22 



FORESTS OF MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK. 



they are grasped. In the mountain parks it is a handsome tree 50 to 

 60 feet high. When it stands apart from other trees the lower 

 branches are thick and long and extend to the ground. The crown 

 is very broad at the base, but narrow and spirelike at the top. The 

 Engelmann spruce reaches its best development at low elevations, 

 where it often grows in dense, pure stands. Under these conditions 

 it reaches a height of 100 feet. The bole is straight and free from 

 limbs and the top is short and compact. 



FIG. 15. Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmanni) . 



The young cones are massed in upright green and purple clusters 

 at the tips of the upper branches. They are notable for the purity 

 and brilliance of their coloring. As they mature they become pend- 

 ant and fade to a light brown. The seed is produced in abundance 

 nearly every year, although small and seedling trees are not usually 

 numerous. 



The wood is soft, white, compact, and even grained. It is free 

 from pitch and odor. It is valuable for boxing, cooperage, and cer- 



