TRUE WOODS 



271 



dimensions and rich color give it especial advantages for 

 certain jjurposes in cabinet work and interior finish. 



Hemlock (Fig. 263) is soft and stiff though brittle, com- 

 monly cross-grained, coarse, and splintery. It is of value 

 chiefly for rough carpentry, and raihvay-ties. 



Fig. 259. — European Larch (Larix decidua, Pine Family, PinacecF). I, twig 

 with long and short branches, and with a cone continuing as a branch 

 at a. 2, twig with staminate and pistillate flowers. 3, staminate 

 flower, 1. 4-6, stamens. 7, 8, 9, scales from young cone. 10, ripe 

 cone. 11-13, seed-bearing scales. 14, seeds, with and without wing. 

 15, short branch or "spur," cut vertically. 16, leaf, entire, and cut 

 across. (Willkomm.) — Tree growing 30 m. tall; bark dark grayish- 

 brown; leaves bright green; staminate flowers yellow; pistillate flowers 

 purplish; fruit brownish. Native home, Europe. 



