20 A NATURALIST IN WESTERN CHINA 



obtained from the higher ahitudes is close-grained, resinous, and 

 durable, but that from low-levels is soft, very open, and of 

 little value. Other Hard Pines, such as P. Henryi, P. densata, 

 P. Wilsonii, P. prominens, are found at higher altitudes (up to 

 10,000 feet) and yield valuable timber, but unfortunately they 

 occur only in inaccessible places. The Chinese White Pine (P. 

 Armandi) is widely spread in the more mountainous parts. 

 This tree never attains any great size, but the timber is very 

 durable and resinous. It is esteemed for building purposes and 

 for making torches. 



All the Conifers yield useful timber, but unfortunately few 

 are found to-day in accessible regions. Around Tachienlu the 

 Hung sha (Red Fir), Larix Potaninii, is esteemed the most 

 valuable of all timbers. The Tieh sha {Tsuga yunnanensis, T. 

 chinensis) is made into shingles for roofing purposes and 

 is also valued for planking. In the Lungan prefecture the 

 Me-tiao sha {Picea ascendcns) is a most valuable timber for 

 general building purposes. Many other kinds of Spruce [Picea) 

 occur on the mountains, and with Silver Fir [Ahies) and Larch 

 {Larix) form the only remaining Conifer forests in Western 

 China. Juniper (Hsiang-peh sha), Juniperus saltuaria, is 

 common north of Sungpan, where it is valued for building 

 purposes. Cupressus torulosa (K'an-peh sha) occurs in the arid 

 valleys of the west ; Taxus cuspidata, var. chinensis (Tuen- 

 ch'u sha), and Keteleeria Davidiana (Yu sha or Oil Fir) are 

 found scattered all over Western China between 2000 and 

 5000 feet altitude, but are nowhere reaUy abundant. 



From Ichang westward, up to 3500 feet altitude, the com- 

 monest Conifer next to Pine is the Peh sha or White Fir [Cu- 

 pressus funehris) , and in the more rocky limestone regions it is 

 the more common tree of the two. This handsome Cypress, 

 with its pendant branches, is generally planted over tombs and 

 shrines and in temple grounds. The wood is white, hard, heavy, 

 and exceedingly tough. It enters largely into the structure of 

 all boats plying on the Upper Yangtsze, forming the sides, 

 bulkheads, and often the cross-beams and decks. It is also 

 made into chairs, tables, and other furniture. The superstruc- 

 ture of the boat is usually of Sha Mu [Cunninghamia) , the 

 bottom and main timbers of Oak and Nanmu. 



