PINUS LARICIO 
5 
recourse to grafting to obtain the supply he wanted for the Forest of Fontainebleau, and many thousands of 
the trees there were then grafted on the Scotch Fir. Since then, however, MM. Vilmorin-Andrieux of 
Paris, who strongly recommended its cultivation, have been the means of supplying all the principal seeds¬ 
men in Europe with seed, and it has come largely into favour: seeds are cheap and plentiful, and it is 
becoming extensively cultivated throughout Britain and on the Continent. 
As with other Pines, there are plenty of varieties which have been dignified with names by nursery¬ 
men, such as contorta , pendula , variegata, subviridis, nana , pygmcea, stricta, pyramidata, &c. These, 
however, do not concern us any more, at least, than to know that here, as in all species, there are individual 
idiosyncrasies which are interesting botanically and from the point of view of variety, and which can be 
detected by those who are on the outlook for them, and propagated by grafting or otherwise. 
Properties and Uses. —The most valuable of these are hardiness, rapid growth, and good timber. On 
reference to Mr. Palmer’s tables of the worst effects of the winter of 1860-61, we find that the tree is, if not 
absolutely invulnerable, at least as hardy as the Scotch Fir; and as to rapidity of growth, it is found 
considerably to outstrip it. At Belstane, on the north side of the Pentlands, near Edinburgh, at an 
elevation of between 700 and 900 feet above the sea, and a spot which may be taken as subjected to a 
tolerably severe climate, “ this species and its varieties are in the most flourishing condition, overtopping 
Larches and Spruces planted at the same time.” Another most valuable property in such a game-pre¬ 
serving country as Britain, is, that it is rarely, if ever, touched by hares and rabbits. 
Its uses are those to which the best-timbered Conifers are put. M. Thouin says that its wood is 
heavier than that of Pinus sylvestris from Riga, but, being more resinous, it is less brittle and more elastic. 
We scarcely think that these are the properties produced by a greater amount of resin. A greater amount 
of resin will make the wood harder and heavier, but it ought not to make it more elastic or less brittle. 
Speaking from theory, we should say the reverse ; nor does further experience discountenance theory. The 
Pinaster, in its native country, has more resin than the Scotch Fir, and it is not less brittle and more elastic, 
but the contrary; and so it turns out to be with the Laricio. M. Thouin’s premisses are erroneous—the 
Laricio timber is very good, but it is not equal to that of the Scotch Fir, and, in particular, it is inferior in 
tenacity and elasticity. Like all very resinous timber, however, its heart-wood, which is largely charged 
with resin, is exceedingly durable. The sap-wood is thicker than in most other Conifers. It is conse¬ 
quently easily worked, and is used by sculptors and cabinet-makers. It is also used occasionally in some 
of its native forests for making turpentine. 
M essrs. Henkel and Hochstetter {supra cit.) mention, that in the London International Exhibition of 
1862, there was a stem from the south of France which was 125 years old, and which had been made use 
of for extracting turpentine for 96 years. They mention this under the head of Pinus Laricio , but we 
imagine it must rather be the P. Pinaster , which is more generally used for that purpose. 
The timber of this tree is likely to prove of great value in Britain. It comes next after the Scotch Fir 
in utility, and its inferiority in some points is counterbalanced by its more rapid growth and greater size. 
“ As a fast-growing ornamental tree, or for planting in exposed or maritime situations, the Corsican Pine 
(says Mr. A. D. Webster in the Gardeners Chronicle , December 15, 1883) bids fair to outrival all others, 
not even excepting the much-praised Austrian and Pinaster, and to which, more especially as regards quality 
of wood, it is in every way superior.” The average height of a large number of specimens planted at 
Penrhyn, N. Wales, soon after the introduction to this country, is now (1883) from 50 to 60 feet, the stems 
at breast height girthing about 5 feet. One specimen on the lawn to the south-west of the castle has the 
following dimensions: Height, 72 feet, girth of stem at 1 and at 5 feet, 95 feet and 95 feet respectively. 
Mr. Webster says it is premature to say much as to the value of the timber, but so far he finds it very 
satisfactory, like red deal, but more brittle and with much resin. 
Culture. —The Pinus Laricio is perfectly hardy. Mr. Palmer’s tables shew, out of 49 places reported 
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on, 
