46 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



length toward the summit, so as to give this the sym- 

 metry of a Fir more than of a Pine. The leaves are 

 also five in a sheath, which is the case with no other 

 of our Pines. In favorable situations at the North, 

 this tree has been known to reach a height of 180 

 feet, with a diameter of 7 feet. In our mountains it 

 is found from 60 to 70 feet high, with a proportional 

 diameter. The wood is light, soft, free from knots, 

 very easily worked, and durable, though not very 

 strong, and is applied to a far greater variety of eco- 

 nomical uses than that erf any other Pine. 



FIRS AND SPRUCES.— These are distinguished 

 from the Pines by their leaves growing singly upon 

 the branches, (not included by twos, threes, &c, in 

 a common sheath,) and by their cones, which are 

 composed of thin scales without prickles, somewhat 

 like Hops. They are all possessed of singular beauty, 

 and are indispensable to the perfection of artificial 

 groves and parks. It is only in cool and moist situ- 

 ations, however, that they can be fully developed ; 

 though they thrive and are very ornamental in pri- 

 vate grounds through the Middle District of the 

 State. They are impatient of the heat in the Lower 

 District, and unless well shaded there, are apt to re- 

 main dwarfed, or to die out. 



1. Balsam Fir. (Abies Fraseri, Pursh.) — This 

 is the handsomest of our Firs, and is veiy similar to 

 the Silver Fir of Europe, though every way smaller ; 

 the latter sometimes attaining the height of 150 feet, 



