STUDIES OF TREES IN WINTER 



alternate leaf-scars. The husk of the nut splits 

 and breaks off. 



This is a tree peculiar to Northeastern 

 America, and one of the most rugged, mag- 

 nificent specimens to be found anywhere in 

 the same temperate climate. It is especially 

 adapted for broad treatment in landscape gar- 

 dening, and should be planted where there is 

 plenty of room for its full development, and 

 where one can admire its lofty proportions and 

 symmetry. It is one among many trees, which 

 is seen at its best in winter unhampered by 

 foliage, and then its naked boughs are so inky 

 black, that it seems as if it were etched against 

 the sky. These very dark colored branches 

 are characteristic of the hickories, and help one 

 to distinguish the trees at a distance. The 

 rough bark shagging off in curving plates, and 

 the buds with the same shagging, curving outer 

 scales are the distinctive characteristics of the 

 shagbark in winter. 



The wood is heavy, hard, tough, and close- 

 grained, and it is used for agricultural imple- 

 ments, axe handles, wagon stock, walking 

 sticks, and baskets. In tensile strength and 

 in the weight of compression, a block of 

 hickory is as strong as wrought iron of the 

 same length and weight. No other American 

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