INDIGENOUS TREES AND SHRUBS. 15 



us. Dr. Bell says Minnesota is its northwestern limit. It is at its best in 

 deep, loose, cool soil, and there will grow 60 to 70 feet in height and 

 from two to three feet in diameter. It is one of the earliest trees to un- 

 fold its buds. The flowers appear along with its leaves which resemble 

 those of the cherry. "The leaves," says Dr. Gray, "are oblong ovate and 

 somewhat heart-shaped, sharply doubly serrate all around." They are 

 dotted with white and so are the smooth young shoots. Bruise them and 

 they emit a sweet odor, and will retain this quality when dried and pre- 

 served. It matures its seed about the first of November. The bark is 

 smooth and grayish, much resembling that of the cherry tree. "When 

 freshly cut, the wood," says Michaux, "is of a rosy hue which deepens by 

 exposure to the light. Its grain is fine and close, whence it is susceptible 

 of a brilliant polish; it possesses a considerable share of strength." It is 

 sought for tables, bedsteads, panels, arm chairs, etc; It is a rapid grower. 

 Its mahogany-like wood, its beauty of foliage, its odor of flower and leaf 

 recommend it as a central figure in the park and lawn. 



YELLOW OR GRAY BIRCH, B. CUtea. 



Prof. Upham, quoting Prof. Winchell, says it is "common in the north 

 half of the state and south of Sherburne county, reaching a height of 

 seventy-five feet and diameter of three or four feet; rare in the big woods 

 and southeast of Houston county." Dr. Gray reports the bark of the trunk 

 as "yellowish gray and somewhat silvery, separating in filmy layers." 

 Sometimes the epidermis is rolled backward at the ends, attached only in 

 the middle. Its golden yellow and graceful foliage render it very con- 

 spicuous in the woods. Its fruiting catkins are short-oblong, the scales 

 visibly downy under the lens. The seeds beneath the scales are small- 

 winged, ripening about the first of October. The wood is not as deep 

 shaded as the black birch, but is strong and handsome; makes good ox- 

 yokes and frames of sledges. The bark is used in tanning. Take it all in 

 all this tree possesses many merits and is deserving of special favor. 



river or red birch, B. rubra. 



This species is rarely found away from limpid streams and rivers. In 

 middle age, when about ten inches in diameter, its epidermis is reddish or 

 cinnamon colored. Like that of the Canoe Birch it can be divided into 

 sheets. Ample in summit, thick branches, twigs long, flexible and pen- 

 dulous. Leaves about three inches long, two broad; whitish beneath, 

 green on the upper surface; edges deeply denticulated, pointed at summit. 

 Seed ripens in June. 



The wood is nearly white, both in the sap and heart. Like that of the 

 Juneberry it is marked longitudinally by red vessels intersecting each 

 other in the different directions. Makes good trays. From its twigs 

 stable and street brooms are manufactured. Its saplings are used for 

 hoops to a good advantage. Unlike other birches it enjoys intense heat, 

 but while it adapts itself to sunny elements it thrives in the north when 

 protectingly environed. 



