84 



PINACEiE. 



of the slate rocks of Wales ; and in its native habitats in the north- 

 west it is equally as accommodating, for it is to be found on the 

 highest peaks of the Eocky Mountains, a knarled bush about a yard 

 high, while along the river's banks, and in the Columbian valleys, and 

 at the mountain bases, it produces trunks of timber two hundred feet 

 in length and ten feet in diameter at base : but much larger logs have 

 been obtained from it when grown under very favourable conditions, 

 for the tree from which the specimens of its wood were exhibited at 

 our International Exhibition (1862,) in the British Columbian Court, 

 was over three hundred feet in height ; and, judging from its concentric 

 ring-growths, its age was computed as approximating to a dozen-and-a- 

 half score years. Amongst the specimens shown of its converted 

 timber were a six feet diameter of a horizontal section, as sound at its 

 circumference as at its centre; the heavy planks, quartering, and 

 flooring, were, indeed, admirable examples of valuable timber ; and 

 the split pales and shingles most clearly proved the fact, that for ease 

 in splitting, freedom from loss in the process, and less loss of strength 

 in proportion to the dimensions split, if for such a purpose it has equals, 

 it has indeed but few superiors. In common parlance it may be said to 

 rend like a ribbon ; and this everyone engaged in the growth of timber, 

 and more particularly those who have to convert it, will admit is a 

 most valuable quality in a good and generally useful wood. 



Its timber may truly be termed first class, A 1 ; being, as it is, fine- 

 grained, elastic, heavy, strong, free from knots, easily wrought, and 

 capable of receiving a high polish ; not very resinous, yet, very durable, 

 not subject to warp or splinter, and its only defect is that in trees 

 which may be felled ere they have become aged and thoroughly matured, 

 or have stopped growing, as we phrase it, it will be found that about one- 

 third of its outer or circumference wood is more white, porous, and tough, 

 and consequently less durable ; while about two-thirds of its diameter, 

 the centre or spine wood, is reddish in colour and most excellent in 

 quality. Our best recommendation of this fir is to state the fact that 

 we are now cultivating and planting it in thousands annually, as a 

 general forest tree ; confident it will never disappoint us, although the 

 opinion we have formed of it is indeed a high one. As an ornamental 

 tree it only requires to be seen to be appreciated, and much more 

 extensively planted, both for use and beauty, whether for profit or 

 pleasure. 



The species-mongers have not been able to manufacture a new 

 species from this specifically distinct fir, although we have many 



