2O6 



The Firs. 



Among the firs we find some species of great value for 

 ornamental purposes. Of the two species mentioned in this 

 bulletin, the western species is of much more promise. The 

 leaves of the firs are arranged singly as in the spruces, but 

 are flat instead of rounded as in the case of the spruce. 



Balsam Fir. 



Balsam Fir. (Abies balsamea, (I,) Mill.). Native from 

 Virginia to Labrador northwestward to Iowa, Minnesota, 

 Hudson Bay and the Rocky Mountains. In Minnesota it 

 is found chiefly in the northeastern part of the state. 

 This tree is a native of swamps and damp woods, preferring 

 a moist soil. A beautiful ornamental tree of conical habit 

 with dark green leaves one inch long, whitish on the under 

 side, divided by the green midrib. The needles leave a 

 round scar upon removal. The main trunk is marked by 

 the blisters containing balsam used in medicine. 



The Balsam fir from Wisconsin has proven of slow 

 growth even in sheltered situations at this Station. The 

 general experience upon open prairies with the eastern 

 Balsam fir is not favorable. The leaves are inclined to 

 redden and sunburn. It should be sparingly planted if at 

 all, and in sheltered positions. 



C. W. Gurney, Yankton, S. D., writes: "Balsam fir will 

 be of but little value in most parts of the state, but answers 

 a good purpose in the southern counties. " 



H. C. Warner, Forestburg, S. D., writes: "The Balsam 

 fir is short-lived so far." 



A. Norby, Madison, S. D., reports as follows on Balsam 

 fir planted twenty years: "Of the less desirable kinds to 

 plant in this section may be mentioned the common Balsam 

 fir. True, it is fairly hardy and does quite well while 

 young, but it soon loses its vitality and shows dead top 

 and branches after a trying season." 



A. Norby, Madison, S. D., writes concerning the Rocky 



