INTRODUCTION. 13 



has been in some cases, to overcome prejudices against a certain 

 timber and, in effect, to deceive consumers. In this way " white 

 pine," a wood of good reputation, is used for a wood of less excellent 

 quality derived from pines in Arizona, although true timber white 

 pine does not grow there; so also " satin walnut," an invented name, 

 has been commonly used for plain sweet or red gum. Many other 

 examples might be cited. 



The locally accepted names of a few trees have been replaced or 

 modified, for the purpose of avoiding duplication. Thus " red 

 cedar" of the northwest (Thuja plicata) is made into " western red 

 cedar " in order to avoid connection with the eastern red cedar (Juni- 

 perus virginiana), which became well known long before the western 

 tree was discovered. Another suggestion made in cases where it 

 seemed proper is that of perpetuating the use of such patronymic 

 common names as Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmanni) , Brewer 

 oak (Quercus breweri), etc.. particularly for trees which have re- 

 ceived no common distinctive names because they are still little 

 known. It is exceedingly helpful to use such names for trees which 

 do not readily suggest good common names. SaZix nuttallii is a 

 good example. Lay observers would see in this tree just a " variety 

 of willow," and " Nuttall willow " is a convenient common name. 

 Often the use of such names will emphasize what the original 

 describer of the tree sought to perpetuate by naming it in honor of 

 some worthy or distinguished person. 



SIZES OF TREES. 



For the most part, the heights and diameters given for trees are 

 intended to be those ordinarily found. Extreme sizes, when given, are 

 purposely guarded by some modifying statement, to show that they 

 are exceptional. Lumber operations are rapidly changing the forests 

 of nearly every region. The largest trees of certain species once 

 common are now rare or even wanting. 



There appears to be a popular tendency to overestimate and to 

 overstate the size of trees, particularly of large trees. The California 

 Sierra bigtree {Se<jii<>i<i washingtoniana) is often spoken of as 

 being 400 or more feet high and 30 or more feet in diameter. Ac- 

 cording to the writer's experience it would be extremely difficult to 

 find one of these trees now standing which is over 300 feet hiirli or 

 over 2" feet in diameter. Most of the large ones are under 275 feel 

 in height and under 18 feet in diameter (0 feet above the swelled 

 bases). 



RANGE OF TREES. 



In giving the range of trees, departure lias been made from the 

 usual practice of describing only the general region of occurrence. 



15188—08 2 



