This hemlock grove is a protected forest in our Oromocto watershed . It is a miracle that this splendid forest of hemlocks missed the lumber harvesters . This 4.5 acre grove took nearly 800 years to develop .Over 80% of hemlock groves have disappeared in north America . Hemlock as lumber is very brittle and splits . It was sought after for railway ties . The bark of the hemlock is filled with Tannin acid ideal for the tanning animal hides . For decades trees were felled and only the bark taken away . The canopy of a hemlock grove is so dense that very little light gets through. It is a cool place to be on a hot summer day. In winter there is very little snow on the ground and white tailed deer are often found herding here for winter. Ruffed Grouse also seek refuge from heavy winter snows and can be found by the dozens or hundreds high in the protected canopy. Eastern hemlock live a very long time < up to 250 years > and grow very slowly.The soil in a hemlock grove is very rich and quite often a small stream will be found flowing through. This small stream flowing here was named the ALEXANDER BROOK ,after property owner and Watershed Member Francis Alexander. Because of the limited light that reaches the forest floor many varieties of mushrooms grow and flourish. This painting captures the light shining inwardly from a road clearing at the edge of the grove and only when the sun is at days end. First Nations used the leafy twigs tor tea and steam baths. Tea from the inner bark was used as a medicine for colds ,fevers, diarrhoea and stomach problems .