252 The Sycamores. 



large size in rich and humid soils along the rivers and in low 

 grounds, reaching its greatest development in the Western and 

 South-western States. In Canada, it is chiefly limited to the penin- 

 sula west of Niagara river. When found of a very large size, 

 it is very often quite hollow, but this does not prevent it from grow- 

 ing to a great age. 



1000. This tree is distinguished by the smoothness and whiteness 

 of its bark in the middle and upper part of its trunk and branches. 

 The outer bark falls off in large, irregular scales, leaving a surface 

 which, in winter, is very white, but gradually becomes darker col- 

 ored. This striking feature in winter enables one to observe the 

 course of a stream for a great distance by the line of sycamores 

 along its banks. 



1001. The seeds of this tree form a compact, spherical ball, which 

 remains on till spring, when it falls off' and the seeds scatter, just as 

 the leaves are about to open. This tree is very easily cultivated, 

 and bears the smoke and dust of cities better than many other 

 kinds, perhaps from the shedding of its outer bark from time to 

 time. 



1002. Our native plane-tree is perfectly naturalized in Europe, 

 and grows rapidly and to a great size. It is chiefly planted along 

 public roads and canals, and in parks and pleasure grounds, growing 

 best on deep, humid soils, and in sheltered localities. The wood is 

 much esteemed for cabinet wares, and for this use is reputed as dur- 

 able as the oak, but it does not bear exposure to the weather well. 

 The sycamore is easily propagated from the seed, or from cuttings 

 or layers. The seedlings need protection at first, but they grow 

 rapidly, and will bear transplanting early. 



1003. THE MEXICAN SYCAMORE (P. racemosa) is found extending 

 into Southern California, and grows to a majestic tree, sometimes six 

 feet in diameter and a hundred feet high. Like the species in the 

 Atlantic States, it thrives along rivers, its bark exfoliates in large 

 flakes, and its general habit is much the same. The leaves are, 

 however, more deeply cut, polished, and of darker green, and the 

 bark remarkably white. The fruit grows in racimes of from three 

 to six, instead of being solitary, as in the common species. The 

 wood is very brittle. 



1004. THE ORIENTAL PLANE-TREE (P. orientalis), in its native 



