30 



FORESTS OF MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK. 



foliage in these patches of broad-leaved woodland present a pleasing 

 diversity to the evergreen forest. 



Broadleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum) (fig. 22), the largest of 

 the Pacific coast maples, ranges from Alaska to southern Califor- 

 nia. Near sea level it often attains a height of 50 or 60 feet. In 

 the park it is a short-stemmed, branching tree, occasionally found 

 on the borders of streams. It grows at elevations under 3.000 feet. 



FIG. 23. Vine maple (Acer circinatum). 



Vine maple (Acer circinatum) (fig. 23) is abundant from Brit- 

 ish Columbia to northern California. On rich river bottoms it is 

 sometimes 15 to 20 feet high and 6 inches in diameter. In the park 

 it is usually a bush or low shrub with a bent and curiously crooked 

 stem, growing along streams and as undergrowth in the forest. It is 

 very common up to 3.000 feet. In autumn the leaves are a bright scar- 

 let. The wood is tough and elastic and makes a hot and lasting fire. 



Red alder (Alnus oregona) (fig. 24) occurs from Alaska to south- 

 ern California. It is common about Mount Rainier, in river bot- 



