PREFACE. 



vii 



grown tree. To know something of their ways and struggle 

 for life cannot but add deeply to the interest they inspire. 

 Stress also has been laid on the blooming of the trees, for 

 although the advantages of a trained observation are being 

 more keenly realised, there are still many that are quite un- 

 conscious of the beauty and fineness of many of their flowers. 

 To see the hanging crimson bloom of the red maple is as 

 beautiful — although in a different way — as the unfolding of the 

 magnolias. 



An advanced and exquisite feature of the book is its sixty- 

 four illustrations in colour. The originals were painted by 

 Mrs, Rowan with great spirit and accuracy. One hundred 

 pen-and-ink sketches form excellent studies and the many 

 small representations of trees are very attractive. No labour 

 has, in fact, been spared that the book may satisfactorily fill 

 the gap there seems to be for such an one. 



It is with the greatest pleasure that mention is here made of 

 the encouragement that has been given to the writing of " A 

 Guide to the Trees." All that have known of its progress have 

 shown in it a kind interest. Especially is it desired to express 

 appreciation of the impetus given to the work by Mr. George 

 Vanderbilt, who has done much to further the valuable study 

 of forestry. From his herbarium fresh specim.ens were con- 

 tinually supplied to Mrs. Rowan and which for illustrating she 

 found of inestimable value. To Mr. Beadle, the botanist of 

 Biltmore, the most grateful thanks are due, for through his 

 collaboration many difficult tangles were pleasantly unravelled. 

 To devote his time to. Mrs, Rowan and Miss Lounsberry, and 

 to give freely from his fund of accurate knowledge he was ever 

 ready during their stay at Biltmore. His assistants also were 

 most kind and helpful. Dr. Charles Mohr has contributed 

 information about the bald cypress, and in many ways Dr. 

 Britton's advice has been of importance 



Away to the trees then 'et us go. 



For it matters not whether there's rain or snow 



Thev wait for us. 



