How to tell them from other trees: The horsechestnut, ash, and maple have their branches and buds arranged on their stems *opposite* each other as shown in Figs. 20, 22 and 24. In other trees, this arrangement is *alternate*, as shown in Fig. 19. How to tell these three from each other. If the bud is large--an inch to an inch and a half long--dark brown, and _sticky_, it is a _horsechestnut_. If the bud is _not sticky_, much smaller, and _rusty brown to black_ in color, and the ultimate twigs, of an olive green color, are _flattened_ at points below the buds, it is an _ash_. [Illustration: FIG. 19.--Alternate Branching (Beech.)] If it is not a horsechestnut nor an ash and its small buds have many scales covering them, the specimen with branches and buds opposite must then be a _maple_. Each of the maples has one character which distinguishes it from all the other maples. For the sugar maple, this distinguishing character is the _sharp point of the bud_. For the silver maple it is the _bend in the terminal twig_. For the red maple it is the _smooth gray-colored bark_. For the Norway maple it is the _reddish brown color of the full, round bud_, and for the box elder it is the _greenish color of its terminal twig_. The form of the tree and the leaves are also characteristic in each of the maples, but for the beginner who does not wish to be burdened with too many of these facts at one time, those just enumerated will be found most certain and most easily followed. [Illustration: FIG. 20.--Opposite Branching (Horsechestnut.)] THE HORSECHESTNUT (_Aesculus hippocastanum_) Distinguishing characters: The *sticky* nature of the *terminal bud* and its *large size* (about an inch long). The bud is dark brown in color. See Fig. 20. Leaf: Five to seven leaflets, usually seven. Fig. 21. Form and size: Medium-sized tree, pyramidal head and coarse twigs. Range: Europe and eastern United States. Soil and location: Prefers a deep, rich soil. Enemies: The leaves are the favorite food of caterpillars and are subject to a blight which turns them brown prematurely. The trunk is often attacked by a disease which causes the flow of a slimy substance. Value for planting: On account of its showy flowers, the horsechestnut is a favorite for the park and lawn. Commercial value: The wood is not durable and is not used commercially. Other characters: The _flowers_ appear in large white clusters in May and June. The _fruit_ is large, round, and prickly. [Illustration: FIG. 21.--Leaf of the Horsechestnut.] Comparisons: The _red horsechestnut_ differs from this tree in having red flowers. The _buckeye_ is similar to the horsechestnut, but its bud is not sticky and is of a lighter gray color, while the leaf generally has only five leaflets. THE WHITE ASH (_Fraxinus americana_)