OCTOBER. 461 



lighter than that of almost any other tree in our landscape. 

 It bears a near resemblance to that of the common grape vine, 

 both in size and hue. Near the insertion of every leaf, com- 

 monly a little above it, is a stipule, forming a plaited ruff that 

 encircles the growing branch. These little ruff-like appen- 

 dages add a characteristic singularity to the foliage of the 

 buttonwood, and often present a showy and not inelegant 

 appearance. Unfortunately, this tree exhibits no beautiful 

 tints in the autumn. At first, the leaves fade to a lighter 

 green, and gradually become spotted with a rusty brown, be- 

 fore they fall to the ground. A striking effect is produced 

 by the smooth and whitish appearance of the trunk and large 

 branches of the buttonwood, occasioned by shedding the bark 

 of the preceding year's growth. Its bark is thus kept entirely 

 clear of mosses and lichens, and exhibits a variety of hues, 

 from a light yellow and a greenish olive to a nearly pure 

 white. 



" The buttonwood (says Michaux) astonishes the eye by 

 the size of its trunk and the amplitude of its head ; but the 

 white elm has a more majestic appearance, which is owing to 

 its great elevation, to the disposition of its principal limbs, 

 and to the extreme elegance of its summit." With all its 

 magnitude it has not the sturdy and majestic character of the 

 oak or the chestnut, and the principal emotion excited by a 

 view of it, is astonishment at its size. Superior size is a 

 valuable property in a tree, but some of the most beautiful 

 trees in the world are moderate in their height and dimen- 

 sions. Probably the rapid growth of the buttonwood is one 

 circumstance that induced our ancestors to cultivate it as a 

 shade tree. It may likewise be said in its favor, that its shaft 

 is very beautiful, and rises to a great height before it sends 

 out its branches. On this account it is preferable to most 

 other trees for our road-sides, as it does not, by its lower 

 branches, interfere with passing objects ; and in our enclos- 

 ures, like the elm it lifts its head above the roofs of the 

 houses. 



It may be remarked, in connection with the fatality that 

 has attended the buttonwoods in this part of the country, 



