( 105 ) 
WHITE or SINGLE SPRUCE. 
Abies alba. A. arbor 45-50 pedalis ; foliis subglaucis undique circa ramos 
erectis, tetragonis ; strobilis oblongo-cylindraceis, pendulis , lazis ; squamis 
margine integerrimis. 
This species is indigenous to the same countries as the preceding. In 
Canada it is called JEpinette blanche , in Nova Scotia White Spruce , and in 
New Brunswick and the District of Maine Single Spruce. As the two last 
denominations are generally known, I have adopted that which appeared 
to me the best. 
The White Spruce commences a few degrees further south than the 
species just described. In my father’s notes it is first mentioned near 
Lake St. John, between the 48th and 49th degrees of latitude. In the 
District of Maine, at least in the parts which I have visited, it is much 
less common than the Black Spruce, and the comparison is easily made, 
as they are readily distinguished, especially young and insulated stocks. 
Though the leaves of both encompass the branches, they are marked by 
several characteristic differences: those of the White Spruce are less 
numerous, longer, more pointed, at a more open angle with the branches, 
and of a pale, bluish green ; whence is derived the specific name of alba. 
The cones are also peculiar, being of a lengthened oval form, about 2 inches 
in one direction, and 6 or 8 lines in the other : the dimensions vary accord- 
ing to the vigor of the tree, but the form is unchangeable. The scales are 
loose and thin, with entire edges, unlike those of the Black Spruce. The 
seeds, also, are rather smaller, and are. ripe a month earlier. 
This species grows in nearly the same situations as the preceding, but 
it has a more tapering trunk, and is inferior in stature, rarely exceeding 
50 feet in height and 12 or 16 inches in diameter, at 8 feet from the 
ground. Its summit, like that of the Black Spruce, is a regular pyramid, 
but less branching and tufted. The bark is lighter colored, and the 
difference is more striking upon the young shoots. 
The wood is employed for the same uses as the other ; it is, however, 
inferior in quality, and snaps more frequently in burning. The fibres of 
the roots, macerated in water, are very flexible and tough ; being deprived 
in the operation of their pellicle, they are used in Canada to stitch 1 together 
Vol. III. — 15 
