27 



margins. Fniit a curious, red, berrv-like object, formed by 

 the disk becoming pnlpy and cup-sbaped, so as almost to cover 

 the bard seed ; i/4 incb long. Small masses of tbe cut twigs 

 have a curious musky odor, very different from that of any 

 other. of our evergreens. Tbe leaves remain upon tbe twigs 

 in drying. 



Syxopsis of the Conifers. 

 Tbe conifers as a whole are distingTiisbed from tbe majority 

 of seed-bearing plants in that tbe seeds are borne on tbe face 

 of a scale rather than enclosed in an ovary. Our native 

 species belong to two families, ■ — • tbe pine family, which in- 

 cludes all but one of them, and the yew family. The former 

 is characterized by cone-like fruits, while the latter is char- 

 acterized by its soft, berry-like fruit. 



Tlie Pine Family (Pinacece). 



The Pines (Piiiiis). — The pines are known by having the 

 leaves needle-shaped and in clusters of two to five, and by tbe 

 numerous woody cone scales. The three following species 

 are the most generally distributed native species : — 



White Pine (Pinus Strohus). — Leaves long, five in a 

 sheath ; cone long, with margins of cone scales smooth and 

 unarmed. 



Pifch Pine (Pinus rigida). — Leaves long, three in a 

 sheath ; cone broad, with outer end of cone scale armed with 

 a pointed tooth. 



Red Pine {Pinus resinosa). — Leaves long, two in a 

 sheath; cones not long, oval conic; margins smooth. 



The Larches (Larix). 



Tbe larches are characterized by having the leaves in dense 

 clusters on the ends of very short branches, the leaves falling 

 off late in autumn. Our native species : — 



American Larch or Tamarach (Larix larncina)- — Small, 

 short, pale green leaves, in dense clusters. Small branches, 

 not drooping. Cones persistent and erect on twigs. 



European Larch (Larix Europcea). ■ — -Distinguished by 

 tbe drooping character of the branches. Commonly planted 

 for ornament. 



