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TEXTBOOK OF BOTANY 



shrubs. Some species are magnificent specimens more than 100 feet in 

 height and with trunks up to 4 feet in diameter. The lumber of the 

 hard maple is strong, close grained, and very valuable. Some \'arieties 

 develop the so-called "bird's-eye" grain, so much sought after for furni- 

 ture and musical instruments. The wood is also prized as fuel, and from 

 the sap of the hard maple are obtained maple sugar and s\ rup. 



Fig. 349. Leaves, flowers, and fruits of silver maple. 



The carrot family ( Umbellifeme or Ammiaceae ) . The plants of this 

 large family are predominantly herbaceous perennials, though biennials 

 and annuals occur. The 275 genera and 3000 species are widely dis- 

 tributed. Common examples are carrot, parsnip, celery, water hemlock, 

 caraway, anise, golden alexander. The roots are often fleshv, and weeds 

 of this group are difficult to eradicate. The older name of the family — 

 Umbelliferae — describes the type of inflorescence: the umbel (Fig. 

 350). The plants are important sources of drugs and oils, as well as 



