Handbook of Treks of the Noj;tiii;k.\ Si 



215 



The Tiilip-trco is one of tlie very largest 

 and of the most valuable trees of the Atlantic 

 States. In the valleys of the streams tribu- 

 tary to the Ohio Kiver and on the slopes of the 

 Allegiianies individual> have been found to at- 

 tain the height of from ir)() to IDO ft. with 

 eulumnar trunks S or lU ft. in diameter, and 

 free from branches to a height of from 80 to 

 100 ft. — trunks unsurpassed in grandure of 

 colunui by those of any eastern American tree. 

 While .sucli great trunks are exceptional still 

 no eastern tre.es possess such uniformly straight 

 clear trunks. It inhabits deep rich well 

 drained soil but never forms exclusive forests. 



It is largely planted throughout the Eastern 

 states as an ornamental shade tree and few 

 trees equal it in value for this purpose. The 

 young trees are of a pyramidal habit of growth 

 but the older trees have an oblong head with 

 rather short branches. They are handsome in 

 summer with their clean-cut distinct leaves 

 and tulip-like flowers, and in winter when 

 their open cones are conspicuous on leafless 

 branches and from which the twirling samarae 

 are carried away by every gust of wind. 



The wood, of which a cubic foot weighs when 



dry 2(1. .3(1 lbs., is one of our most valuable 



woods for interior finishing, cabinet making, 



wooden-ware, etc.^ 



Lrnrcs glabrous, shinins dark green above, paler 

 beneath, turning bright yellow in autumn. Floirrr.s 

 tulip-like. IV2-2 in. deep. Fruit ripening in au- 

 tumn iMit liberating the samara? mostly after the 

 leaves have fallen.' 



1. A. W., I, 2. 



2. For genus see p. 435. 



