Fig. 32. A portion of a Digitation, magnified about 150 diameters, showing capillaries.
San Francisco, January 21st, 1867.
Mr. Bolander exhibited the cones of many species of pines growing in this State, and stated what was known concerning the peculiarities of the different species, and their geographical distribution.
He stated that the pines of California comprise sixteen true species, which he described briefly. There are twenty synonyms for these species, which have created some confusion as to their real name and number. The correct names of all, with the popular characteristics of the most striking, and their distribution, are given herewith. The names marked thus * are those of trees having persistent cones, which they retain from ten to twenty years in some instances. Those marked thus † retain their cones but two years. Those marked thus ‡ retain them but one year:
Pinus insignis.*—Well known as the ornamental Monterey pine, which is much cultivated in San Francisco.
P. muricata.*—Not remarkable.
P. contorta.*—Small and bushy, but valuable as shelter against wind. Grows abundantly near Fort Bragg, in the Mendocino country, where it makes the stoutest wind-proof hedge known. Ought to be tried in San Francisco.
P. tuberculata.*—Always small, seldom higher than 15 to 30 feet.
P. ponderosa.‡—The well known yellow pine. Attains a height of 225 feet and more, and a circumference of 23 or 24 feet.