The Douglas Fir Group 



39 



The leaves are flattened and sharp-pointed, dark green above, and pale be- 

 neath. They are slightly narrov/ed at the base but not distinctly stalked and, 

 upon dropping off, leave the twig marked with round, raised scars. They are ar- 

 ranged in two ranks but not as distinctly so as those of the balsam fir. The buds 



FOUGLAS 

 FIR 



/T /7?(/cronoA7 



are sharp-pointed and not covered with resin in the winter. The cones are 2 to 43/^ 

 in. long and hang down instead of standing erect as in the firs {Abies). The 

 three-pointed bracts which are attached to the back of the scales are long and 

 conspicuous. 



In Canada this tree ranges from the east slope of the Rocky mountains in 

 Alberta through to the coast in British Columbia. In Alberta it is found as far 

 north as the headwaters of the Athabaska river, but in the interior of British Col- 

 umbia its range extends to lakes Babine and Stuart. 



Larger structural timbers can be obtained of Douglas fir than of any other 

 American tree. Its use for structural purposes is most imporant on account of its 

 strength, stiffness, and durabiUty, but of late years the wood has gained popularity 



