TREES AlfD SHRUBS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 407 



largest, in 1841, measured 4 feet 2 inches at the ground, and 3 feet 5 



inches at 3 feet from the ground. The average growth was more 



than half an inch in diameter in a year. 

 Ficea Fraseri (Double Balsam Fir). Found on the top of Saddle Back 



Mountain.^ 

 The European Silver Fir (Abies pectinata), and Norway Spruce (A. ex- 

 celsa), are introduced and grow finely, especially the latter. 

 Larix Americane (Hacmatack ; Tamarack). Usually not a tall tree ; in cold 



swamps in most parts of the State, coming to greatest perfection 



farther north ; wood close, compact, and very durable, and valuable 



in ship-building. 

 The European Larch {L. Europea) is far superior in rapidity of growth, 

 size, and variety of uses. 



SECTION 2.— The Cypress Tribe. 



Thuja occidentalis (American Arbor Vitse). Eare in this State. 



Cupressus thyoides (White Cedar). Only in swamps that are inundated a 

 a part of the year, as between Boston and Mansfield, and Trenton 

 and Bedford. Desirable for cultivation on account of durability of 

 wood, and its growing where other trees will not. 



Juniperus Vwginiana (Red Cedar). On dry, rocky hills, and if exposed to 

 strong winds, often bent and twisted. Found near Boston, some- 

 times 30 to 35 feet high. Wood very durable and used for many 

 purposes. 



Juniperus communis (Juniper). A prostrate shrub, difficult to extermi- 

 nate, and of little use. 



SECTION 3— The Tews. 



Taxus Canadensis (Tew; Ground Hemlock). A prostrate evergreen shrub, 

 the stem trailing on the ground, or just beneath the surface, to a 

 distance of 6 or 8 feet. 



XL— CUPULIFEE^ : The Oak Family. 



Quercus alba (White Oak). Found in every part of the State, but very 

 rarely in the western ; most abundant and of largest size in Essex 

 County, and best on a moderately high, moist, loamy soil and on a 

 southeast slope. The most valuable of trees, and most trees suit- 

 able for timber destroyed, so that it is rarely found of la,rge size. 



Quercus macrocarpa (Overcup White Oak). In Stockbridge, and the 

 towns below in Berkshire County, where it is sometimes called pin- 

 oak. 



Quercus stellata Will., or Q. obtusilola Mch. (Post or Rough Oak). Only 

 seen on Elizabeth Island and Martha's Vineyard and in Plymouth 

 and Barnstable Counties; much valued for fuel, but not large enough 

 for timber. 



Quercus bicolor (Swamp White Oak). In low, moist grounds in all the 

 eastern section of the State. 



Quercus castcenea (Chestnut Oak). Only a few straggling individuals seen 

 in Lancaster, Sterling, Russell, and Middleborough. 



Quercus montana (Rock Chestnut Oak). Not frequent; chiefly confined to 

 small districts or rocky hills ; recommended for planting on steep 

 rocky hills. 



iLater examinations of tliis species appear to show that it does uot occur as far north, 

 as Massachusetts. 



