F. W. SCHUMACHER : “ ; : . 7 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, i.., timber production and for use as ornamentals or 
Christmas trees. 
In general two major races of Scoteh 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. As 
an exception as to winter color the Pine strain of the North German low 
plain warrants attention. There have been favorable reports lately from 
growers indicating a possibility for Christmas tree production. Trees about 
twenty years old, on our own land, have shown only the slightest of foliage 
discolorations during the cold months in comparison to definite yellowing of 
Riga strain (Latvia) trees. Summer color, somewhat more intense than with 
the latter, is a bright-bluish green. Needles are from 2% -3 inches long, a 
triffle wider and heavier in texture than those of the 2 -2% inches long of 
the Riga strain. Bud count shows, as a rule, five well developed side buds 
around the terminal. Seasonable increase is moderate, little in excess of 
Riga strain trees. We will supply certified seed from selected stands, col- 
lected under supervision of state foresters. This strain should do well in 
soils with low nitrogen tests and especially well on sand. 
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 Christma trees. Grown on sandy 
soils plants from these strains may require feeding to show best foliage color. 
PINUS MUGO (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. 
PINUS MUGO PUMILIO— Shrubby Swiss Pine as indicated by its form 
name Pumilio i.e. Dwarf, is the dwarfest of the Mountain Pines. Seed, cer- 
tified as to origin, comes, we are assured, from pure stands, at high altitude, 
4,300-4,800 feet, without presence of trees of the Tree Swiss Pine (rostrata) 
to influence the dwarf habit by cross-pollination. 
