of the Conifere in Canada. 209 
Abies balsamea (Balsam Spruce).—This tree grows spar- 
ingly throughout the province, on dry and rocky soils, in the 
company of the white and black spruce. It grows very sym- 
metrically to the height of about 80 to 40 feet, spreading its 
branches around the stem, from the ground upwards, in regular 
tiers, forming a tapering pyramid. It is much grown as an 
ornamental tree, especially in the south, where it is a favourite 
object for lawns and plantations. The well-known Canada 
Balsam is the produce of this tree, showing itself in blisters 
between the wood and the bark. The timber is soft, and of 
little practical utility, except for fence rails and for the manu- 
facture of butter firkins, for which latter purpose it is preferred 
to any other timber, in consequence of its communicating no 
unpleasant taint to butter. 
Abies canadensis (Hemlock Spruce).—A large tree, grow- 
ing abundantly throughout a great part of Canada, congre- 
gating densely on dry sandy soils little adapted for cultiva- 
tion. The timber is coarse, and not much used for economical 
purposes, except for the walls of farm-houses and barns. A 
moderate quantity is yearly cut up into lathwood, and taken 
to Quebec for exportation, to meet the limited demand which 
exists for this article of commerce. The bark abounds in 
tannin, and is exclusively used in Lower Canada by the 
tanner, being a good substitute for oak bark.* This is a 
beautiful and picturesque tree, where it has free room to dis- 
play its light spray and dark-green foliage, becoming varied 
in shape, and presenting large masses of light and shade. It 
is well worthy of a place in ornamental grounds. 
Abies alba (White Spruce).—A straight pyramidal tree, 
attaining the height of about 50 feet: growing everywhere in 
dry grounds in the company of the black spruce, but in smaller 
numbers. The timber is light, on which account it is used in 
common with the next species for the smali spars of shipping; 
it is also sawed into planks for exportation, being of a colour 
and texture resembling the white deal of Norway. The leaves 
are of a bright green, and are longer than those of the black 
spruce ; the cones also are of a different shape. These marks 
serve to distinguish the two trees, which have a great general 
* Hemlock bark is also exclusively used in the extensive tanneries in the 
neighbourhood of Kingston in Upper Canada.—G. L. 
