The Hemlock Spruce.
Pinus canadensis, Mich. Arbor. Forest. vol. i. p. 137. pl. 13. Pursh, Fl. Amer. Sept. vol. ii. p. 640.—Monœcia Monadelphia, Linn. Coniferæ, Juss.
The Hemlock or Canadian Spruce is characterised by its solitary, flat, somewhat distichous leaves, and very small ovate terminal cones. It is one of the most majestic and beautiful trees of the forests of the Middle States, where it grows abundantly in certain parts, such as the Great Pine Forest, the Pocano Mountains, &c., extending from Carolina to the extremity of Maine. The wood is not considered equal to that of the true pines and unless kept dry very soon decays, but the bark is excellent for tanning. The height sometimes reaches a hundred feet, and the diameter near the base is often six feet or more.