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many have considered it the most beautiful of all evergreens. 



In the gathering of Colorado Blue spruce and other Rocky 

 Mountain evergreens it is highly desirable that they be 

 gathered as far east as possible, as they will be better adapted 

 to prairie conditions than those developed on the Pacific 

 slope side of the mountains, where much more favorable 

 climatic conditions obtain. 



H. C. Warner, Foresthurg, S. D., writes: "Too much can- 

 not be said in favor of the Blue spruce. It is hardy, 

 handsome and an ornament to the finest lawn in the state." 



C. W. Gurney, Yankton, S. D., writes: "Blue spruce 

 or Picea pungens is the most beautiful of all and is easily 

 transplanted and as hardy as any." 



A. Norby, Madison, S. D., writes concerning trees grown 

 from seed gathered in Colorado and planted in the spring of 

 1887: "For hardiness, general adaptation and ornamental 

 qualities, the Colorado Blue spruce stands at the head of the 

 list of all conifers tried here. Never have I lost one from 

 any climatic cause. Only a small per cent take on the 

 silvery color so much sought for, but all are certainly beauti- 

 ful in contour and color." 



Engelmann Spruce. 



Engelmann Spruce. (Picea Engelmanni, Engelm.). 

 Native of the Rocky Mountains from Arizona to British 

 Columbia but found mainly in high elevations. This re- 

 sembles the Colorado Blue spruce except that the needles 

 are much softer. As received from the mountains the two 

 species are sometimes mixed. They are readily distinguished 

 by seizing hold of a young branch; the needle-like pointed 

 leaves of the Blue spruce will quickly make themselves felt. 



The Engelmann spruce has not been given extensive trial 

 as it has been overshadowed by its more popular neighbor, the 

 Blue spruce. A few specimens received among Blue spruce 

 from Colorado have, however, not proven themselves super- 

 ior in any way so that the Colorado Blue spruce will no 

 doubt retain its lead. 



