180 A MANUAL OF THE CONIFER2E. 



Crescent City these trees combine to form one of the most magnificent 

 forests in the world; the Redwood and the Sugar Pine (P. Lambertiana) 

 attaining nearly equal gigantic dimensions. North of 42° N. it mixes 

 with Abies grandis, A. Menziesii, Thuia gigantea, and other trees forming 

 the dense vegetation of the region; and in the transverse chains that 

 cross the country from the coast to the Shasta Mountains and Mount 

 Pitt, it has for its companions P. ponder -osa, P. contorta, and Abies 

 grandis, which far surpass it in numbers as it, in its turn, exceeds its 

 fellows in dimensions.* The timber is white, soft, homogenous, and 

 usually straight grained, but heavier and stronger than that of the 

 eastern White Pine (P. Strobus). The seeds have a sweet taste, which 

 gave occasion to the early settlers in the country to call this tree the 

 "Sugar Pine." 



In England Pinus Lambertiana thus" far shows no indication of 

 rivalling the gigantic dimensions of its parent in California. Although 

 introduced fifty years ago, there are few specimens that exceed a height 

 of 50 feet ; its growth in all soils and situations is very slow, 

 especially during the first years from the seed. It is, however, a 

 handsome tree of erect habit, with branches short and slender in 

 proportion to the height of the trunk, the lower ones spreading, those 

 higher up with the ends inclined upwards, and the highest ones 

 ascending and generally well furnished with foliage distinguished by its 

 bluish-green tint. To ensure a good specimen of this noble tree it 

 should be planted in a situation sheltered from winds blowing from 

 the north, north-east, and east, and a clear space having a radius of 

 not less than from 20 to 25 feet should be allowed for it. 



The specific name was given by Douglas, in compliment to A. B. 

 Lambert, Esq., a munificent patron of science, and the author of a 

 beautifully illustrated large folio work entitled Tlie Genus Pinus. This 

 work, together, with the encouragement he" gave to the discovery and 

 introduction of new kinds, has associated Mr. Lambert's name with 

 Coniferous plants. 



Aylmer Botiekb Lambert was born at Bath in February, 1761, and 

 died at Kew in January, 1842. He was educated at St. Mary's Hall, 

 Oxford, and early devoted his attention to botany. He was one of 

 the founders of the Linnsean Society, of which he was one of the 

 Vice-Presidents ; he was also a Fellow of the Royal Society. When 

 he came to his paternal estate, he formed a large herbarium, which 

 was for many years under the charge of Mr. Don. This collection, 

 as well as Mr. Lambert's extensive library, was made available to all 

 men of science. There was an open reception of scientific men every 

 Saturday at Mr. Lambert's house. He was anxious to encourage 

 science, and his ample means enabled him to gratify his taste in this 



* Dr. Newberry, Pacific Railway Report, p. 11. Lawson's Pinelum Britannicum—Pinm 

 Jyambertiana. 



