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 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.]