195 



The tree is a small one, with compound leaves which 

 are set on the branches alternately. The leaflets are op- 

 posite each other, with the exception of the end one, 

 which is terminal. These leaves are made up of from 

 seven to eleven ovate-lanceolate leaflets. All except the 

 terminal leaflets are sessile (stemless) on the main leaf 

 stem. The end leaflet has a short stem. These leaflets 

 are deeply serrated, more so than the leaves of the other 

 hickories. But if you are not sure from the leaves, 

 look at the buds. They are an easy and a sure mark 

 of identification. These are distinctly flattened and 

 curved (falcate) at the tip, and especially they are of 

 bright orange-yellow hue. This conspicuous hue of the 

 buds is a distinguishing feature of the tree. Its fruit 

 is globular, ovate, and has four ridges or wings which 

 run down to about the middle of the husk. The kernel 

 of the nut is exceedingly bitter whence the name of 

 the tree, bitternut. 



Corylopsis spicata. (No. 67.) In the early days of 

 spring, in March, if you are up in the northeastern part 

 of the Ramble, this beautiful bush is well worth seeing. 

 At this time of the year it is usually in bloom and you 

 can easily know it from other bushes by its very profuse 

 inflorescence. Away off through the maze of brown 

 twigs you can catch the gleam of its pale yellow flowers 

 which seem to fairly set the bush ablaze with their ten- 

 der light. It is almost the first bush to break forth into 

 bloom and set along its branches the age-old story of 

 spring and its awakening glory. How lovely then is 

 the sight of this torch-like shrub, kindled as with the 

 flame of the burning bush that spoke to Moses the 



