TREES AND SHRUBS 167 



small purpose for the conifers, since insects 

 could not thrive in cold regions where they re- 

 mained to battle with the elements. 



Doubtless the most interesting of these trees 

 that escaped destruction by flight, and the one 

 that has maintained most fixedly the tra- 

 ditions of the Mesozoic era, is the tulip tree 

 (Liriodendron) . 



This beautiful tree, with its unique broad 

 glossy leaves and handsome flowers is now the 

 lone representative of its genus. One species 

 alone survives as the remnant of a tribe that 

 flourished abundantly in the Mesozoic Age. 

 This species made its way to what is now the 

 southern part of the United States, and has 

 kept up its aristocratic traditions throughout 

 intervening ages of such vast extent that it 

 staggers the mind to attempt to grasp their 

 significance. 



The thoughtful person cannot well escape a 

 feeling of awe as he stands in the presence of this 

 representative of a race that in the main was 

 gathered to its fathers at a time when the ances- 

 tors of man were perhaps still progressing on 

 all fours. 



But, traditions aside, the tulip tree of to-day 

 is a thing of beauty, prized for itself, regardless 

 of its ancestry. It makes a fine tree for avenue, 



