DECIDUOUS TREES. 7} 
should be sown soon after being gathered, or placed in a 
cool place until spring. A well-known tree, possessing 
many valuable qualities, one of which is its sweet sap, 
from which large quantities of sugar are annually made. 
The wood is hard and firm, and much used in cabinet- 
work. Sometimes trees are found in which the grain of 
the wood has a wavy undulating appearance; it is then 
called Curly Maple. The wood is also one of the most 
_ valuable for fuel. A beautiful as well as valuable rapid- 
growing tree; often grows to the height of eighty feet ; 
prefers a calcareous soil—that is, one in which lime 
abounds. Abundant in most of the Northern States, and 
in some of the mountainous regions of the South. 
Acer nigrum (Black Maple).—Thig is only a variety 
of the last, and very similar to it in growth and general 
appearance, but does not come into leaf quite as early in 
spring as the preceding ; seeds ripen at the same time, and 
should receive same treatment. 
Acer Pennsytvanicum (Striped Maple).—Leaves three- 
lobed, quite pointed ; flowers greenish yellow, appearing 
with the leaves; seeds ripen in autumn; a small tree, of 
no value for its timber, but quite ornamental; very com- 
mon both North and South. 
Acer pasycarPuM ( White or Silver Maple).—Leaves 
deeply five-lobed ; deep green above and silver-white un- 
derneath ; flowers reddish yellow, sometimes only pale yel- 
low, appearing before the leaves; seeds ripen early in the 
season, generally about the time leaves are fully expanded, 
and must be sown soon after they are ripe, as they will keep 
but a short time. It is the most rapid growing of all the 
