50 TREES AND SHRUBS 



The Birch Family (Betulaceae) is represented in New 

 Mexico by three species of trees. A species of the Hop Horn 

 Beam (Ostrya baileyi) occurs sparingly in the Guadalupe 

 Mountains (the type locality) just north of our southern 

 boundary line. Nothing is known of its value for cultivation 

 as yet. 



Two species of Alder (Alnus tenuifolia and A. oblongi- 

 foliaj occur in the mountains along streams almost through- 

 out the Siate. One of them is found at the lower levels, 

 reaching sometimes into the flats beside streams, and the 

 other occurs at higher levels, associated with the pine and 

 spruce. 1! th are smooth barked, graceful trees from 30 to 50 

 feet high, and would d ubtless grow well in cultivation. They 

 suggest the elm in several respects, and would make very 

 beautiful ornamental trees. So far we have not seen them in 

 use. and have been unable to get specimens for trial. 



A single species of Birch (Bctula fontinalis) is reported 

 from New Mexico by various writers, and we have seen two 

 specimens. It occurs, doubtless, in the extreme northwestern 

 part of the State near the Colorado line at Aztec. 



BETULACEAE. Birch Family 



M dioecious or rarely dioecious trees or shrubs with alternate, 

 simple leaves and deciduous stipule-: sterile flowers in catkins; fertile 

 flower< clustered, spicate, or in scaly catkins; fruit 1-ce'led and 1- 

 seeded nut with or without a foliaceous involucre. 



Ovary enclosed by a bladdery bag. 1. Ostrta. 



Ovary subtended by thick, woody scales. Alnus. 



