Commercial value: Because its wood is strong and durable the larch is valuable for poles, posts, railroad ties, and in shipbuilding. [Illustration: FIG. 16.--Twig of the Cypress.] Other characters: The _fruit_ is a small cone about one inch long, adhering to the tree throughout the winter. [Illustration: FIG. 17.--The Bald Cypress.] Comparisons: The tree is apt to be confused with the _American larch_, also known as _tamarack_ and _hackmatack_, but differs from it in having longer leaves, cones twice as large and more abundant and branches which are more pendulous. The larch differs from the bald cypress in the broader form of its crown and the cluster-like arrangement of its leaves. The twigs of the bald cypress are flat and feathery. The larch and bald cypress have the common characteristics of both shedding their leaves in winter and preferring to grow in moist or swampy soils. The larch, especially the native species, forms the well-known tamarack swamps of the north. The bald cypress grows in a similar way in groups in the southern swamps. BALD CYPRESS (_Taxodium distichum_) Distinguishing characters: The *feathery character* of the *twigs*, Fig. 16, and the *spire-like form* of the tree, Fig. 17, which is taller and more slender than the larch, will distinguish this species from others. [Illustration: FIG. 18.--Cypress "Knees."] Leaf: The leaves drop off in October, though the tree is of the cone-bearing kind. In this respect it is like the larch. Form and size: Tall and pyramidal. Range: The cypress is a southern tree, but is found under cultivation in parks and on lawns in northern United States. Soil and location: Grows naturally in swamps, but will also do well in ordinary well-drained, good soil. In its natural habitat it sends out special roots above water. These are known as "_cypress knees_" (Fig. 18) and serve to provide air to the submerged roots of the tree. Enemies: None of importance. Value for planting: An excellent tree for park and lawn planting. Commercial value: The wood is light, soft, and easily worked. It is used for general construction, interior finish, railroad ties, posts and cooperage. Other characters: The _bark_ is thin and scaly. The _fruit_ is a cone about an inch in diameter. The general _color_ of the tree is a dull, deep green which, however, turns orange brown in the fall. Comparisons: The cypress and the larch are apt to be confused, especially in the winter, when the leaves of both have dropped. The cypress is more slender and is taller in form. The leaves of each are very different, as will be seen from the accompanying illustrations. GROUP V. THE HORSECHESTNUT, ASH AND MAPLE