Preface

In presenting this volume, the author is aware that there are several excellent books, dealing with one phase or another of tree life, already before the public. It is believed, however, that there is still need for an all-round book, adapted to the beginner, which gives in a brief and not too technical way the most important facts concerning the identification, structure and uses of our more common trees, and which considers their habits, enemies and care both when growing alone and when growing in groups or forests.

In the chapters on the identification of trees, the aim has been to bring before the student only such characters and facts as shall help him to distinguish the tree readily during all seasons of the year. Special stress is laid in each case on the most striking peculiarities. Possible confusion with other trees of similar appearance is prevented as far as possible through comparisons with trees of like form or habit.

Only such information is given concerning the structure and requirements of trees as will enable the reader better to understand the subsequent chapters. In the second half of the book, practical application is made of the student’s general knowledge thus acquired, and he is acquainted with the fundamental principles of planting, care, forestry, wood identification and nature study.

The author recognizes the vastness of the field he is attempting to cover and the impossibility of even touching, in a small hand-book of this character, on every phase of tree study. He presumes no further; yet he hopes that by adhering to what is salient and by eliminating the less important, though possibly interesting, facts, he is able to offer a general and elementary résumé of the whole subject of value to students, private owners, farmers and teachers.

In the preparation of Chapter VIII on “Our Common Woods: Their Identification, Properties and Uses,” considerable aid has been received from Prof. Samuel J. Record, author of “Economic Woods of the United States.” Acknowledgment is also due to the U. S. Forest Service for the photographs used in Figs. 18, 122 to 138 inclusive and 142; to Dr. George B. Sudworth, Dendrologist of the U. S. Forest Service, for checking up the nomenclature in the lists of trees under Chapter V; to Dr. E. P. Felt, Entomologist of the State of New York, for suggestions in the preparation of the section of the book relating to insects; to Dr. W. A. Murrill, Assistant Director of the New York Botanical Gardens, for Fig. 108; and to Mr. Hermann W. Merkel, Chief Forester of the New York Zoological Park, for Figs. 26, 59 and 60.

Contents

1. Chapter I
   How To Identify Trees
2. 1. The Pines
   2. The Spruce and Hemlock
   3. The Red Cedar and Arbor-Vitae
3. Chapter II
   How To Identify Trees (Continued)
4. 1. The Larch and Cypress
   2. The Horsechestnut, Ash, and Maple
   3. Trees Told by their Form
   4. Trees Told by their Bark or Trunk
   5. The Oaks and Chestnut
5. Chapter III
   How To Identify Trees (Continued)
6. 1. The Hickories, Walnut, and Butternut
   2. Tulip Tree, Sweet Gum, Linden, Magnolia, Locust, Catalpa, Dogwood, Mulberry, and Osage Orange
7. Chapter IV
   The Structure And Requirements Of Trees
8. Chapter V
   What Trees To Plant And How
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