II 



IV. 



CUPULIFER^. 



CORYLE.^. 



THE HORNBEAM. 



CARPINUS. 



Few of our indigenous trees are so little 

 generally known as the hornbeam. x\lthough not 

 commonly planted as a timber tree, it is often 

 seen growing as coppice wood. It is believed 

 to have formed a considerable portion of our 

 primeval forests, more particularly in the south- 

 east and north-west. 



Of the same tribe as the oak, the beech, and 

 the chesnut, it bears some resemblance to the 

 beech and the elm, but is inferior to either. 



The deep olive-green leaves are oval, with 

 prominent veins and toothed edges. The leaves 

 unfold in May, and the flowers appear about a 

 month later. The bark is smooth, and of a 

 dark lead colour. The trunk and branches have 

 a twisted appearance, as of several limbs joined 

 together. It is a tree of comparatively humble 

 growth, with a close top and rather a stiff 

 outline. 



