51 



XIX. 



SAPINDACE^. 



THE SYCAMORE. 



ACER PSEUDO-PLATAN US. 



The hardy constitution of the sycamore, or 

 great maple, the compart nature of its growth, 

 and the density of its foliage, have made it a 

 popular tree for cultivation in all parts of (}reat 

 Britain. We have few deciduous trees more 

 suited for growing singly in exposed situations. 

 In congenial soil, it will attain a height of about 

 fifty feet, and, given room, it throws out horizontal 

 branches to a considerable distance, affording an 

 impenetrable shade. It grows fairly rapidly, and 

 the ordinary duration of its life is said to be from 

 one hundred and fifty to two hundred and fifty 

 years. 



The leaves of the sycamore are palmate, and 

 divided into five unequal lobes, bearing a close 

 resemblance in form to those of the plane. They 

 unfold at the end of April, and beginning of 

 May. The green pendulous flowers, producing 



