334 



BOTANICAL GAZETTE 



[may 



absolutely prostrate {jig. 8), creeping along the ground for 4.5 to 6^, 

 and sometimes partially or wholly buried in sand and needles. It 

 is a noticeable fact that on the ridges the Krummhoh ends abruptly 

 in other words there is a very definite timberhne. Beyond the main 

 mass of the forest outlying groups of trees are rare^ and are never at 

 any distance from it. 



PiCEA Engelmanni. — In the canons, on the contrary, it is seldom 

 possible to determine the precise limit of the forest formation. In 

 ascending we find that the trees become more scattered and at the same 



Fig. t,— Krummhoh iorm of Piytiis flexilis near the Long's Peak trail; the \iew 



4 ^ ^ ^ 



is from the windward side. 



time smaller, until linally they are mere bushes, growing singly or in 

 groups scattered over the wet meadow areas. They are seldom much 

 contorted, nor do they often show the effects of wind and ice crystals. 

 Unlike the white pine, the Engelmann spruce persists in its upright 

 habit. In its most common Krummhoh form, as found in most parts 

 of the canon floors, it has a thick erect trunk a meter or two in height, 

 and a broad flat matted crown composed of branches so tough and 

 intricately woven that where the trees grow close together it is often 

 possible to walk for considerable distances over their tops. Where 

 Picea Engelmanni occupies more exposed positions it almost always 



