38 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



with very broad strong sharp spines, which are one- 

 sixth of an inch long and bent toward the top of the 

 cone. In the strength and sharpness of these spines 

 we have no other species with which we can compare 

 this. I have never learned that the timber of this 

 tree is of any special value. 



4. Pitch Pine. (P. rigida, Mill.) — Generally 

 known by this name, but, according to Michaux, 

 sometimes called Black Pine in Virginia. I think it 

 is, in North Carolina, confounded with the Yelloiv 

 Pine, as I have not heard any distinctive name for it, 

 though its leaves are in threes (rarely in fours), 3 to 

 5 inches long, and more rigid than in the latter. The 

 tree is 30 to 50 feet high, with a rough blackish bark, 

 the branches numerous and occupying two-thirds of 

 the trunk, thus rendering the wood very knotty. 

 The cones are 2 or 3 inches long, of a light brown 

 color, often growing in clusters of 3 to 5, and the 

 scales having sharp reflexed prickles. The wood is 

 compact and heavy, filled with resin, though when 

 grown in low grounds it is much lighter and has 

 much more sap-wood. It is a good deal used in some 

 parts of the country, but being inferior to the Yelloiv 

 Pine, and much less common with us, it is not deserv- 

 ing of much consideration. It is nowhere common 

 in this State, and I have not observed it anywhere 

 east of -Lincoln county, though it is probably scat- 

 tered sparingly through the Middle District. It is 

 found northward as far as New England, and south- 

 ward, I think, to Georgia. 



