ntal sycamore is used quite extensively in its place,
especially as a shade tree. The Oriental sycamore is superior to the
native species in many ways. It is more shapely, faster growing, and
hardier than the native one. Both sycamores will bear transplanting
and pruning well.

[Illustration: FIG. 51.--Bark of the Black or Sweet Birch.]

Commercial value: The wood of the sycamore is coarse-grained and hard to
work; used occasionally for inside finishing in buildings.

Other names: _Buttonball_, _buttonwood_.

Comparisons: The _Oriental sycamore_ (_Platanus orientalis_) an
introduced species, is apt to be confused with the Occidental
sycamore, but may be told from the latter by the number of seed
balls suspended from the tree. In the case of the Oriental species,
the seed balls hang in _pairs_ or (rarely) three or four together.
In the Occidental, the seed balls are generally _solitary_ and very
rarely in pairs.

GRAY OR WHITE BIRCH (_Betula populifolia_)

Distinguishing characters: The *dull-white color of the bark* on the
trunk and the _dark triangular patches below the insertion of the
branches_ distinguish this tree; see Fig. 50. The bark of the young
trunks and branches is reddish-brown in color and glossy. The bark
adheres closely to the trunk of the tree and does not peel in loose,
shaggy strips, as in the case of the yellow or golden birch. It is
marked by small raised horizontal lines which are the lenticels or
breathing pores. These lenticels are characteristic of all birch and
cherry trees. In addition to the distinction in the color of the
bark, an important character which distinguishes the gray birch from
all other species of birch, is found in the *terminal twigs*, which
are *rough* to the touch.

Form and size: A small tree. Frequently grows in clumps.

Range: Eastern United States.

Soil and location: The gray birch does best in a deep, rich soil, but
will also grow in poor soils.

Enemies: The _bronze-birch borer_, a wood-destroying insect, and
_Polyporus betulinus_, a fungus, are its chief enemies.

Value for planting: Its graceful habit and attractive bark gives the
tree an important place in ornamental planting. It may be used to
advantage with evergreens, and produces a charming effect when
planted by itself in clumps.

[Illustration: FIG. 52.--Bark of the Beech.]

[Illustrat