The Dubious Legend

Day 309: The authenticity of this purported "legend" is very much in doubt, but it is a charming story and bears repeating...with an appropriate disclaimer, of course. This much, however, is true. The bark of the Douglas Fir is very thick, a feature which allows it to survive forest fires which obliterate more vulnerable species. That information is critical to the tale which follows.

You see, there was a massive fire many years ago, a fire which swept through the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest. Fearing for their lives, the animals ran to the chief of all the evergreens for aid. "Douglas Fir! Douglas Fir!" the elk cried. "Can you save us? We are afraid! Protect us, because you alone can survive the fearsome fire!"

Douglas Fir told the elk, "You elk, you can come into my cones. There I will be able to protect you." The elk squeezed into Douglas Fir's cones, leaving the imprint of their hooves on the interior of the scales.

The fire burned more fiercely, and the mice ran to the father of the forest. "Douglas Fir! Douglas Fir! The fire is coming nearer! We are going to die unless you help us!"

Douglas Fir told the mice, "I have the elk inside my cones already, but you are welcome to try to fit in."

The mice squeezed and squeaked, but just as Douglas Fir had said, there was very little room. The mice managed to get their heads inside, but they left their bottoms and tails sticking out. You can see them if you pick up a Douglas Fir cone, and if you open it, you'll see the elk prints inside.