VALUE IN THE BRITISH ISLANDS OF INTRODUCED CONIFERS. 95 



of ever attaining half the size it grows to on its native moun- 

 tains in Northern California. So far, the timber grown in 

 Britain does not indicate a high quality. Its extraordinary 

 length of cone is an interesting feature, when they are produced, 

 which has not been frequently in Britain, but it may occur 

 oftener as the trees attain age. The tallest noted are at Eevesby, 

 50 ft. high and 6 ft. 8 in. in girth ; and at Woodstock, in 

 Ireland, 50 ft. high and 4 ft. in girth. At Keir it is 46 ft. 

 high and 6 ft. in girth, and at Poltalloch 45 ft. high and 

 9 ft. in girth. 



Pinus Laricio was introduced from Southern Europe in 

 1759, beyond the limit assigned to the newer Conifers, but it 

 is often classed among them, although nearly a century and 

 a half in this country. It is a robust-growing, vigorous Pine, 

 and on a suitable soil and situation is a good forest tree. Many 

 full-grown trees of it are growing in various parts of the country, 

 so that its merits as a timber tree are well known. The tallest 

 is at Boconnoc, 79 ft. high and 5 ft. in girth. At Hopetoun it is 

 71 ft. high and 7 ft. 3 in. in girth ; at Fota 70 ft. high. 



Pinus macrocarpa, otherwise more correctly known as 

 P. CouUerii, is another robust-looking Pine from California. It 

 was introduced by Douglas in 1832, and planted to a consider- 

 able extent in Pineta^and ornamental grounds in Britain, but has 

 not proved a success either as an ornamental or a timber tree. 

 Its enormous and strongly hooked cones are the only notable 

 feature about it, and if they were produced freely in this country 

 it would merit a place among interesting trees. Of the specimens 

 recorded, the best is at Linton Park, 44 ft. high and 4 ft. 6 in. 

 in girth. 



Pinus monticola is probably the best of all the White Pines 

 of North-west America which grow freely in this country. 

 It was introduced by Douglas in 1831, but for twenty years 

 afterwards few of it were planted, until Jeffrey sent home seed in 

 quantity in 1852, the produce of which has been prettty freely 

 planted in Scotland, and generally with very satisfactory 

 results. It is perfectly hardy, and grows with a straight clean 

 stem to a great height, and promises to become a useful forest 

 tree with wood of excellent quality. The finest tree recorded 

 grows at Scone, 71 ft. 6 in. high and 5 ft. 11 in. in girth. At The 

 Cairnies it is 70 ft. 6 in. high and 5 ft. 3 in. in girth ; at Murthly 



