(18) THE COMMON SYCAMORE

The COMMON SYCAMORE or false plane (Acer Pseudo-Platanus, L.), the plane-tree of Scotland, is a large tree naturalized in Britian, though seldom attaining the height of those already mentioned. It withstands the sea and mountain breezes better than most other timber trees, and is often planted near farm-houses and cottages in exposed localities for the sake of its dense foliage.

Its wood is valued in turnery, for cups, bowls, and pattern blocks. It produces abundance of seeds, and is easily raised, but it requires good and tolerably dry soil; it will not thrive on stiff clays nor on dry sands or chalks.

The Norway maple (A. platanoides, L.) is a hardy tree, used as a breakwind in exposed situations o n the east coast; but neither it nor the other species from Europe or America seems to deserve cultivation for the sake of its timber.

The sugar maple (A. saccharinum, L.) forms extensive forests in North America. It has been introduced into Britain for a century, but is rather tender, and requires a dry sheltered situation. It is propagated by imported seeds, and it is doubtful if it can be profitably cultivated in this country.






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