Trees, Shrubs and Vines 



calyx, but no corolla ; still higher, each has both calyx 

 and corolla ; next, stamens and pistils are combined in 

 the same flower, but without calyx or corolla; then 

 with only calyx, and, last and highest of all, the com- 

 plete flower contains all four parts, each variously 

 elaborated according to the species. 



This is substantially the order of gradation from the 

 rudimentary willow up to the gorgeous rhododendron 

 and the magnificent yulan. But for our present pur- 

 pose it is sufficient to observe that the very manner in 

 which the blossoms are clustered on the tree is to a great 

 degree indicative of their stage of evolution, the most 

 rudimentary of the foregoing types being generally 

 crowded in long, slender, pendent tassels, called catkins 

 or aments, whereas the more complex types are either in 

 large single flowers, as in the tulip-tree or magnolia, or, 

 if clustered, never in the form of the slender, crowded 

 catkin, but loosely conjoined, as in the apple-tree, 

 horse-chestnut or locust. Thus, using the catkin or 

 ament as the criterion, all deciduous trees fall into two 

 groups, the amentaceous and the non-amentaceous ; the 

 latter, as having the most elaborate type of blossom, 

 we will consider first. 



In the non-amentaceous group, the flower, by the 

 elaboration and size of its parts, and by conspicuous color- 

 ing, is more or less ornamental. To one whose casual 

 acquaintance with trees is mostly summed up in half a 

 dozen species, such as maples, elms, oaks, and hickories, 

 it is a surprise to think of any tree — save perhaps an 

 apple or cherry — as being covered with bloom, deli- 

 cate and briUiant as that of our choice herbaceous 



