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NATURE STUDY 



The white birch (Betula populifoUa) is the one most 

 likely to be seen in the city, partly because of its rapid 

 growth, even in unfavorable situations, and partly be- 

 cause its light and airy grace and the beautiful green of 

 its leaves make it a desirable addition to lawns. 



" Most beautiful of forest trees, 

 The Lady of the woods." 



white or Gray Birch. 



Paper or Canoe Birch. 



The canoe or paper {B. papyracea) is the best known 

 of all the birches, because of its striking white bark 

 which separates easily from the trees, and lends itself 

 to many uses. 



Of this Michaux gives an interesting account : 

 " In Canada and in the district of Maine, the country 

 people place large pieces of it immediately below the 

 shingles of the roof, to form a more impenetrable cover- 

 ing for their houses ; baskets, boxes, and portfolios are 

 made of it, which are sometimes embroidered with silks 



