CONIFEK^. 



135 



Cones, generally from one-and-a-half to two inches long, more regu- 

 larly formed than those of the White Scotch Pine, being thicker, broader, 

 and less pointed at their apex. 



Branches, regularly disposed in horizontal whorls ; and the branch- 

 lets when young somewhat aspiring; but as they increase in age 

 becoming, like the branches, quite horizontal : the bark is smoother and 

 less furrowed than in the White Scotch Pine. 



Wood, yellowish-brown in colour ; when grown in congenial soils, 

 and when matured and seasoned, it is darker and richer coloured. 



The Eed is superior to the White as a valuable timber tree ; inas- 

 much as in whatever soil, altitude, or climate, its wood is finer in 

 texture, closer grained, more resinous, more durable, and richer coloured 

 than the White Pine, when grown in the same soil, altitude, and climate : 

 and Riibra is somewhat more moderate in its rate of growth, of rather 

 smaller dimensions ; moie thoroughly hardy, sturdy, and better con- 

 stitutioned ; and easily distinguished from Alha by its shorter, stouter, 

 and more green and glaucous-like foliage, horizontal and closely set 

 branches, smoother and more shining bark, broader and less pointed 

 cones ; and its rounded and umbrella-like head and clean trunk ; even 

 when grown singly its lower branches gradually fall off, so that when 

 it arrives at maturity it will be found clear of branches for one-half or 

 two-thirds of its height. In nearly all of the plantations and natural 

 woods of the Scotch Pine which I have yet examined, either in Britain 

 or continental Europe, I have almost invariably found them more or 

 less mixed ; yet, as a general rule the " Eed " predominates in the 

 natural Scotch forests ; while in almost all cultivated woods or plantations 

 of it in England, Ireland, and even Scotland, the two kinds are to be 

 found : and, moreover, in young plantations there will be found much 

 larger leaved seminal varieties than either of the parents. On the 

 continent of Europe, the " White " is much the most plentiful either 

 in a naturalized or cultivated state ; while in some woods and forests 

 we have observed in particular localities many of the red Scotch Pine. 



Both of these kinds, however, are much influenced in their dimensions, 

 and particularly in the quality of their timber, by the soils, altitudes, 

 and climates in which they are grown ; as well as in the size of their 

 cones and foliage : but excepting a soft peat, stagnant marsh, wet clay 

 or very chalky soil ; they will thrive in almost every other descrip- 

 tion of soils if in a sweet and healthy condition and not too wet. 

 For general planting as a timber .tree in this country no pine yet 

 introduced is better adapted than our native pine ; the only one likely 



