FOREST TREES. 207 
cones, ovate-conical; scales, tipped with a retorted 
spine; seeds, small; cotyledons, five to seven. 
The Scotch Pine constitutes a large part of the 
forests of Sweden, Russia and other countries in the 
north of Europe. Further south, it is found princi- 
pally in cold and elevated situations on the Alps, 
Pyrenees and other mountainous regions. Accord- 
ing to Michaux, it is only in cold climates or elevated 
localities that it arrives at perfection. It reaches the 
height of eighty feet or more, with a diameter of four 
or five feet. It is one of the most rapid-growing 
species of Pine; it thrives in the most dissimilar 
soils, and is quite at home on barren rocky hills. For 
general use, itis to the people of Europe what the 
White Pine is to those of the United States; and, 
besides, affords great quantities of tar and turpentine. 
‘The wood is harder and more resinous than that of 
the White Pine, and, probably, more durable. Some 
European writers strongly assert its superiorty to the 
White Pine for general purposes; a claim which 
Americans are not disposed to admit. Michaux 
remarks that they are so different in quality that no 
comparison can be instituted between them; but he 
thinks the Scotch Pine superior to the Yellow Pine, 
which it most resembles. 
Young plants of the Scotch Pine are easily pro- 
cured in quantities, and its cultivation for timber may 
be unqualifiedly recommended. The excellence of 
its wood, its rapid growth, its perfect hardiness and 
its adaptability to different soils are well-established 
facts. Next to the Larch it is the tree most exten- 
