FLOWERING PLANTS AND FERNS OF INDIANA. 707 



B. papyrifera Marsh. Paper or Canoe Birch. 



Found only in the extreme northern part of the State, where it is 

 reported as occurring in sparing numbers by Rev. E. J. Hill. 

 Normally it is a large tree of from 70 to 80 feet in height and with 

 a trunk diameter of from two to three feet. In our area it is much 

 reduced. 



The wood is hard and strong, being largely used in the manufac- 

 ture of spools, shoe-lasts and pegs, for wood pulp, etc. 



Flowering in April and May. 



Lake (Hill). 



B. nigra L. River Birch. Red Birch. 



Not abundant in the State and apparently confined to the southern 

 counties, where it grows on the banks of streams and in low, w r et 

 grounds. A tall, slender tree reaching at times a height of nearly 

 100 feet, with a maximum trunk diameter of two and one-half feet. 



The wood is hard and strong and is used for furniture and 

 wooden ware. 



Flowers in April and May. 



Gibson (Schneck) ; Clark (Baird and Taylor) ; Putnam, Jackson, 



Martin, Vigo (Blatchley). 



B. lenta L. Cherry, Black or Sweet Birch. 



In a few counties of the State in sparing numbers. The tree in 

 its full development is from 60 to 80 feet high, with a trunk diameter 

 of from three to four feet. In our area it is much reduced in size. 



The wood is hard and strong and is used in the manufacture of 

 furniture and in ship building. "The aromatic oil of the branches 

 and foliage is distilled in quantities and is an important article of 

 commerce." (Britton and Brown.) 



Flowers in April and May. 



Fulton (Hessler) ; Gibson (Schneck) ; Noble (Van Gorder) ; 

 Steuben (Bradner). 



B. pumila L. Low Birch. 



Occasionally found growing in marshes and swamps in the north- 

 ern part of the State. A shrub ranging from five to fifteen feet in 

 height. Abundant specimens of the species have been collected by 

 Dr. Robert Hessler. 



Flowers in May and June. 



Fulton (Hessler); Lake; Steuben (Bradner). 



