burt] the balsam fir 29 



tion, except at rare intervals, balsam and spruce reproduce them- 

 selves by shoots from the lower branches which have become 

 covered with moss. This is a process of natural layering. The 

 farther north and the higher the altitude the smaller the seed and 

 smaller the percentage of germination, although the quantity 

 produced is often immense. 



The odor of balsam leaves is one of the most refreshing odors in 

 Nature's pharmacy. Such an appetite as it gives the camper for 

 that bacon and coffee over the fire! And long after we get home 

 fresh leaves which were cut and twigs industriously sheared have a 

 tempting way of reminding one of those camp fires, particularly on 

 a damp dismal day, when reminiscences are very acceptable. 

 What better bed does the northern htmter, fisherman or tourist 

 want than these fragrant boughs I They possess an elastic quality 

 which fits them admirably for the purpose. I have walked miles 

 to secure these boughs for a bed and have never been sorry. 



In more than one way can we consider the Balsam in nature's 

 pharmacy. Atmosphere which is laden with the odors is remark- 

 able for its qualities beneficial to invalids. Asheville, North 

 Carolina is situated on a high plateau surrounded by a balsam 

 range of Alleghany Mts. In this town pure air, sifted thru the 

 balsam firs has a wonderful power of healing Itmg diseases. The 

 late Dr. A. L. Loomis of New York testified to the fact that the firs 

 and pines which abounded in the Adirondack region ladened the 

 atmosphere heavily with ozone; and the resinous odors of these 

 trees were the most beneficial of all tonics for a patient suffering 

 with pulmonan,' diseases. 



It seems as if these dark forests with their pj-ramidal trees have 

 a mission all their own in life, and they seem to realize it wdth their 

 sharp pointed spires swaying in the breezes and the pendulous 

 lower branches sweeping to the ground. From the healthful 

 fragrance, this tree has earned the name "Balm of Gilead Fir." 



The blisters on the bark of the tree are a whole department store 

 in themselves. These blisters are where the fir carries it resin; 

 they are not scattered through the bark and under the wood as in 

 the pines, flowing freely with gashes, but are superficial blisters on 

 the bark itself. So characteristic is this that the N. Y. Indians 

 named the tree,— "Cho — koh — tung," "Blisters." Who ever 

 played as a child in the northern woods remembers with what 

 delight he punctured these blisters in order to see the clear, liquid 



