THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 39 



5. Pond Pine. ( P. serotina, Michx.) — This has 

 considerable resemblance to the Pitch Pine, but is 

 as remarkable for its scattered branches as that is for 

 its crowded ones. They are, however, in no danger 

 of being confounded in this State, as I do not think 

 they are found in the same sections. But it is very 

 frequently confounded in the low country with the 

 Loblolly Pine, though very readily distinguished from 

 that by its cones. It is common in the small swamps 

 or bays of the Lower District, in company with 

 Sweet Bay, Sour Gum, &c, and occasionally in simi- 

 lar situations in the Middle. It sometimes covers 

 pretty large tracts of rich swampy and peaty lands, 

 but never, I think, constitutes any extensive forest. 

 In some localities it is called Savanna Pine. The 

 leaves of this species are in threes, and 5 to 7 inches 

 long. The cones are remarkable for their short form, 

 compared with their size, being about %\ inches long 

 and 5 in circumference at their base, armed with very 

 short fragile prickles. They grow in clusters, often 

 surrounding the branch, are of shining light brown 

 color, and remain closed until the second year. They 

 are deemed ornamental enough to grace the mantel 

 in some houses. This tree is generally about 40 or 

 50 feet in height, but in favorable soils rises as high 

 as 60 and even 80 feet. The wood is of better and 

 more durable qualities than that of the Loblolly, and 

 is occasionally used for the masts of small vessels. 

 It is not known to exist north of this State. 



6. Loblolly or Old Field Pine. (P. Taeda.) — 



