The black or sweet birch (Betula lenta) has a bark similar to
    the gray birch, except that its color is dark gray.  See Fig. 51.  The
    twigs have an aromatic taste.

[Illustration:  FIG. 54.—­Trunk of Blue Beech.]

[Illustration:  FIG. 55.—­Bark of the Ironwood.]

    The yellow birch (Betula lutea) has a yellowish or golden bark
    which constantly peels in thin, ragged, horizontal films.

The European white birch (Betula alba) has a dull-white bark like the native white birch, but has smooth terminal twigs instead of rough ones.  It is commonly seen in the United States on lawns and in parks.

AMERICAN BEECH (Fagus americana)

Distinguishing characters:  The close-fitting, smooth, gray bark will
    tell this tree from all others except the red maple and yellow-wood. 
    See Fig. 52.  The red maple may then be easily eliminated by noting
    whether the branches are alternate or opposite.  They are alternate
    in the beech and opposite in the maple.  The yellow-wood may be
    eliminated by noting the size of the bud.  The bud in the
    yellow-wood is hardly noticeable and of a golden yellow color, while
    that of the beech is very long, slender, and sharp-pointed, and
    chestnut brown in color.  See Fig. 53.

Form and size:  It grows tall in the woods, but on the open lawn spreads
    out into a massive, round-headed tree.

Range:  Eastern Canada and United States.

Soil and location:  Prefers a rich, well-drained soil, but will grow in
    any good soil.

Enemies:  Aphides or plant lice that suck the sap from the leaves in
    spring and early summer are the chief enemies of the tree.

Value for planting:  The pleasing color of its bark, its fine spread of
    branches, which gracefully droop down to the ground, and its
    autumnal coloring, make the beech a favorite for lawn and park
    planting.  The several European species of beech are equally
    charming.

[Illustration:  FIG. 56.—­Bark of the Hackberry.]

Commercial value:  The wood is strong, close-grained, and tough.  It is
    used mainly for cooperage, tool handles, shoe lasts, chairs, etc.,
    and for fuel.

Other characters:  The fruit is a prickly burr encasing a sharply
    triangular nut which is sweet and edible.

Comparisons:  The European beech (Fagus sylvatica), and its weeping,
    purple-leaved, and fern-leaved varieties, are frequently met with in
    parks and may be told from the native species by its darker bark. 
    The weeping form may, of course, be told readily by its drooping
    branches.  The leaves of the European beeches are broader and less
    serrated than those of the American beech.