The Magnolias and the Tulip Tree 



Within the second bag is the second leaf. The stem lengthens, 

 mounting this Httle bag far above the first leaf before it opens 

 to let out the second. So the growing point conceals itself, but 

 grows on, unfolding a new leaf and expanding the shoot, node by 

 node, until the growth of a whole season is accomplished. Suckers 

 from the roots of a tree often exhibit unusual exuberance of 

 growth, and hold the stipules at each joint as two broad, leafy 

 blades, throughout the season. 



The " chopped-oflf " ends of the leaves of the tulip tree set it 

 apart from others at any season. Sometimes there are two 

 shallow basal lobes, like those the maples have. Occasionally 

 the apex is concave. Always the surface is shining, and turns 

 to gold with birch and chestnut and hickory in the autumn. 



The flowers are showy and handsome, with dashes of orange 

 on their greenish-yellow corollas to attract the bees. The plan 

 of the flower is much like the magnolias' until the central spike 

 reveals its seeds. Magnolia seed vessels split up the back at 

 maturity. Tulip capsules are dry and do not open. A flat 

 wing rises above the angular, 2-celled seed box. The outer 

 keys loosen and fly away on the early autumnal breezes. These 

 seeds are rarely fertile. Before winter is fairly come the shingled 

 seeds that formed the tulip cone have all been carried oflF, and 

 the pencil-like receptacle remains erect on the end of the twig. 



The tulip poplar is a beautiful lawn and shade tree. It is 

 a favourite in Europe. Only far-away China has a sister species 

 in the genus Liriodendron. It is a pity that this stately native 

 tree is not better known in cultivation in its own country. It 

 needs the same care we bestow on magnolias in transplanting, 

 for its roots are fleshy and tender. There is no season when 

 the tree is not full of interest and beauty, no matter what its age. 



36p 



