ri PREFACE. 



ficd according to the soil in which they prefer to grow. This 

 is always a notable point, and it is mostly in cultivation that 

 we see them thriving under other conditions of soil than those 

 of tbeir natural habitat. A river-loving tree is ever loath to 

 sacrifice its desire for moisture, and the ones from the dry hill- 

 tops are chary of venturing into the swamps. Trees that pre- 

 fer to grow near water are placed in the first section, then 

 follow those of moist soil, those of rich soil, those of sandy or 

 rocky soil and those of dry soil respectively. Within these five 

 sections the order in which they have been arranged has been 

 with a regard to the peculiarities of their leaves. The simplest 

 forms, those with entire edges, and which grow alternately on 

 the branches, are placed first, and through their variations such 

 leaves continue to follow until those with lobed edges are 

 reached. Simple, opposite leaves are next, and are arranged 

 in the same order, relating to the character of their margins. 

 Then following in the same way are compound, alternate leaves, 

 and finally compound, opposite leaves. Towards the end of 

 the sections will be found the coniferous trees. 



The descriptions of the trees are headed by their common 

 name, or by several common names when they exist, and by 

 their scientific name. These latter are in accordance with 

 those sanctioned by Professor Sargent and Dr. Britton. So 

 that the eye can quickly find them are then set forth the 

 family, shape, height, range and time of bloom of the plants. 

 An analysis of their parts is given, in which the special features 

 of the bark, the leaves, the bloom and the fruit are mentioned. 

 Throughout the book no technical terms have been used that 

 are not explained in the chapter, " Illustrated Terms." 



As the leading points of recognition in connection with the 

 trees have been thus concisely given, the privilege has been 

 taken of admitting into the text any impressions or notes of 

 inferest that the trees have themselves suggested. 



In the chapter, " The Growth of the Trees," the story is 

 simply told of their development from the seed into a full- 



