356 PLANT STUDIES 
236. Conifers. This is the great modern Gymnosperm 
group, and is characteristic of the temperate regions, where 
it forms great forests. Some of the forms are widely dis- 
tributed, as the great genus of pines (Pinus) (Fig. 57), 
while some are now very much restricted, although for- 
merly very widely distrib- 
uted, as the gigantic red- 
woods (Sequoia) of the 
Pacific slope. The habit of 
the body is quite charac- 
teristic, a central shaft ex- 
tending continuously to the 
very top, while the lateral 
branches spread horizontal- 
ly, with diminishing length 
to the top, forming a coni- 
cal outline (Figs. 56, 57). 
This habit of firs, pines, 
etc., gives them an appear- 
ance very distinct from that 
of other trees. 
Another peculiar feature 
is furnished by the char- 
acteristic " needle-leaves," 
which seem to be poorly 
adapted for foliage. These 
leaves have small spread of 
surface and very heavy pro- 
FIG. 317. Arbor-vitae (Thuja), showing a * J -F 
branch with scaly overlapping leaves, tecting WallS,and Showadap- 
and some carpeiiate cones (strobiii).- tation for enduring hard 
After EICHLER. ... . ,__. 
conditions (Fig. 308). As 
they have no regular period of falling, the trees are always 
clothed with them, and have been called " evergreens." 
There are some notable exceptions to this, however, as in 
the case of the common larch or tamarack, which sheds its 
leaves every season (Fig. 56). 
