338 



WEEDS AND USEFUL PLAXTS. 



Obs. This tree is so generally diffused throughout Northern America, 

 that it has been adopted, as emblematic, in Vignettes on maps, and other 

 devices, having reference to the country. It does not, however, aflford a 

 very valuable timber, — though frequently ^sawed into scantling, and oth- 

 er lumber. The bark is much used, in the Northern States, in the pro- 

 cess of tanning ; and Maeshall informs us, that the Aborigines used 

 it to dye their splints, for baskets, of a red color. The tree bears prun- 

 ing v^-ell, and makes a very excellent hedge or screen for the protection 

 of delicate plants, in those localities where strong winds prevail. 



ff Leaves A-angkd, equally distributed around the branch. 



3. A. Excel'sa, DC. Branchlets pendulous; cones cylindrical, very 

 long ; scales rhomboid, somewhat wavy on the edge and slightly lacerate 

 at the tapering apex 



Tall or Lofty Abies. Norway Spruce or Fir. 



Trunk 60-80 feet or more high. Leaves about an inch long, scattered but inclined to be 

 2-ranked. Cones 5-9 inches long, nearly cyhndiical, light i)rown ; seed with one edge of 

 the wing a little thicker, like a maple key. 



Cultivated. Native of northern Europe. 



Obs. This stately solemn-looking tree, with its numerous dark green 

 waving branchlets is now much planted for ornament, and is said to 

 flourish better than most of our native species. The Burgundy Pitch of 

 the shops is believed to be furnished by this species. 



4. A. ni'gra, Pair. Leaves short, rigid, dark green ; cones ovate or 

 ovate-oblong ; scales with a thin wavy eroded edge. 



Black Abies. Black Spruce. Double Spruce. 



TrunJc 80 - 60 feet or more high, with a handsome conical top. Leaves K - 34 of hich 

 long. CoTies 1-2 inches long. 

 New England and northward. 



Obs. Cultivated as an ornamental shade tree. The young shoots are 

 used to give the flavor to Spruce Beer ; a thick decoction obtained by 

 boiling the branches in water, is sold for the same purpose under the 

 names of " Essence of Spruce." The White Spruce (A. alba, Mx.), 

 also known as Single Spruce, is sometimes cultivated ; it has longer 

 con^ with the scales entire and firm on the edge, and a lighter colored 

 foliage. It is by some considered a variety of Black Spruce. Both 

 kinds afford a valuable timber, much employed in ship building, especial- 

 ly for the lighter spars, when toughness, lightness and elasticity are 

 required ; it is also used in the construction of houses. 



3. LA'RIX, Tournef. Larch. 



[The ancient name.] 



Aments lateral, scattered and bud-like. Staminate Fl. nearly as in 

 Pinus. Cones erect, ovoid ; scales persistent. Seeds with a persistent 



