10 
under these conditions. It occurs in the Okanagan, Slocan 
and Kootenay districts, and as far north as the Yukon. 
Western larch grows rapidly in height, but slow in 
diameter, and takes about 250 years to mature. Trees 12 inches 
in diameter are about 100 years old. Seeds well over burnt 
areas, and often disputes the ground with Black pine. 
BALSAM OR AMABiLiS FIR (Abies amabilis) 
Also called “Silver” and “White” Fir 
This tree is not very well known, although there is a 
considerable quantity of it on the coast. It grows to a maxi- 
mum size of about five feet in diameter, but is usually about 
three feet in diameter. 
In dense stands, it forms a clean straight tree, free of 
branches for 100 feet or more. The wood is somewhat similar 
to spruce in general character and is suitable for boxes, pulp, 
etc. As yet it has not come into commercial use. 
Amabilis fir requires about the same conditions as to 
climate and soil as Western hemlock, with which it is invar- 
iably associated. It is abundant on the west coast and north- 
ern portions of Vancouver Island. 
The following special localities may be noted : Barkley 
Sound, Clayoquot S'ound and north of Salmon river. It also 
occurs along the coast range of the mainland, and on the 
Queen Charlotte Islands. It is moderately long-lived. 
Trees three feet in diameter are about 150 years old, and 
probable age limit about 300 years. Its seed is sought after 
by the squirrel, and is their principal food where it abounds. 
BLACK COTTONWOOD (Populus trichocarpa) 
Cottonwood is the largest of the poplars, growing to a 
maximum of about six feet in diameter. Usually from two to 
four feet in diameter and about 80 feet in height. It is not in 
great demand at the present time, but is destined to become 
an important soft wood for special purposes. It is now being 
used for the manufacture of staves for sugar barrels, excelsior, 
etc. It is one of the best woods we have for mechanically 
