32 



THE CONIFERS OF THE NORTHERN ROCKIES. 



The western larch sometimes reaches a diameter of 5 to 6 feet and a 

 height of nearly 200 feet. Its thick bark below is a protection against 

 small fires that would prove! fatal to species less favored. 



FIG. 16. Engelmann Spruce, in Glacier National Park. Scene on creek bottom in August. 



The leaves of this species, which are usually less than 2 inches 

 in length, are triangular in form. The number in a cluster varies 

 greatly. The cones are oval, an inch to an inch and a half in length, 

 and of a brown color. The scales are the conspicuous parts, the tips 



