x INTRODUCTION 



oped into more than a score of varieties, largely through the variations of the leaves. 

 In the older types the leaves are broad with nearly a dozen pointed lobes and from 

 this extreme there are all gradations to leaves cut into such narrow strips that the 

 lobes seem little more than slender veins. There are also remarkable color varia- 

 tions, the prevailing tones being beautiful reds which attract admiring attention 

 wherever they are seen. In Japan the festivals of the maples when the leaves 

 reach their maximum of color in autumn are as popular as those of the cherry 

 blossoms in spring. The Tartarian Maple (Acer ginnala) is another Oriental species, 

 hardier than some of the Japanese forms and desirable for planting in shrubby 

 borders or in more northern regions. 



Another maple which may have originated in the Orient but has been 



CONES AND LEAVES OF THE SMALL-FLOWERED JAPANESE PINE (PINUS PARV1FLORA) 



naturalized in Europe since ancient times is the European Cork Maple Acer 

 campestre. This is an attractive, small tree, often branching to the ground, which 

 is now offered by American nurseries for ornamental planting. There are several 

 well-marked varieties. 



The Japanese Empress Tree or Paulownia is an introduction from the Orient 

 which is likely to become increasingly popular for ornamental planting. It can 

 be grown as a permanent tree at least as far north as Philadelphia, making a fine 

 showing in lawns, parks and home grounds both when in blossom in early spring 

 and when in leaf throughout the summer. It can also be used to advantage in 



