THE EVERGREENS 



119 



for invalids, especially consumptives, are frequently 

 built in the midst of great fir forests, that the sufferers 

 may inhale the pure mountain air, laden as it is with 

 the odors of the balsam fir. The needles are often used 

 to fill pillows, which are said to soothe tired and worn- 

 out people to sleep. 



We are all familiar with the sweet, irooilvu smell of 

 the Christmas tree. No other tree can take its place. 

 It brings visions of the country, of the woods and fields 

 and flowers, and it will al- 

 ways be dear to us. 



The balsam fir can always 

 be distinguished from the 

 spruce by the fact that the 

 needles only come out at 

 the sides of the twig instead 

 of from all directions, as in 

 the spruce, and its end is 

 blunt, whereas that of the 

 spruce is sharply pointed. 



The bark of the tree is gray and has tiny blisters 

 which contain the balsam, Canada balsam it is usually 

 called, well known for its healing cpialities. 



The cones are from two to four inches long, stand 

 upright on the branches, and the wood is not very 

 valuable. 



Fig. 12S. Balsam Fir 



