^9 



of fine trees delights to look upon. Probably no tree is more gen- 

 erally unsound at the heart, yet one must be experienced to detect 

 the indications of such a state. It is difficult to find a sound speci- 

 men, except where the roots have access to a permanent water-supply, 

 and then only among young trees. 



Ahitis oblongifolla, Torr.— With the exception of the Coniferae, 

 this occasionally becomes the largest tree of the South-western Rocky 

 Mountain region, though the average size is less than that of the 

 next. It is common and abundant along nearly all mountam streams, 

 growing only at the very edge of the water. It is well-proportioned 

 and handsome. The wood is brittle, decays rapidly, and is fit only 



for firewood, 



Populus Fremoniiiy var. {r)Wislizcni.—^ magnificent tree, abun- 

 dant along all streams in the open country, or m the open parts of 

 the canons. Toward the heads of the canons, or where they are 

 narrow and precipitous, it is rarely found. Like other cottonwoods, 

 this species flourishes where no others grow, and is hence one of the 



most valuable trees. -r- i /^ 



Juniperus occidentalis, Hook., var. vwnosperma, Engelm.— One of 

 the most abundant trees of Southern New Mexico, growing occa- 

 sionally in canons, but mostly on low hills with the next, and with 

 Piuus edidis, these three species constituting almost the. entire tree- 

 flora of the hilly country. It becomes something more than a small 

 tree," though it is never tall. In some sections it is almost the only 



Everywhere abundant in the moun- 



tree. 



/ 



tains and hills. The large, sweet fruit is extensively eaten by bears 

 and coyotes, and, I believe, by foxes (!) and deer. 



Cupressus Arlzonica, E. L. Greene.— This fine tree I have seen 

 only in the San Francisco Mountains, where it is quite abundant, 

 growing both in canons and upon the highest mountains, on the 

 northern slopes. Where it grows in thick patches, it becomes tall and 

 straight, much resembing, at a distance, the balsam fir Single speci- 

 mens branch widely, and assume handsome forms. The largest that 

 I have seen measured about forty inches in diameter. It possesses 

 great value as a timber-tree, being evidently adapted to varying con- 

 ditions of soil and climate, the wood being light, strong straight- 

 grained, and apparently durable. Its handsome form and color and 

 Fhe sprightly disposition of its foliage would render it a favorite upon 

 the lawn. Growing upon so limited an area, in a ^'^'p ^^:^'lf/'^^ 

 trict where great numbers of the trees are being continually cut for 

 ruetboth as^wood and charcoal, it is not sufficiently protected, and it 

 is strongly advisable to introduce it into other sections. 



PseuLsuga Douglasii, Carr.-The prmcipa species constitut ng 

 the larae and dense fores s which clothe the higher portions of the 

 MoXn MouSain In the deep and shady canons it descends 

 almos to the base of the mountains, the largest specimens grow mg in 

 almost to me uabc ui ^r.fr\e^ have been observed, two distmct 



such locations. Unless two spec s ha e^ ^^^^,^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^ 



forms ffrow here one with tne vei) ^lauv-wn^ . ,i - i j • 



igid aid crowded The bark of the latter is thicker, and is more 

 de'eply furrowed than in any other species with which I am ac- 



quainted. 



