(12) 



the other. The Ginkgo obviously is a woody tree in every sense 

 but one strange feature about it is the venation of the fan-shaped 

 leaves. The veins extend in radiating lines to the upper border of 

 the fan, as can easily be observed. Such venation, generally absent 

 in other gymnosperms, may be indicative of some affinity with the 

 ferns. It is, therefore, regarded as a transitional stage in the 

 process of plant evolution from the lower more primitive and 

 seedless plants to the more highly developed seed plants. The 

 same applies to the matter of fertilization mentioned in the 

 footnote. 



The Ginkgo may attain a height of 100 feet and an age of 

 1000 years. Its name has come from the original Chinese term 

 for this tree, while the common name. Maidenhair Tree, arises 

 from the resemblance of the wedge-shaped leaves to the pinnules 

 of the Maidenhair Fern, Adiantum. The flowers appear in April 

 or the beginning of May and fertilization occurs in September. 



Let us now follow the path that branches eastward from the main 

 one we are on. It very soon meets another which we shall fol- 

 low to the left. On our left now and extending a bit ahead we 

 should notice five more Ginkgos of various heights. The first of 

 these at the junction of the two paths is particularly narrow. It 

 is one of the several horticultural varieties of this tree, and is 

 known as the Columnar Maidenhair Tree, G. biloba var. pyra- 

 m idol is. 



We shall now go up the path we are on, which is parallel to 

 the road and passes over the small ridge. The Ginkgos are on 

 our left. The last of them is the smallest and quite undeveloped, 

 lust bevond we come to the first true conifers, the Pines. 



