35. The Silver Maple. The one which naturally comes next in the list is the silver, soft, or white maple, as it is variously termed. From the ground up to the topmost leaf the whole character of this tree suggests the word thoroughbred. Clean-cut, refined, strong, and healthy in every detail, the silver maple is a thing of beauty and might truly be called the acme of perfection in tree life. Its name is derived from the fact that the under side of the leaf is silvery white. The upper side being dark green gives a beautiful effect when the wind stirs the foliage, which as a whole has the grace and drooping effect of the American elm.
Fig. 91.
The Silver Maple The Red Maple
This description does not always fit, however, as it is planted extensively in cities where horses gnaw the fine bark; smoke, soot, and coal gas discolor the leaves; and the caterpillars complete the work of destroying its beauty. Yet it still lives, even if it does not thrive under such harsh treatment. Its wood is white, soft, and not very valuable.
36. The Red Maple. A relative of the silver maple and one which might be mistaken for it is the red, swamp, or wild maple. It is this tree which displays the brightest reds in autumn. Referring to the sketch it will be seen that the leaf is smaller and three-fingered instead of five, as in the silver variety. The stem of this leaf is also red during the entire season, as if it could not wait for autumn.
Fig. 92. The Sycamore Maple
37. The Sycamore Maple. In the rows on rows of maples so common in our towns and cities one will often find a leaf larger, heavier, and coarser than any of the others. This variety, like the Norway, is an importation from Europe, known as the sycamore maple because of its resemblance to the sycamore leaf. It is easily identified by its large size, coarseness, the very long, thick red stem, and by the fact that its entire edge is finely toothed,—in which point it differs from all the foregoing varieties. Its value as a shade tree is nearly equal to the Norway, and in Europe it is often planted in preference to all other maples.