136 



THE MAPLE AND THE SYCAMORE. 



circumstance not yet determined, a larger proportion 

 than of any other tree grow up into the first stage 

 of life that follows lactation. In the spring; for 

 one of any other self-sown seedling tree, there may 

 generally be observed a score of sycamores, illustrat- 

 ing in the most beautiful manner, as growth pro- 

 ceeds, the gradual development of the handsome 

 leaf so characteristic of the species. 



LEAF OF STCA5IORE. 



By this last-named organ, the leaf, the sycamore 

 and the maple may alike be distinguished from 

 almost every other British tree. While the pre- 

 vailing form is ovate, and the ash and some others 

 are pinnate, here, in the maple and sycamore, we 

 have the shape termed " fan-lobed," familiar in the 



