The Lindens 



veins and paler lining, veins branching mainly on the side next the 

 petiole; rusty hairy in axils of side veins underneath. Petioles 

 3 to 4 inches long, slender; blades 6 to 8 inches long, 3 to 4 inches 

 wide. Flowers, June, July; small, perfect, yellowish white, 

 very fragrant, full of nectar, clustered on end of flower stalk 

 borne on narrow leaf-like blade. Peculiar petal-like scale opposite 

 each petal. Fruit a cluster of woody, pea-like balls, grey, rather 

 woolly, round or ovoid; seeds 2 to 3. Preferred habitat, moist, 

 rich woodlands. Distribution, New Brunswick to Dakota; south 

 to Virginia, along mountains to Alabama; west to Texas. Uses: 

 An ornamental and shade tree; planted for bee pasture. Wood 

 used for carriage bodies, bureaus, chair seats, shoe soles, cooperage, 

 wood carving, paper pulp, charcoal and fuel. 



No American tree has more abundant foliage than the linden. 

 The branches subdivide into very many twigs, all set with 

 plump buds in winter. These develop into leafy shoots that 

 lengthen rapidly, carrying the broad leaves out where there is 

 room for them to expand fully. A dense shade is cast by this 

 roof of green, and cattle ranging in mixed and open woods are 

 likely to choose this tree as the best shelter from the heat and 

 glare of dog days. 



The linden's roots are large and fibrous, penetrating deeply 

 and widely in the soil. The vigour of its growth is not to be 

 wondered at. It is not dependent on transient soil conditions: it 

 draws its sustenance from the deeper sources. Its smooth bark 

 and the lusty symmetry of its frame are revealed in winter. Its 

 lines are gentle curves; its twigs are stout but supple. Its whole 

 character suggests the quality of its wood, which the axe cuts 

 like cheese. Just so the hickory tells by its winter "expression" 

 of the tough fibres its shaggy bark conceals. 



The linden opens late in spring. But watch how it makes 

 up time, when the ruby buds do stir, and the inner scales lengthen 

 and reveal the succulent shoots. The flowers wait until the flood 

 of pink and white has subsided in the orchard. Then they open 

 by the hundreds, creamy white and honey laden, and we enjoy 

 them with the bees. Only catalpa and chestnuts will bid for our 

 attention, and the appeal of the fragrance alone is strong enough 

 to lead us to the tree. The blossoms are clustered on dainty 

 pale-green blades. The tree is illuminated, the broad leaf plat- 

 forms lined with the delicate inflorescence. A bird flying over 



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