TREES AND FORESTRY 



Prepared for use with the Jesup Collection of North American 



Woods 



INTRODUCTION 



THE Morris K. Jesup Collection of North American Trees, in the 

 Forestry Hall of the American Museum of Natural History, is 

 designed for the student, artisan and forester, and for the man 

 commercially interested in woods, as well as for those who enjoy familiarity 

 with the woodland and wish to increase their enjoyment by extending their 

 familiarity. 



The collection was begun by Mr. Jesup in 1880, and throughout his 

 presidency of twenty-seven years, it received his constant attention. Indeed, 

 in its completeness and attractiveness, its scientific correctness and educa- 

 tional value, it is a splendid example of what he desired an exhibition in a 

 scientific and educational institution to be. In its now practically perfected 

 condition, it displays in related groups or families more than five hundred 

 species of the trees of North America. Each tree is represented by a sec- 

 tion of trunk 5 feet high, cut lengthwise radially 2\ feet, the cut surface show- 

 ing the color and graining of the quartered lumber in its natural and polished 

 state (see Figs. 2, .">, 6 and 42). Also for the more common trees, there is 

 a separate piece of the wood which may be handled and tested for light- 

 ness, softness, resonance, odor and other qualities. 



One of the most remarkable features of the collection lies in its accom- 

 panying models of tree leaves, flowers and fruits (see ("over and Figs. 1, 

 2, .">, I) and 42). So perfectly are the representations executed that it is 

 often impossible to discover even by careful scrutiny how much may be 

 original and how much reproduced. There are flowers of the decorative 

 magnolias, of basswood interesting to bee keepers, curious fruits of sassa- 

 fras, persimmon, and Osage orange, autumn foliage of oak, sweet gum and 

 sumach. 



This leaflet is designed to accompany the Jesup Collection of Woods, 

 emphasizing its great commercial value by adding practical suggestions for 

 the growth of trees. It presents the status of the forest conservation ques- 

 tion in the sear 1910. 



