IN THE BEGINNING 



able numbers, but the trunks are rapidly being 

 converted into wood pulp. For structural pur- 

 poses in building, the Spruce has taken the place 

 of the Pine. This tree when small, if given 

 plenty of room, looks well on the lawn, but is 

 not equal to the Balsam Fir in my opinion. The 

 inner branches of the Fir die off as the tree grows 

 old, and unless these are carefully pruned away, 

 the tree soon assumes a ragged appearance. It is 

 found everywhere in this part of Maine, and its 

 tender sprouts are eagerly gathered by summer 

 visitors to make into pillows, which preserve their 

 delightful fragrance for years. The best time to 

 gather the balsam tips for this purpose is in June 

 or early in July, when the young sprigs have just 

 started out from the ends of the branches. They 

 are tender and soft then, and, it always seemed to 

 me, of more delicate fragrance than if gathered 

 later. The trunk of the Fir is of little value for 

 timber, as the heart is apt to decay before reach- 

 ing a very large size. An important tree here is 

 the White Cedar, which grows everywhere in 

 moist grounds. It is attractive on the lawn if 

 planted out when small, and all are familiar with 

 it when used for hedges under the name of Arbor 

 Vitae. The wood is the most valuable now 



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