32 Trees, Stars, and Birds 



that have been planted, and the variety of uses made of 

 them, we may well give maples a prominent place among 

 important trees. 



Maple seeds dispersed by the wind. Out of doors, 

 when the wind is blowing, drop a maple seed from a 

 height of several yards and see whether it falls straight 

 down. Does it acquire a whirling motion? Does this 

 retard its descent ? Is it better for the seeds of a maple 

 to fall close to the tree or to be carried to distant places ? 

 Why? Are seeds more likely to get loose from the tree 

 on still days or windy days? How far do you suppose 

 the wind carries them? Name different kinds of trees 

 with winged fruits ; name some kinds whose seeds have 

 cottonlike appendages that enable them to be carried 

 through the air. Have you seen young maples pushing 

 up in lawns or along fences? 



Leaves and light. Examine Figure 18. The stalk 

 of one leaf has lengthened and pushed the leaf out to 

 the light, past the other leaves on the tip of the branch. 

 Almost any maple tree will show this interesting leaf 

 arrangement on dozens of its twigs. 



Study the plants that are growing about you and note 

 that leaves always seek the light. When a vine grows 

 on a wall, each leaf fits itself into its space as best it can 

 to receive the light. Note the arrangement of the 

 leaves on a plantain or a dandelion. Do the upper 

 leaves grow so that they will not cover the lower ones, 

 or must the lower leaves take care of themselves? Does 

 each leaf on a tree grow as it pleases, or is there some 

 outside directing force that causes each one to take its 

 proper place ? 



