178 FOREST TREES. 
mits of the Alleghanies; and the Black Mountain, 
in South Carolina, is said to derive its name from the 
dark foliage of this tree. 
The Black Spruce grows to the height of seventy 
or eighty feet, with a diameter seldom exceeding two 
feet. It is sawed into lumber, and in the regions 
where it is common, it is largely used as a substitute ° 
for the White Pine, which has become scarce. It is 
tougher than the. White Pine, and is more liable to 
crack in seasoning, but is preferred by many for 
floors. It is used for the rafters and beams of build- 
ings in preference to the White Pine, being stronger 
and more durable. It furnishes the best yards and 
spars for vessels, being considered better for that pur- 
pose than the Norway Spruce, but does not grow 
large enough for the masts of the largest ships. An 
oil, or “essence,” is extracted from the small 
branches, which is uscd in the manufacture of Spruce 
beer. 
For ornamental purposes the Black Spruce appears 
to be generally less esteemed than the White or 
Norway Spruces. A cool moist atmosphere seems 
necessary to its full development, and I have seen finer 
specimens in the wilds of the countries congenial to 
its growth, than I have ever met with in cultivation. 
It is most likely that in climates warmer than that in 
which the Black Spruce naturally grows, the Norway 
Spruce will be found the most profitable tree for 
forest culture, particularly as its growth is more rapid. 
The cones are shorter than those of the White 
Spruce, and are often produced in great abundance. 
