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intern 16 December 81

Sho/t ! (X'itUy

Jersey Cape NATL)RALLY

by Anne Gall'l

I have a friend who loves trees. "Come on," she’ll »y, and whisk me away to see the biggest that...the oldest this...and the only one of a kind rarity. Off I’ll go because I ehjoy her company, like to be outside and who knows what you’ll find (like a good bird in ' that tree). 1 must confess though that trees aren’t

really my thing.

In summer that is. Come winter and trees take on a special appeal and challenge.'Why* I’m not sure. Maybe its because a winter tree, devoid of concealing foliage shows its true character. The subtle detail* of bark color and texture, grpwth form, branch 'pattern, seeds, fruits and pods are revealed.

1 I enjoy identifying the various species as I drive along the Parkway. Easy to get the pin oaks which have downcurved petticoat forming lower branches.

sumacs, clumped together in patches with their pert red i fruit clusters standing upright at attention. The hanging *' * 1 fruits of sweet gum, resembling miniature balls studded

with dunce’s ca^s, are distinctive.

On closer inspection many trees may be identified by their twigs and buds Not only are size, shape color and texture important, but also taste, smell, pith, sap degree of straightness and attached objects such as fruit or thorns I really like winter trees. Maybe its because to learn them you really have to look close at all details, really get to know them. Or maybe its because I don’t like

green

Mistletoe Traditional Mistletoe (a parasitic plant) is a part of many old traditions reaching back to the time of the-Druids, the priests of the Ancient Celts, who are said to have cut mistletoe from' the Sacred Oak on which it grew and distributed pieces to the people as magic charms. AFTER THE establishment of Christianity, Mistletoe, although never included in . Church Services, (perhaps , because of its Pagan background) still was used among the English during the Christmas Season as part of their home decoration and to enhance the merriment with the kissing custom. No girl caught standing under the mistletoe coUld refuse to be . kissed and oddly enough, few girls madoany effort to avoid ttys pleasant trap. This delightful custom was brought to the early American Colonies in Ihe South by English settlers and gradually spread throughout the country.

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Anne Galli Is asst, director of the Wetlands Institute.

Holiday Decorating

Evergreens and berried shrubs in your garden can provide a variety of attractive materials for making wreaths, door swags, table centerpieces, and other holiday decorations. These freshly cut branches should keep well either indoors or outside.

According to Larry Newbold, County Agricultural Agent, japanese yew, white pine, spruce, and fir are very durable for door swags or wreaths, and will last for weeks indoors in a centerpiece if the cut ends are inserted into plastic foam blocks. Add twigs of blue

spruce, blue Atlas cedar, American holly, boxwood, or Hinoki cypress for interesting color and texture. If your garderr does not yet include some of these useful evergreens and berried shrubs, plan to plant some next spring fqp--color in the garden and ftfr future holiday decorations.

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The Year ‘Round

End the great gift hunt with a beautiful collection of Cashmeres and your Christmas wish will be complete, in winter cashmere is lightweight but retains a constant body temperature. One of the nicest ways to keep worm. Its extreme softness is non-irritating to the most sensitive skin. Natural Cashmere Fleece , makes the loveliest of all the luxurious