TEEES FOB. WATEE CATCHMENT AEEAS 137 



west wind or by the sea spray, and attains a gigantic size, 

 rivalling in this respect the Douglas fir, which it almost 

 equals in rapidity of growth. It grows on poorer and 

 wetter soil than the latter tree. The timber is like white 

 deal, is entirely without taste or odour, and is cut in 

 Alaska and British Columbia for making butter-casks, 

 packing-cases for fruit, wood-pulp, and pianos, as well as in 

 ordinary house and boat building. Imported now under 

 the name of silver spruce, its strength, stiffness, lightness, 

 and elasticity make it the most suitable wood in aeroplane 

 construction. The climate where it grows is similar to our 

 own, described as " mild and uniform, with heavy rainfall, 

 high humidity, and dense fogs ; summers generally mild 

 and winters not severe. The temperature drops to — 35° F. 

 towards its northerly limit ; while towards the south and 

 along the coast light frosts occur and temperature falls to 

 zero." 



Sitka spruce is extremely vigorous in growth, being only 

 surpassed by the Douglas fir at all ages, and by the Japanese 

 larch in the young stage. It is especially adapted for 

 planting in difficult conditions of soil, where other species 

 would be a failure. It grows well in wet ground, in acid 

 peaty soil, in exposed situations, and at high altitudes. It 

 is at home in the districts bordering on the western coast, 

 where there is a heavy rainfall and a constant prevailing 

 wind. It does not thrive on dry gravelly soils ; but in 

 general it is comparatively indifferent to soil, and makes 

 excellent growth in all parts of the British Isles. It is the 

 species that should be selected for planting in wet places in 

 most plantations ; and it should be used extensively at high 

 altitudes in the heather moorland. The tree is excellent 

 in form, making a beautiful straight stem (Fig. 26). The 

 seedlings are slow in growth during the first two years, and 

 require protection from frost. Transplanted at the beginning 

 of the third year, they may be planted out when they have 

 completed their third or fourth year. Larger plants, 3 to 4 

 feet high, can be safely moved, and should be preferred in 

 low-lying situations liable to frost. After the Sitka spruce 



