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

16 INTRODUCTION.
of field observations made while studying life zones and during thousands
of miles of travel, on foot and on horseback, especially in unfrequented
and little-known sections of the State. Doctor Merriam's
rare and accurate knowledge of Pacific trees renders the information
contributed exceptionally valuable.
Special acknowledgment is due the American Museum of Natural
History, New York, for diameter measurements and corresponding
age determinations, taken from the Jesup Collection of North American
woods, through the cordial cooperation of the director, Dr. H. C.
Bumpus. With these determinations, together with similar ones obtained
through personal field studies and from unpublished records
of the Forest Service, the author has been able to present statements
of the ages attained by practically all of the Pacific trees.
It is difficult to abandon wholly the terse and exact language of
technical science and to convey in ordinary terms an accurate impression
of a tree's distinguishing characteristics. The writer has
endeavored to make this work simple and at the same time thoroughly
accurate. If it proves helpful at all in acquainting the uninitiated
with the characters and habits of Pacific trees, he will be greatlv
encouraged in the preparation of the other regional floras designed to
follow this part.
GLEORGE B. SUDWORTH.