JVativc Urccs of Kentucky 



All trees of the Xorth Temperate region are seed-bearing 

 plants. They are divided into two classes : 



1. Gymnosperms Xaked seed plants. 



2. Angiosperms Covered seed plants. 



CLASS I. GYMNOSPERMS. 



Gymnosperms have their ovules and seeds borne without cov- 

 ering- on the face of scales. They are represented in Kentucky 

 by the Pine Family. 



PINE FAMILY-Conifers. Pinaceae. 



The conifers are the oldest living representatives of the pre- 

 historic forests. They are commonly known as evergreen because 

 with two exceptions, the Larch and Bald Cypress, they do not 

 shed all their leaves at any given season. 



The wood of the conifers is of the highest economic impor- 

 tance ; soft and easy to work : usually resinous. Two pines grow- 

 ing in the South form the principal source of our turpentine and 

 pine tar industries. Many of the trees are ornamental park trees. 

 In Kentucky there are four divisions or genera of the conifers: 



A. Genus Pinus Pines. 



B. Genus Tsuga Hemlocks. 



C. Genus Taxodium Bald Cypress. 



D. Genus Juniperus Cedars. 



The two chief characteristics of this family are : 



1. Leaves needle-like. 



2. Fruit a cone. 



