168 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



is taken, which is so highly prized by the cabinet-makera 

 and the sap, which flows in abundance from holes bored in 

 the stem of the tree early in March, produces the well- 

 known maple sugar. This can be clarified, so as to equal 

 that of the cane in flavor and appearance ; and it has been 

 demonstrated that the planting of maple orchards, for the 

 production of sugar, would be a profitable investment * 



The Scarlet-flowering maple {A. rubrum) is found 

 chiefly on the borders of rivers, or in swamps ; the latter 

 place appears best suited to this tree, for it there often 

 attains a very large size : it is frequently called the Soft 

 maple or Swamp maple. The blossoms come out about 

 the middle of April while the branches are yet bare of 

 leaves, and their numerous little pendulous stamens appear 

 like small tufts of scarlet or purple threads. The leaves 

 somewhat resemble those of the Sugar maple, but are 

 rather smaller, and only three or four lobed, glaucous or 

 whitish underneath, and irregularly toothed on the margin. 

 This tree may easily be distinguished when young from the 

 former, by the bark of the trunk, which is grey, with large 

 whitish spots. Its trunk, in the choicest parts, furnishes the 

 beautiful wood known as the curled maple. 



The White or Silver-leaved maple. {A. eriocarpum.) 

 This species somewhat resembles the Scarlet-flowering 

 maple. "West of the Alleghany mountains it is seen in 

 perfection, and is well known as the White maple. Its 

 flowers are pale ; the leaves are divided into four lobes, 

 and have a beautiful white under surface. Michaux, 

 speaking of this tree, says : " In no part of the United 



* A. nigrum is a variety omitted by Mr. Downing, though quite well known 

 at the time he wrote. It differs from A. aaccharinum, in having much larger 

 leaves, and the bark of a darker color ; besides which, the sap is more abund- 

 ant, and much sweeter, aud is considered at the West much the finer tree of 

 the two,— II. W. S. 



