110 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



MAGNOLIAS. — Of this universally and deserv- 

 edly admired genus there are seven species in the 

 United States, all of which are found within our 

 borders. They all have an aromatic and somewhat 

 bitter bark. The fruit is a fleshy cone, from the 

 cells of which the scarlet berries are expelled and 

 hang for some days by elastic cords. The berries of 

 most become quickly corrupted, but may be pre- 

 served for use in damp moss. 



1. Magnolia. (Magnolia grandiflora, Linn.) — I 

 retain the common designation of this tree, though 

 we have six others equally entitled to the name. 

 Farther south it is often called Big Laurel. The 

 northern limit of this tree is in Brunswick County, 

 south of the Cape Fear ; but it flourishes vigorously 

 in cultivation through all the lower part of the State. 

 Its usual height in the forests is from 50 to 70 feet, 

 but has been found 90 feet high, and has a handsome 

 form. The leaves are 6 to 10 inches long, evergreen, 

 very thick and leathery. The white fragrant flow- 

 ers, 6 to 8 inches broad, contrasting strongly with 

 the dark green foliage, make this perhaps the most 

 beautiful tree in the United States. The timber of 

 this tree is soft and very white, but is little used. 



2. Sweet Bay. (M. glauca, Linn.) — The small- 

 est and most widely diffused of our Magnolias, it 

 being common in the maritime districts from Louis- 

 iana to New Jersey, and in a single locality north of 

 Boston. In this State it is seen along branches and 

 bays throughout the Lower District, and in similar 



