188 THE SPRUCES 



if the stand were all Pine. It is the easiest of all the timber 

 conifers to transplant, but the same care should be taken 

 as with other evergreens to shield the roots from becoming 

 dry. Aside from its value as a timber tree, it would, no 

 doubt, be profitable to grow it as a Christmas tree. The 

 first thinnings of the plantation would certainly be mar- 

 ketable for that purpose. It is not as liable to attacks by 

 insects or diseases of any kind as our native evergreens, 

 but as it starts early in the spring late frosts may destroy 

 the leader; when that occurs it at once sets out to grow a 

 new one by developing dormant buds which form between 

 the whorls of each year's growth, or one or more limbs 

 may attempt to assume that dignified position. In any event, 

 all but one of the volunteer leaders should be promptly 

 cut back. If that is not done, two or more stems will be 

 the result. Gathering seeds and propagation should be 

 along the same lines as for White Pine. Being rather 

 more intolerant of shade than that tree, they need not be 

 set so close in the forest. 



