THE MAPLES 



525 



WINGED FRUITS OF SYCAMORE AND 

 FIELD MAPLE. 



relation the one to the other, whilst on 

 the tree, is a useful distinguishing mark 

 among the Maples. 



THE GREAT MAPLE, OR SYCAMORE 



This tree gives the impression of sturdy 

 self-reliance. Though not a native, it 

 has made itself thoroughly at home with 

 us, and its seedlings spring up every- 

 where, with the abundance and vigour 

 of weeds. 



In winter it is seen to be supported by 

 a well proportioned main stem from which 

 strong branches emerge, low down, and 

 more or less horizontally, whilst those 

 higher sweep upwards, with set purpose, 

 and terminate in stout forked twigs. It 

 is maniiestl}' built for endurance, and can 

 offer a stubborn resistance in the most 

 exposed situations. 



In spring;, as the young leaves emerge, 

 they show considerable admixture of 

 colour, browns and reds frequently pre- 

 dominating. Expanding, after the manner 

 67 



of a fan, they are large and well sustained. 

 Beneath them, as in a series of delightful 

 tented shades, droop their many-flowered 

 ckisters, centres of joyous acti\ity on the 

 part of a multitude of welcomed insect 

 guests. 



In summer the tree's moulded outline, 

 almost formal in its distinctness, at once 

 differentiates it amongst its fellows. Its 

 billowy masses and rounded bosses of 

 dark and handsome foliage, most skil- 

 fully arranged in closest fitting mosaic, 

 intercept and bar every ray of light, and 

 make for all beneath a solid shade. 



In autumn its graceful lengthy tassels 

 of winged fruits droop, brilliant in reds 

 and browns, amongst the changing leaves 

 as these fade to yellow and brown. But 

 at this season the tree often suffers strange 

 disfigurement, splashed as it were with 

 tar, the black stains of a fungoid growth 

 blot the lea\'es, making for them a loath- 

 some ending. 



The twigs are thick, brown or grey in 

 colour, and polished. The resting buds 

 project at a small angle, and are pro- 

 tected by yellowish green scales. The 

 terminal bud is large. The leaf -scars are 



■A 



BOLE AND BARK OV SYCAMORE. 



