There are nine recognized species of larch and two of bald cypress. The larch is characteristically a northern tree, growing in the northern and mountainous regions of the northern hemisphere from the Arctic circle to Pennsylvania in the New World, and in Central Europe, Asia, and Japan in the Old World. It forms large forests in the Alps of Switzerland and France. The European larch and not the American is the principal species considered here, because it is being planted extensively in this country and in most respects is preferable to the American species. The bald cypress is a southern tree of ancient origin, the well-known cypress of Montezuma in the gardens of Chepultepec having been a species of Taxodium. The tree is now confined to the swamps and river banks of the South Atlantic and Gulf States, where it often forms extensive forests to the exclusion of all other trees. In those regions along the river swamps, the trees are often submerged for several months of the year. How to tell them from each other: In summer the larch may be told from the cypress by its leaves (compare Figs. 14 and 16). In winter the two can be distinguished by their characteristic forms. The larch is a broader tree as compared with the cypress and its form is more conical. The cypress is more slender and it is taller. The two have been grouped together in this study because they are both coniferous trees and, unlike the other Conifers, are both deciduous, their leaves falling in October. [Illustration: FIG. 14.--Twig of the Larch in Summer.] THE EUROPEAN LARCH (_Larix europaea_) Distinguishing characters: Its leaves, which are needle-shaped and about an inch long, are borne in *clusters* close to the twig, Fig. 14. There are many leaves to each cluster. This characteristic together with the *spire-like* form of the crown will distinguish the tree at a glance. Leaf: The leaves are of a light-green color but become darker in the spring and in October turn yellow and drop off. The cypress, which is described below, is another cone-bearing tree which sheds its leaves in winter. [Illustration: FIG. 15.--Twig of the Larch in Winter.] Form and size: A medium-sized tree with a conical head and a straight and tapering trunk. (See Fig. 90.) Range: Central Europe and eastern and central United States. Soil and location: Requires a deep, fresh, well-drained soil and needs plenty of light. It flourishes in places where our native species would die. Grows very rapidly. Enemies: The larch is subject to the attacks of a _sawfly_, which has killed many trees of the American species. A _fungus_ (_Trametes pini_) which causes the tree to break down with ease is another of its enemies. Value for planting: A well-formed tree for the lawn. It is also useful for group planting in the forest.