SPRUCE FIR. 



83 



the excellent shelter it affords in particular 

 situations, and its being a handsome ever- 

 green, proper for ornamental plantations. Its 

 dark green narrow leaves, pointed at the ends, 

 closely garnishing the younger branches, and 

 its pendent cones, eight or ten inches in length, 

 excite admiration. The timber, called white 

 dealy is remarkably free from knots and ble- 

 mishes, and is, therefore, valued by joiners, 

 and much used for musical instruments ; but 

 it is by no means sufficiently durable for the 

 builder's purposes. The turpentine produced 

 by the spruce fir, when boiled and cleansed, 

 forms the substance called Burgundy pitch. 

 Spruce beer is prepared from the tender twigs.'' 



G 2 



