Lake Maxinkuckee, Physical and Biological Survey 383 



soil where there is considerable moisture; it will also grow 

 on high clay hills, and thrive well in neglected fence corners. 

 In some of the northern parts of the state this species is known 

 among old settlers as "Pigeon-oak." In flower, stem and leaf, this 

 shrub is rather inconspicuous; but the clusters of white fruit, or 

 reddish stems, in the shape of dense corymbs, are very conspicuous. 

 They form a favorite food for birds. Cedar waxwings were noted 

 feeding their young in September on the berries of this or a similar 

 species, and the flocks of southward migrating birds clean up the 

 entire crop in a few days in some seasons and localities. Whenever 

 any are left late enough they form a favorite food of the tree- 

 sparrow upon its return from the north. In blossom at the lake 

 by the middle of June. 



577. ALTERNATE-LEAVED DOGWOOD 



CORNUS ALTERNIFOLIA L. f. 



Uncommon; only a few trees seen; two or three in the low 

 ground in Overmyer's woods and one or two on the east side some 

 distance back in the forest. Intermediate in size between the vari- 

 ous species of bushy cornels and the flowering dogwood. It is the 

 least attractive species of the genus, usually growing in the form of 

 a large crooked straggling shrub or small tree. 



578. FLOWERING DOGWOOD 



CYNOXYLON FLORIDUM (L.) Raf. 



Not common ; a few trees along the northeast shore of the lake, 

 more abundant farther back, in Culver's woods. There used to be 

 a popular saying in some parts of the state that when the dogwood 

 blossoms were large and abundant it would be a good year for corn. 

 This notion probably arose from some reminiscence of the name, 

 Cornus or Cornel, applied to the tree, although it is always spoken 

 of as dogwood. In flower along the lake shore May 27. Attractive 

 not only when in blossom, but in the splendor of autumn foliage 

 and fruit. 



579. BLACK OR SOUR GUM 



NYSSA SYLVATICA Marsh. 



Confined pretty closely to Lost Lake and its outlet. A row of 

 trees borders the edge of Lost Lake marsh just west of the railroad 

 near Arlington. These trees form a narrow row at the very edge 

 of the marsh. The shining leaves, glistening as if varnished, are 

 always attractive but become particularly so in early autumn. 



