THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. • 53 



Cypress swamps, are, I suppose, the result of hyper- 

 trophy. Whatever be the economy or final purpose 

 of these excrescences, there are probably few of the 

 present day who will endorse the theory of St. Pierre, 

 that they were designed to protect the trunk against 

 damage from icebergs ! 



The Cypress has not ordinarily a very attractive 

 form in our swamps ; but when standing alone in fa- 

 vorable situations, it has a regular pyramidal top and 

 is of imposing beauty. In the Bartram Garden, near 

 Philadelphia, I have seen a stock (over 100 years old) 

 of such exquisite symmetry, that I could not be per- 

 suaded it was a Cypress, until I had satisfied myself 

 by a close inspection. 



NUT TREES. 



The next Group to be noticed is the most impor- 

 tant, whether considered in reference to its numbers 

 or its economical value, in the whole circle of Forest 

 Trees. There will be included in it all those which 

 bear a fruit popularly called Nuts, without reference 

 to the more restricted scientific meaning of the word. 

 This Group will thus include the Oak, Beech, Chest- 

 nut, Hickory, Walnut, and Buckeye. 



OAKS. — This genus of trees contains more species 

 than any other in our country ; and of these there is 

 a larger number in North Carolina than in all the 



