AMONG THE PINES AND FIRS 213 



Larch, pine, and Douglas fir are the hardwoods 

 among the conifers, their heartwood differing 

 more distinctly in colour from the sapwood than 

 is the case in spruces or silver firs. The Scots 

 pine timber imported from the Baltic and Scandi- 

 navia is classed as 'red pine,' while spruce wood is 

 known as ' Baltic deals/ and silver fir as ' white 

 pine.' Though not ranking equal with larch 

 wood, pine timber is much better paid than 

 spruce or silver fir, and meets with a readier 

 market, even though the wood is more apt to 

 shrink. 



Notwithstanding their somewhat greater capa- 

 city for bearing shade, the black pines may con- 

 veniently be classed along with Scots pine in 

 treating of this as a woodland crop. Essentially a 

 light-demanding tree, pine soon runs into branches 

 unless sown or closely planted. If put out at 

 more than 3 feet by 3 feet this natural tendency 

 very soon shows itself. Later on, it is true, 

 when close canopy is formed in the course of 

 a few years, the branches are killed off unless the 

 cover is opened up by injudicious thinning. Even 

 when isolated, it shows a remarkable capacity for 

 casting off its branches and exhibiting a clean 



