FAMILIES OF FLOWERING PLANTS. 



79 



is a genus of shrubs, the edible nut of which is familiar to every 

 schoolboy. Carpijms, the American hornbeam or blue beech is a 

 handsome tree with extremely hard wood; it has a close relative in 



Fiw. 64.— The Black Birch (Betulu Utila) showing; ripened fertilf ainents and the spring- 

 produced staminute amente. Original. 



(htrya^ the hop hornbeam, which may be distinguished by the hop- 

 like fertile amcHts. AJuus, the alder, is a characteristic swamp shrub 

 and it is the first to expand its tassel-like staminate catkins in early 

 spring. 



