40 MONTANA EXPERIMENT STATION 



well it makes a rather desirable tree, but with us it is of such slow 

 growth that it does not seem advisable to plant it except for speci- 

 men trees on extensive grounds where a very large assortment of 

 vrees and shrubs is desired. 



THE LARCHES. 



There are two or three species that are native to Montana and 

 they are the only deciduous conifers native to the state. Some 

 grow into large trees and are desirable for ornamental purposes. 

 The following varieties have been tested here : 



(Larix occidentalis) This is a tall tree, often growing to a 

 height of 150 feet. The leaves are light green and deciduous. It 

 is a native of western Montana and is hardy at this station. 



Tamarack: (Larix Americana} This tree grows M a height 

 of 5o feet. It is a good plant for ornamental ;>vn poses vi Montana 

 and is hardy at this station. 



THE SPRUCES. 



These are mostly hardy ornamental trees and several are native 

 10 Montana. The trees grow in pyramidal form, with spreading 

 branches. Several kinds have been grown at this station. 



White Spruce: (Picea alba) Plants of this species were 

 secured in Minnesota in the spring of 1908, but died to the ground 

 in the winter of 1908-9. The tree is native to parts of Montana and 

 will no doubt prove hardy in most parts of the state. 



Engleman Spruce: (Picea Engelmanni) This is a very 

 desirable ornamental tree, growing to a height of about 150 feet. 

 It is native to parts of Montana and is hardy at this station. It 

 i^ a very desirable tree for group planting on the lawn and for shel- 

 ter belts or wind breaks. 



Norway Spruce: (Picea excelsa) Plants of this species se- 

 cured in Wisconsin and set in the spring of 1908 were killed back 

 about one-third in the winter of 1908-9. This species promises to 

 be hardy at this station after it is thoroughly acclimated, and is one 

 of the very good trees for shelter belts or wind breaks. 



Colorado Blue Spruce: (Picea pungens) . This grows into 

 a tree from 80 to 100 feet in height. The branches are nearly hori- 



