pines.

In the white pine there are _five_ needles to each cluster, in the
pitch pine _three_, and in the Scotch pine _two_. The Austrian pine
also has two needles to the cluster, but the difference in size and
character of the needles will distinguish this species from the
Scotch pine.

THE WHITE PINE (_Pinus strobus_)

Distinguishing characters: The tree can be told at close range by the
number of needles to each cluster, Fig. 2. There are *five* needles
to each cluster of the white pine. They are bluish green, slender,
and about four inches in length.

At a distance the tree may be told by the *right angles* which the
branches form with the main trunk, Fig. 3. No other pine shows this
character.

Form and size: A tall tree, the stateliest of the evergreens.

Range: Eastern North America.

Soil and location: Prefers a deep, sandy soil, but will grow in almost
any soil.

Enemies: Sucking insects forming white downy patches on the bark and
twigs, the _white pine weevil_, a boring insect, and the _white pine
blister rust_, a fungus, are among its principal enemies.

[Illustration: FIG. 3.--The White Pine.]

Value for planting: Aside from its value as an ornamental tree, the
white pine is an excellent tree to plant on abandoned farms and for
woodlands and windbreaks throughout the New England States, New
York, Pennsylvania, and the Lake States.

Commercial value: The wood is easily worked, light, durable, and will
not warp. It is used for naval construction, lumber, shingles,
laths, interior finish, wooden ware, etc.

Other characters: The _fruit_ is a cone, four to six inches long.

Comparisons: The tree is apt to be confused with the _Bhotan pine_
(_Pinus excelsa_), which is commonly grown as an ornamental tree.
The Bhotan pine, however, has needles much longer and more drooping
in appearance.

THE PITCH PINE (_Pinus rigida_)

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