstanding great 
extremes of drouth and temperature, and promises to be of great 
value for planting on our Western plains. It is of rapid growth, 
and while it has a somewhat coarse appearance its sturdy form is 
far from being unsightly. It is perhaps rather more difficult to 
transplant than the Scotch Pine, probably on account of its deep 
tap root when young. The wood is largely manufactured into 
lumber, and used for railway ties, fuel, etc. 
Pinus sylvestris. Scotch Pine. Scotch Fir. Deal Wood. 
Leaves two in a sheath, one and one-half to two inches long, 
and of a glaucous hue, falling during third season; sheaths small, 
persistent, nearly black.” Cones about two inches long, tapering 
towards the apex, solitary or in clusters of two or three; scales 
of cones tipped with a deciduous point. Trees rather inclined 
to grow crooked, and to not keep a straight shaft as in the case 
of the Norway and Austrian Pines. In this region where it is 
cultivated it seldom grows over ten inches in diameter, and forms 
round topped trees spreading twenty-five to thirty feet. There 
are several cultivated varieties, the most of which are of little 
value. 
Distribution —It is the common timber pine of northern 
Europe and Asia. 
Propagation.—Easily grown from seeds if properly managed, 
but requires shade when very small. Most of the seeds of this 
pine that are commonly sold are gathered in Europe from a 
dwarf scrubby form that is found on dry poor land. There are 
probably very few seeds sold from the large timber trees, as they 
are most cheaply gathered from the dwarf form. This may be a 
reason why the tree is generally so dwarf with us, although it 
varies much in size when grown in different soils. 
Propertics of WVood.—Yellowish white, soft, light, close grained 
and easily worked. Specific gravity, air dried, 0.52. 
Uses.—The Scotch Pine is one of the hardiest of evergreens, 
of very rapid close growth when young, but often rather open in 
habit when old. It generally reaches its maturity when about 
twenty years old, and seldom lasts much longer when on dry 
soil. It has been planted more largely than any other evergreen 
on our prairies, and perhaps is as good as any for pioneer plant- 
ings. 
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