Fruit Out of Season 3

They may be produced in clusters, as on some of the spruces, or singly, as on the pines. The cone of the com­mon hemlock is tiny, about half an inch long, but cones twenty inches long appear on Pinus Lambertiana.

The spruce bears nice cones, generally rather resinous. Resin may stain the decorator's hands, but is easily re­moved with alcohol. The cone of the red spruce (Picea rubens) is frequently used.

The white pine (Pinus strobus) provides an attractive cone, its scales or segments tipped with a white resinous substance. When fresh, the white
pine cone appears to have been dipped in snow. It is light in weight with scales far enough apart for easy wiring.

Some pine cones are difficult to handle. Their close-fitting scales remain tightly closed, even for years, and there are sharp, strong spines on the scales. The cones of pitch pine (Pinus rigida) and yellow pine (Pinus pon-derosa) are popular. True cedar cones (Cedrus atlantica, C. Libani and C. Deodara) are very tight, solid masses. But they are interesting and individual, and their skillful use makes them conversation pieces among more conven­tional decorations. The small stems should be left on cones. Otherwise it will be necessary to drill them for wiring.

True firs have cones with scales close together. The Douglas, which is not a true fir, has light brown cones with loose scales and long bracts or appendages. The tallest trees in the world, the giant California redwoods (Sequoiadendron gigantea) have small cones about three or four inches long with scales opening only slightly.

Cones can be gathered in the forests at any time o£ year and it is an interesting hobby to collect them. The Christmas decorator will do so with a special purpose. This will make their varied shapes, sizes and colors of absorbing interest.

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Chapter4 Tools and Technique