F. W. SCHUMACHER ‘4 : A ‘ é é - Sandwich, Mass. 
PINE LORE 
With many growers confused as to what strains of Scotch Pine to plant 
we feel competent in giving the following suggestions: 
Practically all strains are, for some condition or other, suitable both for 
forest planting, ie., timber production and for the use as ornamentals or 
Christmas trees. 
In general two major races of Scotch Pine concern us here: 
Strains from Northern Europe growing on the sandy plains which stretch 
from the coast of Belgium and Holland all the way east to, and around, the 
shores of the Baltic Sea. They are considered good strains for reforestration, 
grow comparatively fast, but usually have the objectionable feature of foliage 
discoloration with the approach of cold weather. They all do best on deep, 
sandy soils. If planted on better soils plants have a tendency to “overeat,” 
grow too fast and are prone to fall prey to disease and insect infestations. 
Inquiries for seed of the Riga (East Baltic) strain of Scotch Pine are 
being received continually despite disappointing results growers of Christmas 
trees had for reasons of foliage discoloration in cold weather and slow growth 
of seedlings. With insufficient supplies from the East Baltic we have, in the 
past, recommended seed of West Baltic strain, i.e., seed from sources in Sweden, 
which judging from reports received from growers have given good results. 
For timber production in the north it seems to be equal to the Riga Pine 
and preferable where faster production is essential. Planted for Christmas 
trees no foliage discoloration was reported in Southern Pennsylvania, planted 
further north foliage may turn with approach of cold weather. For Christ- 
mas tree plantations on sandy soil we recommned it for trial. 
The mountain strains from various origins in Europe usually growing on 
stony soils are better adapted for all around planting. It is from these strains 
that best results can be expected for use as Christmas trees. Grown on sandy 
soils plants from these strains require feeding to show best foliage color. 
PINUS MONTANA — which is much planted on mountain slopes and steep 
banks to stop erosion, rock and snow slides, is of equal value for stopping 
wind erosion of dune lands in coastal districts. Closely planted it will form, 
in time, impenetrable thickets, a barrier to wind-blown sand, a refuge for 
wild life. 
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