522 
EVERGREEN TREES AND SHRUBS. 
ing flexible branches.” An odd and picturesque, but not hand¬ 
some, low tree. 
American Pines of the Pacific Slope. 
Among the wonders of vegetation on tiie Pacific slope, the 
variety of pines is not the least remarkable. From the maritime 
slopes, to the heights near perpetual snow, the species vary from 
colossal trees, to bushes; but the giant forms predominate, and a 
coarse open growth is a peculiarity of most of them. It is proba¬ 
ble that most of those which prove hardy in the Atlantic northern 
States will be barred by the grossness of their features from use in 
decorative pleasure-grounds, except as novelties or curiosities. 
Bentham’s Pine. P. Benthamiana. — This giant pine is 
indigenous on the coast mountains of California near the bay of 
Monterey, and on some of the mountains bordering the valley of 
the Sacramento river, where it occupies the greatest elevations. 
Its growth is rank, regularly pyramidal, the branches numerous, 
spreading, and irregular, and the leaves of great length. Though 
tested but a few years on the Atlantic slope, it has generally proved 
hardy. But the success of well cared-for young plants, a few years, 
is no proof of their continued health in our climate. Besides, its 
rank loose growth may show it unfit for suburban planting, even if 
it proves (which we doubt) hardy enough. 
Parry’s Pine, P. Parryana, resembles the preceding, but has 
more slender branches, and its cones are remarkable for their bright 
glossy yellow color, and their freedom from resinous matter. Said 
to be as hardy as the Benthamiana. 
Balfour’s Pine. P. Balfouriana .—A species found in northern 
California, between the Shasta and Scott’s valley, at an elevation 
of five to eight thousand feet, growing on volcanic debris; said 
by Gordon to be quite hardy and very distinct. This author 
describes the branches as slender and flexible. Of its beauty or 
