White Pines of Montana and Idaho. 231 



bark character. The bark of mature trees is rarely over i^ 

 inches thick." (Quotations from Sudworth.) 



In general, the appearance of this species is very similar to that 

 of the eastern Pinus strobus, which it also closely resembles in 

 other characteristics. The chief difference in appearance are the 

 very narrow crown and thin bark of the Western White Pine as 

 contrasted with the broader head and the comparatively thick 

 deeply rifted bark of its eastern relative. 



Characteristics of Wood. — Practically the equal of the eastern 

 White Pine commercially, and largely taking its place in markets 

 east of the Rocky Mountains. The wood is of a light brown 

 color, very soft and light, straight and close grained, easily worked, 

 but very strong. Heartwood fairly durable in contact with the 

 soil. Some lumbermen claim that this species yields somewhat 

 less clear lumber than does the eastern species. Others contend 

 that the quality is fully as good. Match manufacturers assert "that 

 for their purposes the eastern species is preferable, since the 

 Western White Pine contains more hard streaks and more bird's 

 eyes," defects for match manufacturers but not for general pur- 

 poses. 



The uses of the ivood are the same as those of its eastern con- 

 geuer. 



