Pe 

170 
MAPLES. 
34.—DWARF MAPLE. (Acer glabrum, Torrey.) 
As indicated by its name, this species is seldom more than a shrub 3 
to 6 feet high; occasionally it reaches a height of 10 to 20 feet, witha 
diameter of 4to Ginches. Itis widely distributed throughout the Rocky 
Mountain region (on Pacific coast to British Columbia), growing along 
water-courses, in sheltered canyons, and on moist slopes; said to reach 
its best development in western New Mexico and eastern Arizona. 
The wood is heavy and hard. It isa very hardy tree and considerably 
used for ornamental planting. 
Description.—Leaves somewhat kidney-shaped, 3-lobed to 3-parted ; divisions them- 
Selves somewhat 3-lobed, middle one wedge-shaped, short, broad, margin sharply cut 
and toothed; smooth both sides. Generally branching from the ground. 
30.—Acer grandidentatum, Nuttall. 
A small and rather rare tree,found growing along water courses in 
western Montana and southern New Mexico (also in eastern Arizona 
and central Utah). it is seldom more than 20 feet in height and 4 to 10 
inches in diameter. The wood is heavy and hard. 
Description.—Leaves heart-shaped or cut straight across (truncate) at the base, 
somewhat deeply 3-lobed ; divisions sharp-pointed and mostly entire, but occasionally 
with few coarse teeth; velvety on the under surface, or sometimes smooth, 
306.—BOX-ELDER. ASH-LEAVED MAPLE. (Negundo aceroides, Meench.) 
One of our most widely-distributed forest trees, occurring throughout 
the Rocky Mountain region at elevations between 5,000 and 6,000 feet 
(east of the Rockies to the Atlantic coast, and north of the U.S. bound- 
ary), preferring the more southerly ranges. It is adapted to a variety 
of soil conditions, but generally attains its best dimensions on moist bot- 
tom-lands and along streams. Commonly 30 to 60 feet in height and i to 
3 feet indiameter. As an ornamental treeitis quite popular, being easily 
handled and reaching a desirable size in a comparatively short time. * 
The wood is of rather an inferior quality, being light, soft, and lacking 
in Strength. - It is little used for manufacturing purposes, except occa- 
sionally for interior lumber, and to some extent in turnery, cooperage, 
and for paper-pulp. 
Description.— Leaves compound, composed mostly of 3 (sometimes 5) leaflets, which 
are ovate, pointed, often with entire margin, but usnally coarsely toothed, and strongly 
veined; smooth or occasionally downy on the under surface. The flowers appear in 
advance of the ieaves, and hang down in green, tassel-like clusters. The seeds are 
usually very abundant, and have long, curved, veiny wings, and hang in thick elus- 
ters on long slender stems. Young branches greenish. 

*It is also desirable as an admixture in forest planting, the heavy foliage furnish- 
ing a good soil cover. 

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