Tree Study 



771 



it matures, it becomes larger and darker green, 

 and the string elongates to six or even ten 

 inches. The little pointed pods open into two or 

 more valves and set free the seeds, which are 

 provided with a fluff of pappus to sail them off on 

 the breeze; so many of the seeds develop that 

 every object in the neighborhood is covered with 

 their fuzz, and thus the tree has gained its name 

 "cottonwood." 



The foliage of the cottonwood is like that of other 

 poplars, trembling with the breeze. The heavy, sub- 

 circular leaf is supported on the sidewise flattened 

 petiole, so that the slightest breath of air sets it quak- 

 ing ; a gentle breeze sets the whole tree twinkling and 

 gives the eye a fascinating impression as of leaves 

 beckoning. The leaf is in itself pretty. It is from 

 three to five inches long, broad, slightly angular at the 

 base and has a long, tapering, pointed tip. The edge 

 is saw-toothed, and also slightly ruffled except near the 

 stem where it is smooth ; it is thick and shining green 

 above and paler beneath. The long, slender petiole 

 is red or yellowish, and the leaves are placed alternate 

 on the twigs. 



In the autumn the leaves are brilliant yellow. The 

 wood is soft, weak, fine-grained, whitish or yellowish, 

 and has a satiny luster; it is not durable. It is used 

 somewhat for building and for furniture, in some kinds 

 of cooperage, and also for c'rates and woodenware ; but 

 its greatest use is for making the pulp for paper. 

 Many newspapers and books are printed on cotton- 

 wood paper. It is common from the Middle States to 

 the Rocky Mountains and from Manitoba to Texas. 



Staminate catkin of 



cottonwood. 

 Drawn by Anna Stryke. 



LESSON CXCVII 

 The Cottonwood 



Leading thought — The cottonwood is a poplar. It grows rapidly and 

 flourishes on the dry western plains where other trees fail to gain a foothold. 

 It grows well in the dusty city, its shining leaves shedding the smoke and 

 dirt. 



Method — Begin this study in spring before the cottonwoods bloom. 

 Bring in twigs in February, give them water and warmth, and watch the 

 development of the catkins. Afterwards watch the unfolding of the leaves 

 and study the tree. 



Observations — i. What is the color of the bark on the cottonwood ? Is 

 it ridged deeply? What is the color of the twigs? Are they round or 

 angular, or both? Describe the winter buds and bud-scales. Can you tell 

 which bud will produce leaves and which flowers ? 



2. Describe the catkin as it comes out. Has this catkin anthers and 

 pollen, or will it produce seed ? Do you think the seeds are produced on the 

 same trees as the pollen ? 



