DESCRIPTION OF TREES. 145 



of forms and coloring of foliage. They are very difficult 

 to propagate and therefore are expensive, but in deep warm 

 soil a little sheltered from extreme drying winds they 

 thrive well and make most beautiful ornaments. The first- 

 named species has produced the most varying forms, some 

 of which have finely cut fern-like leaves, and of varying 



FIG. 75. JAPANESE MAPLE (A. polymorphum). 



colors from dark green through many stages of variegation 

 to the darkest red or purple. 



Among the best of these are: 

 Red-leaved Japanese maple (A. p., var. sanguineum). Fig. 



75. 



Purple-leaved " " (A. p., var. atropurpurum). 



Purple cut-leaved weeping Japanese maple (A. p., var. dis- 

 sect um atropurpurum). 



