2OO 



Forests and Trees 



and urn-shaped, and the fruit a sort of drupe in which the flesh 

 is dry and powdery. They are useful only for decorative pur- 

 poses. 



i. MADRONA. Arbutus Menziesii. Pursh. 



This is said to be the largest and most beautiful member of 

 the heath family. It is an evergreen tree sometimes nearly one 

 hundred feet high, but usually smaller and 

 rather slender. 



It has a straight clean trunk, rather stout, 

 often ascending branches, red bark and 

 twigs. The outer bark often breaks away 

 and peels off in patches. The leaves are 

 rather thick and leathery, shining green 

 above but paler beneath, and the margins 

 turned in toward the under side. The 

 flowers are white and the fruit bright 

 orange. 



The wood and bark of this tree have had 

 a limited use in the arts and in medicine, 

 but its chief value continues to be in its beauty. 



In Canada it is found on Vancouver Island and the coast of 

 the mainland immediately facing on the Gulf of Georgia, as 

 well as on the islands of the gulf. In no case is it found far 

 from the coast, 



FIG. 52. Madrona. 



