III. DIRECTIONS FOR THE STUDY OF THE CONIFERS. 



Observe the tree as it stands ; it is differentiated into stem, crown, 

 and roots. Is the stem discernible as a continuous straight shaft 

 through to the top of the crown ? In most conifers of normal growth 

 it does so appear, though in stunted specimens, and in some old ones, 

 the main stem dissolves into a few large branches. At a convenient 

 distance compare- several trees of the same species as to the profile 

 of the crown, as to the habit of branching, as to the attitude of the 

 main branches and also the lesser ones. Can you recognize and de- 

 fine any peculiarities of outline which mark the particular species? 

 Observe the tree nearer at hand and notice whether the branches 

 seem to be grouped in circles at intervals. This is a common feature 

 of the branching of certain species, and if clearly defined the circles 

 of branches may be taken to indicate where one season's growth has 

 ended and another begun. The distance between successive whorls 

 may usually be considered one year's growth. Such intervals do 

 not lengthen after the first season. Make special observations of 

 the bark its color and surface, whether rough or smooth ; the depth 

 and direction of the channels, and the form and size of the areas they 

 inclose; the manner of scaling off, and its thickness. Notice the 

 bark of trees of different ages in the same species. Follow the 

 changes which take place as to color, surface, etc. Is the same series 

 of changes noticeable from the younger to the older parts of the 

 main stem of the same tree ? 



The branches. Do the branches show the same characteristics as 

 the main stem? Are the features of the bark the same? Do other 

 branches tend to arise from the main one in circles? Look for ring- 

 like markings on the branch. They may be found in most cases at 

 intervals of an inch to a foot or more, and indicate the limits of the 

 season's growth, like the whorls of branches on the main stem. Do 

 the whorls of twigs on a branch stand in relation to such markings? 

 Are there buds on the tips or the sides of the branches ? Remove the 

 scales from one of them. Do you find a small green elevation just 

 above and at the base of each scale? They are present in winter 

 buds and are the beginnings of leaves for the next season. What is 

 the arrangement of the bud scales? Refer to the branch just below 

 the bud and see what has become of the bud scales. Determine by a 

 series of observations during the summer when the buds are formed 

 and the amount of development which takes place in one season pre- 

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