THE ROMANCE OF OUR TREES 



of these colours. Indeed on different individuals in 

 the Red Maple may be seen all the hues that are ever 

 displayed in the autumn woods. The Sugar Maple 

 {Acer saccharum), though more brilliant, has a nar- 

 rower range of colour and is more uniform in its tints, 

 which range from yellow and orange to scarlet. 



The common Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) more in- 

 variably shows a mass of unmixed crimson than any 

 other New England tree. The foliage first assumes 

 shades of purple which changes into crimson or scar- 

 let before it falls. 



The Oaks, the noblest group of trees in eastern 

 North America, assume their autumn tints very late 

 and are not at their zenith until after those of the 

 Maples have past. In the Scarlet, Red, and White 

 Oaks the tints are ruddy, varying from reddish purple 

 and crimson to pale red, and when at their best, after 

 the middle of October, these trees are the most beau- 

 tiful of the forests and pastures. The Black and 

 Swamp Oaks develop imperfect shades of orange to 

 leather-coloured tints. 



In the White Oak, the Beech, the Chestnut, and 

 the Red Oak when young, the leaves as they die be- 

 come russet-brown, and, remaining on the trees 

 through the winter, give a sensation of warmth to 

 the woods and landscape in the coldest days of 

 winter. The period of retention varies greatly in 

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