INTRODUCTION 



their delicate colors, each kind differing from all 

 others in shade; their growth and change in tone to 

 maturity, and the putting on of more cheerful colors 

 in anticipation of death ; the expanding flowers with 

 their structure, odor and insect visitors ; the forming 

 of the fruit, its ripening and its fate ; the seeds with 

 their germs and reserve foods and protective coats; 

 the distribution and planting of the seeds; their 

 sprouting and development into seedling and sapling ; 

 the slow growth of the tree to full stature and 

 strength, — if in the kindness of nature we should be 

 spared to abide with it so long. 



In conclusion let us suggest to the reader that if 

 for any reason he cannot find the name of a tree from 

 this book he be not too easily discouraged, but observe 

 it through the year and study the fruit and flowers 

 as well as the leaves. If this does not settle the diffi- 

 culty, a twig with several leaves of average size should 

 be pressed, and if possible the fruits and flowers, and 

 these should then be sent to one of the authors at 

 Chapel Hill. We should take pleasure in seeing the 

 specimens and in helping with the name. We should 

 also greatly appreciate any data about trees that are 

 rare or local or are found outside of the limits given 

 in our descriptions. With anyone desiring help or 

 further information, or who can give us information, 

 we should be glad to correspond. 



University of North Carolina, 

 Chapel Hill, N. C. 

 July 24, 1916. 



