THE MAGNOLIA FAMILY. 167 



Fruit: large; ovate; rusty brown or yellowish green; very pubescent ; with many 

 pods. 3'^iv/j- ; glowing carmine; flattened or slightly triangular; when released 

 from the pods they hang by threads. 



It seems rather a pity that the specific name, foetida, should ever have 

 been associated with this, the most beautiful flowering tree of our country, 

 and especially as it is the one which it seems wisest to adhere to, if the rule 

 of priority is sustained. But so far from being foetid these llowers exhale a 

 scent of such intense sweetness that few can endure it for more than a short 

 time. Grandillora, the other specific name by which the tree is known, is 

 also inappropriate, for there are species that bear even larger (lowers. A 

 Perhaps it is because the tree's foliage is evergreen that in the far south it,Ay\ 

 is often called, " the big Laurel." ^^^ 



~^ M, Virginidna, laurel magnolia or sweet bay, is a small member of the , 

 genus and perhaps the one most generally known ; for while mainly found 

 east of the Alleghanies to Florida and Texas, it is hardy, indeed indigen- 

 ous, as far northward as eastern Massachusetts. As long ago as 1384 the 

 tree was brought into prominence by some navigators who found it on 

 Roanoke Island, N. C, and who referred to it as: "the tree that beareth 

 rind of the Black Synamon of which like Captain Winter brought from the 

 Straits of Magellan." One of its most exquisite features is found in the 

 young leaves, the under sides of which are glaucous and covered with fine 

 hairs which produce a silky sheen. In comparison with other flowers of 

 the genus these are quite small, but there is still a charm about them. 

 They are so waxy, so well modelled and exhale a strong fragrance very like 

 that of Fraser's magnolia. In early days the people of Pennsylvania ob- 

 served that beavers ate greedily of the tree's fleshy roots, a knowledge 

 which they utilised when baiting their traps for such game, and to which 

 the common name of beaver tree is in allusion. ' ^J^ (i 1 



TULIP TREE. WHITE=WOOD 



Liriodcndron Tulipifo'a. 



FAMILY SHAPE HEIGHT RANGE TIME OF BLOOM 



magnolia. Tall, coluvinar or pyrn- 60-190 Vermont and Rhode Island May. 



midal; dranc/tes spreading, feet. to Florida and ivestward. 



Bark: reddish brown or grey ; furrowed. Branches: curved and marked with 

 narrow rings; aromatic. Leaves: long petioled ; very broadly ovate, or nearly or- 

 bicular ; broadly notched at the apex, rounded or cordate at the base and liaving 

 four or more lobes, the sinuses between them rounded. Dark green and shiny 

 above, i)aler below. Flowers: two inches high ; tulip-shaped; erect and growing 

 on stout peduncles. Petals: o\)OVA\<t\ greenish yellow; orange coloured within; 

 sweet scented. Sepals: reflexed. Stamens: numerous and growing in lanks on the 

 receptacle. Pistils: forming in a column-like body upon the receptacle. Fruit; 

 ;ibout three inches long, a cone of dry, oblong and acute carpels. 



