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the Pacific coast forests of it are, in places, found 

 from sea-level to an altitude of eleven thousand 

 feet. On the Rockies it flourishes between the 

 altitudes of seven thousand and ten thousand 

 feet. It is largely represented in the forests of 

 Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and Montana, and it has 

 extensive areas in Oregon and Washington. It is 

 the most numerous tree in Wyoming, occupying 

 in Yellowstone Park a larger area than all other 

 trees combined, while in California it forms the 

 bulk of the alpine forests. 



The lodge-pole readily adapts itself to the most 

 diverse soil and conditions, but it thrives best 

 where there is considerable moisture. The roots 

 accommodate themselves to shallow soil, and 

 thrive in it. 



This tree begins to bear fruit at an early age, 

 sometimes when only eight years old, and usually 

 produces large quantities of cones annually. The 

 cones sometimes open and liberate the seeds as 

 soon as they are ripe, but commonly they remain 

 on the tree for years, with their seeds carefully 

 sealed and protected beneath the scales. So far 

 as I have observed, the trees on the driest soil 



185 



