MAPLE FAMILY. 



Two well-known trees, form the XIX. Order. The 

 Sycamore (Acer Pseudo-platanus), and Maple (A. 

 Campestre) ; and these, and the Lime, are the only 

 trees in this Sub-class: nearly all our trees bear 

 Catkins of very incomplete flowers, and belong to the 

 4th Sub-class. The MAPLE and SYCAMORE have 

 greenish-yellow flowers, Calyx divided into 4 5 or 9. 

 Petals the same. The flowers hang in bunches be- 

 neath the large leaves of the Sycamore ; and the fruits 

 of both, have wings to them (a double samara, pi. II. 

 7 S) which greatly aid in dispersing them, as a high 

 wind will carry these winged seeds to a considerable 

 distance. The wood of the Sycamore is very white 

 and hard ; and is much used for bowls and trenchers, 

 as it was formerly used for spears and spikes. The 

 Maple is often beautifully veined, when it is much 

 prized for ornamental wood-work. 



