356 Class XXI. Order VIII. 



The wood is white, soft, and very perishable, decaying sooner 

 than the bark. 



BETULA NANA. L. Dwarf Birch., 



Low, smooth ; leaves orbicular, crenate, reticulated 



underneath ; scales of the ameut deeply three parted, 



seeds orbicular, nearly wingless. 



A very small, alpine species, found on the summit of the 

 White mountains. 

 BETULA LENTA. L. Black Birch. Mahogany Birch, 



Leaves heart-ovate, acutely serrate, acuminate, gla- 

 brous. Mich.f. 



Syn. BETULA CABPINIFOLIA. Mich, 



This fine tree, sometimes also denominated Sweet birch, and 

 Cherry birch, is well known for its fragrant and aromatic bark. 

 Its young twigs are dark coloured, and spotted with white. Its 

 leaves are smooth, ovate, heart-shaped at base, ending in a long 

 point, with very acute, double serratures at the edge, and dis- 

 tinct, parallel veins underneath. The barren aments are pendu- 

 lous; scales of the calyx three cleft; corolla three petalled; 

 anthers many ; the fertile ones straight. 



The wood of the black birch possesses many valuable qual- 

 ities. It is compact, smooth, of a reddish colour, very strong, 

 and not liable to warp and crack. It is considerably used in 

 cabinet work, particularly for bedsteads. 



BETULA EXCELSA. Ait. Yellow Birch. 



Leaves ovate, acute, serrate ; petioles pubescent, 

 Mx.f. sub. syn. 



Syn. BETVLA LUTE A. Mx.f. 



Common in the eastern parts of New England, and brought to 

 Boston for fuel. It has considerable resemblance to B. lenta, but 

 the cuticle has a yellowish colour. Fertile aments ovate, erect, 

 Bark slightly fragrant. Wood valuable. 



414. CORYLUS. 



CORYLUS AMERICANA. Walt. Common Hazel. 



Calyx of the fruit rounded and bell shaped, larger 



