20 FAMILIAR TREES 



bling that of the Beech, and affording a pleasing 

 contrast to the green or russet of the leaves in 

 summer or autumn. These last are of a hazel- 

 green colour, oval or, more precisely, " elliptic- 

 ovate " in outline, from one inch to two inches 

 long, with a margin notched with serrated teeth, 

 a distinct and permanent point, and numerous 

 parallel transverse hairy ribs projecting on their 

 under-surfaces. They thus somewhat resemble 

 those of the Elm, as was pointed out by Gerard, 

 for which reason the Hornbeam is also known as 

 " Yoke Elm." They are, however, smoother, and 

 of a lighter and more olive green, and, being 

 folded in the bud into numerous charming plaits 

 along their lateral veins, still further excuse the 

 common mistake of the tyro, or casual observer, 

 who generally confuses the white stems of the 

 Hornbeam with those of the Beech. 



From Beech leaves, however, those of the Horn- 

 beam are distinguishable by lighter and browner 

 colour, by want of gloss, by the greater prominence 

 of the veins on their lower surface, by the per- 

 manence of the pointed and toothed outline, 

 which is lost in the older leaves of the Beech, and, 

 as a rule, by remaining longer on the tree. 

 The buds of the Hornbeam, moreover, are shorter 

 than those of the Beech, and rest against the twig, 

 instead of diverging from it at an angle of 60 

 or 70. The leaves unfold generally in April, fur- 

 nished with large, deciduous stipules, of a lighter 

 colour and unplaited surface, and in autumn they 

 wither to a warm copper brown, remaining on the 



