AMONG THE PINES AND FIRS 213 
Larch, pine, and Douglas fir are the hardwoods 
among the conifers, their heartwood differing 
more distinctly in colour from the sapwood than 
is the case in spruces or silver firs. The Scots 
pine timber imported from the Baltic and Scandi- 
navia is classed as ‘red pine,’ while spruce wood is 
known as ‘Baltic deals,’ and silver fir as ‘ white 
pine.” Though not ranking equal with larch 
wood, pine timber is much better paid than 
spruce or silver fir, and meets with a readier 
market, even though the wood is more apt to 
shrink. 
Notwithstanding their somewhat greater capa- 
city for bearing shade, the black pines may con- 
veniently be classed along with Scots pine in 
treating of this as a woodland crop. Essentially a 
light-demanding tree, pine soon runs into branches 
unless sown or closely planted. If put out at 
more than 3 feet by 3 feet this natural tendency 
very soon shows itself. Later on, it is true, 
when close canopy is formed in the course of 
a few years, the branches are killed off unless the 
cover is opened up by injudicious thinning. Even 
when isolated, it shows a remarkable capacity for 
casting off its branches and exhibiting a clean 
