TREES AND SHRUBS 201 



II. ANGIOSPERMS 

 THE HARDWOODS 



In contrast with the previous naked seed family 

 called the gymnosperms, the broadleaf trees or hard- 

 woods belong to the family (angiosperms) whose seed 

 is borne in a closed cavity. 



While the hardwoods form only about one-fifth of the 

 total annual cut of lumber yet their relative importance 

 is greater than this proportion would indicate. Furni- 

 ture, flooring, agricultural implements, wagon stock, 

 etc., all draw the bulk of their supplies from the hard- 

 wood forests. The habit of the so-called hardwood group 

 to shed their leaves in winter makes a knowledge of 

 their buds essential if the tree is to be recognized the 

 year round, but to a beginner, the ability to identify 

 the tree in its summer condition is the most important. 



As it happens the list of trees as arranged by the 

 scientist is headed by some of the trees dearest to the 

 heart of the average boy, for some of the most common 

 and best known nut-bearing varieties, are first in order. 



