2 
portion of North America,, and peculiarly a Pacific coast pro- 
duction. 
At first, it was classified as a fir, but later investigators 
have given it the special generic name of false hemlock; as its 
scientific name now designates. 
The wood in its properties, is a sort of cross between pine 
and hemlock. It is well adapted for construction purposes, 
and owing to its large size and dense growth over a consider- 
able portion of the Province, is regarded as of the greatest 
commercial importance. 
Its maximum growth under the most favorable circum- 
stances is about 15 feet in diameter and 300 feet in height. 
The. largest saw-log ever converted into lumber, to my 
knowledge, was one cut at the Chemainus saw-mill — it was 
slig'htly over 12 feet in diameter. The humid Pacific coast region 
is the most favorable for its best growth, where it ordinarily 
reaches from four to five feet in diameter amL about 180 feet in 
height, with massive trunks, straight and clear of branches 
for upwards of 100 feet. It thus forms an ideal forest for the 
woodsman, who revels amongst these magnificent specimens 
of tree growth. It is important to note that it only reaches its 
best growth over a comparatively limited area, where the con- 
ditions are most favorable.- It has a strong tendency to grow 
scrubby in exposed places, becoming greatly stunted on high 
mountainous regions ; sometimes being a mere shrub less than 
10 feet in height. 
Douglas fir is a rapid grower, especially for the first 100 
years. It is long-lived, reaching maturity at about 600 years. 
Trees three feet in diameter are about 150 years old, and those 
five feet in diameter from 250 to 300 years old. The rapidity 
of growth greatly depends upon soil conditions. 
It thrives under a great variety of conditions, both as to 
soil, moisture and temperature. We have it growing on the 
humid coast, and also in the drier interior of the Province. It 
reaches its best growth upon loamy well drained soil with 
abundance of moisture, but not excessive. Where the soil is 
too wet it is subject to ground rot, and where exposed to the 
