46 3Botani2 



colored moths than keys; the distinctly-veined, 

 winged husk is very like the narroAV and Teined 

 wings of many moths. 



These seeds are winged in order that they may be 

 blown abroad on the wind and plant new forests 

 farther afield. If they all dropped close under the 

 shade of the parent tree few would live beyond 

 a year or two. 



Where the wing-like husks come together there is 

 a thickening of the base of each into an ear-like lobe, 

 holding a seed. The wrapping of this seed softens, 

 the seed enlarges as the embryo within it grows, the 

 husk is pushed open, and slowly comes forth the 

 baby tree, composed of two leaves and a stem. These 

 two leaves, though very small, are perfect, and even 

 green, in the unopened seed. They are not shaped 

 like true maple leaves, but are narrow, strap formed, 

 with but one vein. They are soft and fleshy ; in 

 fact they are pantries, full of food, ready for the 

 weak little plant to feast upon until it is strong 

 enough to forage and digest for itself. Every one 

 knows that babies must bo carefully fed on delicate 

 food until they get their teeth. The baby plant also 

 needs well-prepared food. 



These two leaflets are neatly laid one upon the 

 other, and carefully rolled up, so as to occupy the 

 least possible space. Once unfolded you could never 



