MAPLE SYRUP AND SUGAR 379 



This tree is readily planted in the form of new groves and it is easily 

 reproduced naturally so that, in spite of its slow rate of growth, there 

 will always be little difficulty in maintaining sugar groves for the future 

 of this industry. 



Black Maple. 



The black maple (Acer nigrum) which is sometimes recognized as a 

 variety of sugar maple, also occurs throughout the North and East, but 

 commercial production of maple sugar and syrup is limited to the 

 Northeast as in the case of the true sugar maple. In Vermont the black 

 maple is commonly considered superior to the sugar maple as a pro- 

 ducer of high quality as well as large quantity of sap. In general appear- 

 ance and characteristics, it is very similar to the sugar maple and is 

 usually found on lower elevations and along the banks of streams and in 

 the lower valleys. 



Red Maple. 



This maple (Acer rubrum) has a wider natural range than any of the 

 other maples found in this country. It grows best along the borders of 

 streams and in swampy soils. It is a much more rapidly growing tree 

 but does not reach the size, either in height or diameter, of the sugar 

 maple. It is used for sugar production in the Middle and Western 

 States to a limited extent, but its sap is very low in yield of both syrup 

 and sugar. 



Silver Maple. 



The silver maple (Acer saccharinum) is found from New Brunswick 

 to Florida and west to the central prairies. It commonly grows along 

 with the sugar maple, but altogether prefers the low lands bordering 

 swamps and streams. It yields a plentiful flow of sap, but it is very likely 

 to discoloration and its season is very short and uncertain. It is seldom 

 used when sugar or black maples are available. It grows to a good size, 

 but does not occur as frequently as the three maples mentioned above. 

 It is not likely that it will ever be an important source of syrup and 

 sugar production. 



Other Maples. 



The other maples, such as the Oregon maple {Acer circinatum) , 

 mountain maple {Acer spicatum), striped maple {Acer pennsylvanicum) , 

 box elder {Acer negundo), etc., are of no importance in this industry. 



It is of the greatest importance that the best forest conditions are 

 maintained in the sugar grove. The sap and sugar production is directly 



