HEMLOCK. 



(Tsuga.) 



The hemlocks are distributed over northern United States 

 from Maine to Michigan, in the Rocky Mountains, and on the 

 Pacific coast. They generally mingle with broad-leaved and 

 other needle-leaved species, but occasionally form pure forests 

 by themselves. 



The wood is coarse, often crossed-grained, perishable, 

 brittle, liable to wind-shakes, hard to work, and apt to warp 

 and splinter. It holds nails firmly and is used for coarse 

 lumber, dimension pieces, paper-pulp, and latterly for cheap 

 finish. It should not be relied upon to receive shocks. The 

 bark is used in tanning. A prejudice has existed against hem- 

 lock. This is because hemlock was originally compared with 

 white pine, spruce and fir. The decrease in the supply of better 

 woods has increased the importance of hemlock. 



Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla] has suffered because of 

 the reputation of Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis). It is a 

 better wood, stronger and quite free from warp and shake. West- 

 ern hemlock is sometimes effected by black streaks about three 

 fourths of an inch broad and three inches long. These are with 

 the grain, and are therefore very evident save in cross sections. 

 Hemlock discolored in this way is sometimes known as " Black 

 Hemlock." True Black or Alpine hemlock (Tsuga merlensiana) 

 grows at high altitudes (around 10,000 feet), and in the far north 

 and has not yet been cut. Western hemlock is made into boxes, 

 floors, mill frames and paper pulp. It has a pronounced odor 

 and is seldom attacked by insects or rodents; it is good for grain 

 bins. The wood is seldom sold under its true name, but is mar- 

 keted as second grade " red fir " or the like. The name " Alaska 

 pine " has been suggested to avoid the influences of prejudice. 

 Trees are very vigorous and it is probable that the wood will 

 become better known. 



Hemlock trees may be known by their blunt, flat, evergreen 

 leaves, appearing two-ranked and whitened beneath (see foot- 

 note under spruce) and by the red inner bark. 



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