THE LARCHES 279 



The Western Larch 



L. occidentalism Nutt. 



The Western larch is the finest tree in its genus, reaching 

 six feet in trunk diameter and two hundred feet in height, 

 in the Cascade forests from British Columbia to southern 

 Oregon and across the ranges to western Montana. This 

 tree has the unusual distinction of exceeding all conifers 

 in the value of its wood, which is heavy, hard, strong, 

 dense, durable, of a fine red that takes a brilliant polish. 

 It is used for furniture and for the interior finish of houses. 

 Quantities of it supply the demand for posts and railroad 

 ties, in which use it lasts indefinitely, compared with other 

 timber. 



