PREFACE. vii 



with those species, we have to consider. In studying the descriptions 

 one must commence with the order or highest group, and work down to 

 the species, in order to learn all the characters of that species. 



It will be noticed that each species is labeled with technical,, English, 

 German, French and Spanish names. The technical or scientific name 

 is derived usually from the Greek and Latin, and is of inestimable value 

 to the scientific world because of its exactness, and of its being under- 

 stood in all nations. Following the technical name are the English 

 synonyms in most common use, and then the German, French and 

 Spanish names. But naturally in a country like this, where the English 

 language almost universally prevails, our native trees have no colloquial 

 names in other languages. In such cases we have simply translated either 

 the technical or English name. Their value, therefore, as synonyms 

 strictly speaking, must be taken with some latitude. With a few species 

 colloquial names in foreign languages have been found, and in such 

 cases preference has been given them. 



The authenticity of the timbers represented in this work has been a 

 subject of personal attention and special care on the part of the author. 

 The trees selected for specimens have been identified in the field, before 

 felling, while the leaves, flowers or fruit (one or all) have been obtain- 

 able, and he can, hence, vouch for the authenticity of every specimen 

 represented. 



Succeeding parts, uniform in style with Part I., and representing in 

 each case twenty-five additional species, are planned to appear later, with 

 the ultimate end in view, of representing, as nearly as possible, all of the 

 American woods, or at least the most important, in such a series of 

 volumes as this one. 



Upon the reception which this meets in public favor, and upon the 

 co-operation of those interested in the cause, must naturally depend the 

 carrying out of that plan. It is hoped that greater experience and skill 

 will enable us to obviate in future parts the faults which occur, from 

 lack of those qualities, in this. 



Notice of errors in this work will be thankfully received in hopes of 

 profiting therefrom in the future. 



LOWVILLE, N. Y., March 30, 1888. 



