snow-line, but Washington has many peaks above that elevation. Fifty-seven have already been named and measured.

All these peaks are accessible and, together with Mount Olympus in the Olympics, constitute the main goals of the mountain loving clubs of the northwest. Mountain phenomena are displayed in all with a maximum degree of grandeur, insuring ample reward to those venturing to explore their many fastnesses.

A FIR, A CEDAR, AND A HEMLOCK—PRINCIPAL TREES IN WASHINGTON.
Photo by C. H. Ziddell.

Dense forests of evergreen trees almost envelop the hills and mountains of the state of Washington. Scarcely any portions were originally left bare, excepting the higher peaks, which in a spirit of independence seem to have pushed their bald heads up and above this beautiful covering protecting the regions below. Into the fertile valleys and along the river banks clear to the sea the stately ranks of these forests once advanced, but such localities are now, for the most part, given over to the cities and the husbandmen or else in a state of semi-transformation are awaiting the day when they too will be devoted to the peaceful pursuits of agriculture; for the broad Columbia plain was the only part of the state dedicated from the first to the sole task of producing food supplies rather than fuel and building material.

About ten million acres of these forests have been locked up in eleven national reserves, and set aside for our future needs, or to insure permanent haunts where Nature may always be seen in her full pristine glory—Conservation! Nearly six million acres more are under private ownership. Investigation reveals evidences that their birth occurred very many years ago, possibly five hundred or even six hundred years; for that many rings have been counted on some of the largest trees. The foliage appears every month in the year just as beautiful as when it first mingled with the landscape—hence the name "Evergreen State."

The effect produced by this verdant growth upon the scenery of the state of Washington can be best realized by climbing to one of the heights overlooking the timber line. From here one can readily see how perfectly it hides every blemish of the irregular contour, blending beautifully with the blue waters in the distance and the pale clouds floating above. Thousands of greenish tints are distinguishable, shading from a light yellowish tinge to a deep prismatic blue, while occasionally a streak of bright red or a touch of pure white lends a striking contrast.

Photo by Curtis & Miller

ONE OF MANY LURING STREAMS
"O'erhung with wild woods, thickening green"

Leaving the point of vantage, however, to delve into its midst, breathing in the aromatic odors from the balsams and cedars, it is easy to note hundreds of interesting distinctions in size, form, color, and variety, for

These sturdy monarchs have all been honored with names and thoroughly worthy of their names they are, without a blemish to mar their fame in spite of the ages through which they have lived. Most prominent is the Douglas Fir, or Douglas Spruce (Pseudotsuga taxifolia), the giant of the forest, growing erect as a plumb-line until it ends in a pyramidal crown two hundred feet or more above the ground. This is the most important tree of the state, for its product houses the people, and for the past ten years has insured Washington first place in lumber production in the United States. Some of the largest trees reach the enormous proportions of eight, ten, and even twelve feet in diameter, a single one producing material sufficient to build a palace of huge dimensions.

Of great importance also is the "Red Cedar," reaching sometimes a height of 200 feet and having a diameter in rare cases of over 20 feet; yielding for the state of Washington two-thirds of all the shingles produced in the United States. Similar to the Cypress, its sweet soporific scent is everywhere conspicuous and always pleasing. Other trees which provide lumber and add grace to the Washington woods are the hemlocks, spruces, larches, and white firs, in the western part of the state; and the pines and tamaracs in a number of the eastern counties.

Many other species, of minor commercial value, are sprinkled throughout the forest in sufficient plentifulness to complete the artistic design. There are the wide-leafed maples; the red barked madronas; the pale barked quivering cottonwoods and their allies, the bitter tasting willows; the white flowered dogwood, prominent throughout the forests until late in the spring, and occasionally found blooming in the fall; the gray barked alder protecting the springs and mountain streams; the sturdy oaks, skirting the gravelly prairies; the long lived juniper; and the hardy Scotch broom; besides various other trees and shrubs. Many of these are so beautiful that landscape gardeners find nothing more suitable for decorating lawns or lining the city parks and boulevards.

Here and there are many trees, shrubs and vines that seem to have been destined especially to yield food for the natural wanderers of the forests; for it is intended that nothing shall be wanted in the state of Washington. There is probably no other section of the world where wild berries grow in greater profusion. Very prominent is the wild cherry, the wild apple, the salmon berry, the thimble berry, the huckleberry, the salal berry, the Oregon grape, the blackberry, the strawberry, the wild currant, and the raspberry.

Hiding within the shade of these, playing hide and seek with nature lovers who enjoy threading the romantic trails for which this section of the world is noted, is many a modest flower which in some sections blooms nearly the whole year round, so soft is the climate; while the pink petaled rhododendron, of bolder nature, Washington's state flower, is prominent in June tossing its beautiful head among the dry logs and lining the course of many a pretty driveway.

Penetrating everywhere and saturating the atmosphere with its sweetness, may be heard the music of some rippling stream winding its happy way down the mountain side and playing, as it were, an accompaniment to the duets of soul mated song birds unable to restrain their songs of joy. If this is a wilderness then a wilderness is a paradise on earth.