THE CONE. [Plate IV].
The cone of Pinus shows great differences of color, form and tissue; these are useful for specific and sectional distinctions, while the gradual change from the primitive conditions of the Cembrae to the elaborate form, structure and mode of dissemination of some serotinous species are obvious evidence of an evolution among the species of remarkable taxonomic range. A form new among Coniferae appears, the oblique cone, and a new condition, the serotinous cone, both appearing at first alone and, finally, in constant association.
COLOR OF THE CONE.
With few exceptions the color of the ripe cone may be classified under one of the following shades of brown or yellow.
| Nut-brown | The stain of the walnut-husk. |
| Rufous brown | A pronounced reddish nut-brown. |
| Fulvous brown | A yellowish nut-brown. |
| Tawny yellow | The color of the lion. |
| Orange | Ochre-yellow to red-orange. |
These colors may be paler or deeper. They may be obscured by a fuscous shade or may be modified by a dull or lustrous surface. The presence of two or more of these shades in a single species and the inherent difficulties of color description lessen the value of the character. Nevertheless certain allied species, such as P. nigra and Thunbergii, or P. densiflora and Massoniana, may be distinguished by the prevalent difference in the color of their cones.
DIMENSIONS OF THE CONE.
The cone is small, medium or large in different species, but varies greatly under the influences of environment or of individual peculiarities. The character possesses relative value only, for great variation is possible in the same locality and even on the same tree.