26 
Use and Value of Evergreens for Ornament, 
and Timber. 
The Norway Spruce is not only effective in ornamenting grounds, 
but is also “ useful for screens, hedges, and for timber.” For all these 
purposes, and for general adaptation to different soils and climates, 
it may be said to be universally recognized as superior to any other 
evergreen tree that has been as generally distributed. 
In Europe, the Scotch Pine is considered valuable on account of 
the rapidity of its growth and its adaptation to different soils, and 
“ the facility with wjiich the wood is worked occasions its employ- 
ment in house carpentry to the exclusion of every other timber, when 
it can be procured.” Loudon says : “Asa timber tree, for planting 
in poor, dry soils, and in exposed situations, none can excel the Scotch 
Pine, and it is only equaled by the Larch.” For screens and wind- 
breaks it is particularly valuable, when “ not too closely planted, so 
as to allow the limbs to grow close to the ground.” Belts of Scotch 
Pine will be more efficacious in breaking the force of strong winds, 
when Norway Spruce or Larch are intermixed in the plantation, on 
account of their pyramidal tendency of growth, which fills the gaps 
occasioned by the upward and more open growth of the Scotch 
Pine. For ornamental purposes the Scotch Pine should be sparing- 
ly used, except when allowed plenty of room, or in the centre of 
groups, or for the purpose of contrast in colors and form of growth. 
When the Scotch Pine is planted for any or all of these purposes in 
any dry soil, from the i^oorest to the richest, its rapid growth will 
produce satisfactory results, in a less number of years, than any 
other Evergreen ; hence the Scotch Pine deserves a place in every 
collection, and forest tree plantation. 
The Austrian Pine may be con.sidered as valuable for ornamental 
purposes on account of the dark green color of the foliage, and its 
stiff outline of symmetrical rounded form of growth, peculiarly adapt- 
ing it to plats of ground that permit of its having ample space. “In 
Austria the wood of this Pine is much valued when kept di’y ; and 
t is said to surpass even the Larch in resisting the injurious effects of 
water, or of alternate moisture and dryness.” 
The Mountain Pine (P. Montana) is similar in general appearance 
to the Austrian Pine, but dwarfish and more compact in its habit of 
growth, hence adapted for planting in smaller spaces near walks and 
drives, and can be planted with effect on the margin of ornamental 
groups with the faster growing Evergreens occupying the centre or 
back ground, and is useful as a covering for naked hill sides, and 
embankments. 
