THE HORNBEAM. 4.43, 
those of the Beech. The likeness is most notice- 
able in the form of the veining, there being a 
similar prominence of mid-vein and branches, and 
a similar regularity in the straight parallel lines 
of those branches. But the leaf differs from that 
of the Beech in being much more elongated, and 
in being serrated along its margin. 
The flowers of the Hornbeam are yellowish in 
colour and are borne on cylindrical catkins, which 
give origin, after due fertilization, to clusters of 
small, ribbed nuts. 
Hard clay soils are found to be the usual 
habitats of Carpinus betulus, though, from its 
general hardiness, it will thrive almost anywhere, 
provided the soil be sufficiently moist. It can be 
easily propagated by sowing its nuts; and if only 
on account of its handsomeness of leaf it deserves 
a place in the park and in the garden. 
