THE PINE SUB-FAMILY. 169 



ing only from the species in having the margins of the 

 scales on the cones more undulated, or somewhat jagged, 

 and more extended. 



4. A. nigra, Poiret. BLACK OR DOUBLE SPRUCE. 

 Leaves, very short, scarcely exceeding ^ of an inch long, 

 erect, stiff, somewhat quadrangular, very dark green color. 

 Branches, spreading horizontally, with a smooth, dark 

 bark. Cones, from 1 to 1|- inches long, ovate, or ovate- 

 oblong, changing from a dark purple to dull reddish-brown 

 color; scales, very thin, roundish, with a toothed and 

 uneven margin. Seeds quite small, with a small, rigid 

 wing. 



The Double Spruce is found in the same localities as the 

 Single Spruce, and in most situations more plentifully ; ac- 

 cording to Gray, in swamps and cold mountain woods, 

 New England to Wisconsin and northward, and south- 

 ward along the mountains. It is also occasionally seen 

 further south than the latter species, especially along the 

 Alleghanies. In the Canadas, Nova Scotia, New Bruns- 

 wick, and even further north, it is quite abundant, and re- 

 sists the severe Arctic winters in those latitudes. Indeed 

 in our more southern climates this, tree rarely ever forms 

 so fine a specimen as when growing in its native habitats, 

 with their cold, chilling winds and short summer seasons. 



In favorable situations the Black Spruce forms quite a 

 large tree, about 75 feet in height, with a tall, straight, 

 tapering trunk, and a very handsome, regular, conical- 

 shaped head. In the* deep, rich, alluvial soils, the finest 

 specimens are to be found, and in such an isolated plant 

 presents a very agreeable sight ; but when growing in 

 compact masses as they quite frequently do, leaving only 

 3, 4, or 5 feet space between the trunks, they run up to a 

 great height and are destitute of branches, excepting a 

 small, dense head upon the summit. 



As an ornamental tree we cannot recommend it, although 

 the young plants are occasionally quite beautiful ; but after 

 8 



