De I. VNER VEW D Forest Trees of the Pacific Slope

INTRODUCTION. 13
has been in some cases, to overcome prejudices against a certain
timber and, in effect, to deceive consumers. In this way "white
pine," a wood of good reputation, is used for a wood of less excellent
quality derived from pines in Arizona, although true timber white
pine does not grow there; so also " satin walnut," an invented name,
has been commonly used for plain sweet or red gum. Many other
examples might be cited.
The locally accepted names of a few trees have been replaced or
modified, for the purpose of avoiding duplication. Thus " red
cedar " of the northwest (Thuja plicata) is made into " western red
cedar " in order to avoid confliction with the eastern red cedar (Juniperus
virginiana), which became well known long before the western
tree was discovered. Another suggestion made in cases where it
seemed proper is that of perpetuating the use of such patronymic
common names as Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmanni), Brewer
oak (Quercus breteri), etc., particularly for trees which have received
no common distinctive names because they are still little
known. It is exceedingly helpful to use such names for trees which
do not readily suggest good common names. Salix nuttallii is a
good example. Lay observers would see in this tree just a " variety
of willow," and " Nuttall willow " is a convenient common name.
Often the use of such names will emphasize what the original
describer of the tree sought to perpetuate by naming it in honor of
some worthy or distinguished person.
SIZES OF TREES.
For the most part, the heights and diameters given for trees are
intended to be those ordinarily found. Extreme sizes,when given,are
purposely guarded by some modifying statement, to show that they
are exceptional. Lumber operations are rapidly changing the forests
of nearly every region. The largest trees of certain species once
common are now rare or even wanting.
There appears to be a popular tendency to overestimate and to
overstate the size of trees, particularly of large trees. The California
Sierra bigtree (Sequoia washingtoniana) is often spoken of as
being 400 or more feet high and 30 or more feet in diameter. According
to the writer's experience it would be extremely difficult to
find one of these trees now standing which is over 300 feet high or
over 27 feet in diameter. Most of the large ones are under 275 feet
in height and under 18 feet in diameter (6 feet above the swelled
bases).
RANGE OF TREES.
In giving the range of trees. departure has been made from the
usual practice of describing only the general region of occurrence.
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