CHAP. XXXV.] OREGON FIR. 375 



resembles the Red Pine {Pinus resinosd) of Canada than 

 either of the other Pines and Firs with which we are 

 acquainted. It is, however, slightly harder than the 

 Red Pine, and less firm in texture. 



The Oregon Fir or Pine is rather more rapid in its 

 rate of growth than the Firs and Pines generally are, 

 and makes about 24 inches in diameter in a hundred 

 years, or, as I have proved by an average of several 

 specimens, it makes i inch diameter of wood in 4-32 

 years. 



Cargoes of Oregon Fir spars are occasionally brought 

 to this country, together with a little timber and plank ; 

 but it can scarcely be said that there is as yet any regular 

 trade kept up in this wood, owing chiefly to the great 

 cost of transport, the heavy freight charges preventing 

 its importation and successful competition with the 

 Canadian and Baltic Firs, which can be put upon the 

 London market at less expense. 



The Oregon spars are generally well dressed, or 

 manufactured for the market, are perfectly straight, and 

 vary from about 10 inches in diameter and 40 feet in 

 length, to 32 inches in diameter and no feet in length. 

 They are much sought after, and are well adapted for 

 lower-masts, yards, and bowsprits, &c., &c. ; for yachts, 

 and for the royal and mercantile marine. For top-masts, 

 however, where there is often much friction, they are not 

 so well suited as Riga or Dantzic Fir, or the Kauri Pine 

 of New Zealand, owing to the want of cohesion in the 

 annual layers. 



A good specimen of the Oregon Fir, 159 feet in 

 length, was placed in the Royal Botanic Gardens at 

 Kew for a flagstaff, about the year 1861, and has shown 

 excellent service there. One or two such spars, suitable 

 for flagstaffs, the dimensions varying from 9 to 14 inches 



