158 



it compare with the pines and spruces in this respect ? Does the 

 leaf have a stem or petiole? or is it attached directly to the 

 branches without any stem? How are the leaves shed ? 



The cones are about three inches long and present a rather 

 delicate appearance. It will be interesting to determine the 

 position of the cones, that is, the direction in which they point, 

 and to learn if it is the same when they are young that it is after 

 they have matured. 



The grayish colored bark of the trunk and limbs bears many 

 *' blisters " from which Canada balsam is obtained. 



THE HEMLOCK. 



A hemlock twig is an interesting object. It may have many 

 characters in common with the spruce and fir, yet the impression 

 which we get from it, or from a large hemlock tree, is entirely 

 distinct. The arrangement of the leaves and the gracefulness of 

 the drooping branchlets are most pleasing. We are lead to 

 examine it more closely. We notice that the leaves appear to be 

 borne in two more or less regular rows, one on each side of the 

 branch or twig ; but in reality they come from all sides of the 

 branch, and it is the position which the leaves assume that gives 

 this two-rowed appearance. 



The leaves have a short petiole or stem, and this stem rests 

 along the side of the branchlet in such a direction that the leaves 

 are placed in single rows on either side of the branch. The 

 petioles of the leaves are nearly parallel with the branch while 

 the leaves often make a decided angle with the petiole. This 

 fact can best be brought out by carefully examining a small twig. 



While we are noting the arrangement of the leaves on the 

 branchlets, we should also take notice of the points of similar- 

 ity and difference between these leaves and the spruces and firs. 

 We shall find that there is more in common, at least so far as 

 shape and color are concerned, between the hemlock and fir than 

 between the hemlock and spruce. 



The small delicate cones, borne on the tips of the branchlets, will 

 also attract our attention (Fig. 49.) We may wonder at their small 

 size, for they are only about three-quarters of an inch long, and 

 very delicate, yet a second glance at the tree will impress us with 



