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, woodsy 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 qualities. 
The cones are from two to four inches long, stand 
upright on the branches, and the wood is not very 
valuable. 
Fic. 128. Balsam Fir 
