Distinguishing characters:  Here there are three needles to each
    cluster, Fig. 4.  They are dark, yellowish-green needles about four
    inches long.  The rough-looking branches of the tree may be seen
    studded with cones throughout the year, and clusters of leaves
    may be seen sprouting directly from the trunk of the tree; see
    Fig. 5.  The last two are very characteristic and will distinguish
    the tree at a glance.

Form and size:  It is a low tree of uncertain habit and extremely rough
    looking at every stage of its life.  It is constantly full of dead
    branches and old cones which persist on the tree throughout the
    year.

Range:  Eastern United States.

Soil and location:  Grows in the poorest and sandiest soils where few
    other trees will grow.  In New Jersey and on Long Island where it is
    native, it proves so hardy and persistent that it often forms pure
    stands excluding other trees.

[Illustration:  FIG. 4.—­Twig of the Pitch Pine.]

Enemies:  None of importance.

Value for planting:  Well adapted for the sea coast and other exposed
    places.  It is of extremely uncertain habit and is subject to the
    loss of the lower limbs.  It frequently presents a certain
    picturesqueness of outline, but it could not be used as a specimen
    tree on the lawn.

[Illustration:  FIG. 5.—­The Pitch Pine.]

Commercial value:  The wood is coarse grained and is used for rough
    lumber, fuel, and charcoal.

Other characters:  The fruit is a cone one to three
inches long, persistent on the tree for several years.

THE SCOTCH PINE (Pinus sylvestris)

Distinguishing characters:  There are two needles to each cluster, and
    these are short compared with those of the white pine, and
    slightly twisted; see Fig. 6.  The bark, especially along the
    upper portion of the trunk, is reddish in color.

Form and size:  A medium-sized tree with a short crown.

Range:  Europe, Asia, and eastern United States.

Soil and location:  Will do best on a deep, rich, sandy soil, but will
    also grow on a dry, porous soil.

Enemies:  In Europe the Scotch pine has several insect enemies, but in
    America it appears to be free from injury.

Value for planting:  Suitable for windbreaks and woodland planting.  Many
    excellent specimens may also be found in our parks.

Commercial value:  In the United States, the wood is chiefly used for
    fuel, though slightly used for barrels, boxes, and carpentry.  In
    Europe, the Scotch pine is an important timber tree.