TREE SKIN

WHILE SITTING ON BOB'S FRONT PORCH, WE WERE COMMENTING ON TWO
WHITE BIRCH TREES IN FRONT OF HIS HOME. BOB TOLD ME THAT FROM
WHAT HE HAD UNDERSTOOD, THE INDIANS USED TO WRAP THE TREES WITH
BUCKSKIN. WHEN THE SUN HIT IT, THE SKINS TURNED WHITE AND
ADHERED TO THE TREE. AS TIME WENT ON, ALL OF THE OFFSHOOTS OF THESE
PARTICULAR TREES TOOK THIS AS AN HEREDITARY TRAIT. AND THAT IS
WHY WE HAVE WHITE BIRCH TREES.

Submitter comment: BOB SAID THAT HE HAD HEARD THIS TALE FROM A GUIDE ON A HUNTING
TRIP IN THE U.P.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): ETIOLOGICAL

Date learned: 07-22-1964