PINUS FLEXILIS 
3 
The Pacific Railroad Explorations followed. 
The last original observations are those of Dr. Engelmann in the paper already referred to in the 
Transactions of the St. Louis Academy of Science. We have taken the description given by that botanist 
as our authority for the species ; for James’ description and Torrey’s diagnosis in the Annals of the New 
York Lyceum (vol. ii. p. 249), are based on notes only, no specimens having been collected. This fact 
may account for some of the discrepancies of foregoing describers. 
James, it will be seen, describes the cone as growing erect, Nuttall, in direct opposition, figures it 
pendent, and Engelmann (in Wislizenus’ “ Tour”) says they are pendent, and in the description which we 
have above quoted, says they are horizontal or declinate. The truth may perhaps be that they are at first 
erect, and afterwards pendent. Engelmann, in his latest paper (Suppl. to Parry’s Collections in Rocky 
Mountains), says, “ Dr. Parry notes that the cones grow several together, semi-pendulous at the extremity 
of the horizontal branchlets.” 
Properties and Uses. —The only use to which this tree has yet been put is to feed Indians with the 
seeds. James first recorded this. Engelmann mentions it in Wislizenus’ “Tour,” and in speaking of 
Parry’s collections, he says, “ The large seeds of P. flexilis are, as Dr. James already stated, and as Dr. 
Hayden confirmed, eaten by the Indians. They are distinguished from those of any other of our Pines 
by a persistent sharp-keeled margin representing the wing ” foe. cit.) 
Culture. —We do not know of any plants of this species having yet been introduced into this country; 
but from the height at which they are found on the Rocky Mountains, there is little doubt that it will prove 
hardy when introduced. 
