lder it is the _greenish color of its
terminal twig_.

The form of the tree and the leaves are also characteristic in each
of the maples, but for the beginner who does not wish to be burdened
with too many of these facts at one time, those just enumerated
will be found most certain and most easily followed.

[Illustration: FIG. 20.--Opposite Branching (Horsechestnut.)]

THE HORSECHESTNUT
(_Aesculus hippocastanum_)

Distinguishing characters: The *sticky* nature of the *terminal bud* and
its *large size* (about an inch long). The bud is dark brown in
color. See Fig. 20.

Leaf: Five to seven leaflets, usually seven. Fig. 21.

Form and size: Medium-sized tree, pyramidal head and coarse twigs.

Range: Europe and eastern United States.

Soil and location: Prefers a deep, rich soil.

Enemies: The leaves are the favorite food of caterpillars and are
subject to a blight which turns them brown prematurely. The trunk is
often attacked by a disease which causes the flow of a slimy
substance.

Value for planting: On account of its showy flowers, the horsechestnut
is a favorite for the park and lawn.

Commercial value: The wood is not durable and is not used commercially.

Other characters: The _flowers_ appear in large white clusters in May
and June. The _fruit_ is large, round, and prickly.

[Illustration: FIG. 21.--Leaf of the Horsechestnut.]

Comparisons: The _red horsechestnut_ differs from this tree in having
red flowers. The _buckeye_ is similar to the horsechestnut, but its
bud is not sticky and is of a lighter gray color, while the leaf
generally has only five leaflets.

THE WHITE ASH (_Fraxinus americana_)

Distinguishing characters: The terminal *twigs* of glossy olive green
color are *flattened* below the bud. Fig. 22. The bud is
rusty-brown.

[Illustration: FIG. 22.--Twig of White Ash.]

Leaf: Five to nine leaflets. Fig. 23.

Form and size: A large tree with a straight trunk.

Range: Eastern North America.

Soil and location: Rich, moist soil.

Enemies: In cities it is very often attacked by sucking insects.

Value for planting: The white ash grows rapidly. On account of its
insect enemies in cities, it should be used more for forest planting
and only occasionally for ornament.

Commercial value: It has a heavy, tough, and strong wood, which is
valuable in the manufacture of cooperage stock, agricultural