EUROPEAN WHITE BIRCH (Betula alba, Linn.). The prin cipal fuel tree in many parts of northern Europe. Not seen in America except in horticultural varieties, which are daintier and far more beautiful than their commonplace parent.
Cut-leaved White Birch is variety laciniata, a tall, graceful, pyramidal tree, with small, shining, triangular leaves variously lobed and cleft into narrow divisions; petioles slim, flexible, giving the foliage mass the trembling habit of aspens. Bark white, easily peeling horizontally, revealing dark under layers. Care must be taken to prevent cutting or bruising of this thin outer coating, one of the chief attractions of a fine park or lawn specimen tree.
Weeping White Birch is variety pendula, with long, slim, flexible branches whose twigs sweep downward, and look like those of the weeping willow. There are cut-leaved forms of this variety, that add delicacy to the shining, tremulous foli age mass. Nurserymen readily supply these beautiful birches which are easily grown in the cooler regions of the United States. They are adapted to city and town use, for they occupy little space, and bear the closest inspection. and they have no bad habits.