THE ELM AND THE TULIP 



impaired. The winter tracery of these branches, 

 and the whole effect of the liriodendron without 

 foliage, is extremely distinct and pleasing. I have 

 in mind a noble group of great liriodendrons 

 which I first saw against an early April sky of 

 blue and white. The trees had grown close, and 

 had interlaced their somewhat twisty branches, 

 so that the general impression was that of one 

 great tree supported on several stems. The pure 

 beauty of these very tall and very stately trees, 

 thus grouped and with every twig sharply out- 

 lined, I shall always remember. 



The liriodendron is more fortunate than 

 some other trees, for it has several points of 

 attractiveness. Its stature and its structure are 

 alike notable, its foliage entirely unique, and 

 its flowers and seed-pods even more interest- 

 ing. The leaf is very easily recognized when 

 once known. It is large, but not in any 

 way coarse, and is thrust forth as the tree 

 grows, in a peculiarly pleasing way. Sheathed 

 in the manner characteristic of the magnolia 

 family, of which the liriodendron is a notable 

 member, the leaves come to the light prac- 

 tically folded back on themselves, between 



149 



