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at altitudes of 2,500 to 3,506 feet. (From British Columbia and north- 
ward the range of this species extends along the northern boundary of — 
the United States to Maine and northward.) [Extensively used for lum- 
ber, and as such not distinguished from that of the Black Spruce (Picea 
nigra, Link.), with which it is much associated in its northern distribu- 
tion. : 
Descriplion.—Leaves + to % of an inch long, stiff, erect, or curved. Cones nearly 
sessile or on stems ;/5 to } of an inch long; 1 to 2 inches long, cylindrical or oblong; © 
scales with entire margin. 
11.—ENGELMANN’S SPRUCE. WHITE SPRUCE. RED SPRUCE. (Picea 
Engelmanni, Engelm.) 
The most valuable timber tree in the Rocky Mountain region, form- 
ing large forests. It ranges from New Mexico to Montana (westward 
and north of the United States boundary), usually seeking dry gravelly 
ridges between 5,000 and 11,500 feet; in Colorado, where it attains its 
greatest size, occurring at elevations from 9,000 feet up to the timber 
line; 100 to 130 feet in height, and over 3 feet in diameter; but at the 
highest limit of growth only a prostrate shrub. The wood is tough, 
strong, and elastic. Nearly all the rough and dressed lumber used in 
the Rocky Mountain region is of this spruce. Itis best adapted toinside 
work, but whep well seasoned and protected with paint ean be used 
outside; is said to warp and crack too much for good shingles. The 
wood is also largely used for fuel and charcoal. Bark valuable for tan- 
ning. 
The spruce forests in the Rocky Mountain region are very important 
in holding the snow and preserving a flow of water in the streams. 
Thus the snow is often retained as late as the Ist of August; and the 
growing season for these trees does not average more than two months. 
Description.—Leaves % to ;°5 of an inch long, strongly keeled, and awl-pointed. 
Cones ovate-cylindrical; 14 to 22 inches long, and = to 1 inch in diameter; on stems 
4 to ? of an inch long; reddish brown when mature; scales thin, horny, rhomboidal, 
with truncate tip, which is entire, with two to three small teeth, or rounded. 
Branches mostly short and small. Bark scaly, grayish, or reddish-purple. 
12:—BLUE SPRUCE. WHITE SPRUCE. “BALSAM.” (Picea pungens, 
Eingelm.) 
A local and somewhat rare tree occurring in central Rocky Mount: 
ain region—Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah—between 6,600 and 9,000 
feet. It prefers a damp soil, and grows rapidly in such situations, at 
taining a height of over 100 feet, with a diameter of 3 feet or more. The 
wood is light, soft, weak, and probably of little value. Tne trunks 
taper too rapidly to be cut into lumber to advantage. 
Description.—Leaves $ to 345 of an inch long, rigid, 4 angled, needle-pointed. Cones 
light reddish-brown, 34 to 4 (often 5) inches long, by 14 inches in diameter; scales — 
very thin, rhomboidal, truncated, with wavy, irregular, or entire margin. Bark gray- 
