92 FAMILIAR TREES 
with the exception of the more northern parts. Its 
fruit is unribbed and downy, and its leaves are rather 
larger than those of T. cordata. The Large-leaved 
Linden (7. platyphyllos Scop.) has downy twigs, five 
prominent ribs upon its fruit, and leaves often more 
than four inches across. Along with its variety, the 
Coral Linden (7. rw‘bra Stev.), which differs only in 
having reddish-brown bark to the young branches 
and smooth fruit, the Large-leaved Linden is only 
wild in Europe south of Denmark. 
Though, owing to their retaining their leaves 
later into the autumn, some American species are 
recommended as preferable to the above for 
avenues—the great ornamental use of the Linden— 
it cannot be denied that our European forms have a 
choice beauty of their own. In early spring the red- 
tinted twigs, like branching coral, bear buds which 
throw off scales, or “stipules,” blushing pink and 
white, only to reveal the first delicate gloss of the 
tender leaf. The leaves then hang vertically down- 
wards, and the older ones are so folded over the 
younger as in every way to protect them as far as 
possible from the nipping effects of excessive radiation 
in our frosty May nights. It is said, moreover, to be 
the mode of their arrangement in the buds that 
produces, as it were mechanically, the graceful one- 
sidedness in the outline of their base which is not un- 
common amongst forest trees. The leaves are also 
at this season more gracefully tapered at the apex 
than later, when they increase in breadth; and 
the charm of their pendent position and bright 
and graceful greenery naturally suggested cheerful- 
