OFTEM
UNIVERSITY

THE

AMERICAN HANDBOOK

OF

ORNAMENTAL TREES.

THE

AMERICAN HANDBOOK

ORNAMENTAL TREES.

BY

THOMAS MEEHAN,

' GARDENER.

PHILADELPHIA:
LIPPINCOTT, GRAMBO, AND CO.

1853.

Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1853, by

LIPPINCOTT, GRAMBO, AND CO.,

in the Office of the Clerk of the District Court of the United States
in and for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

GIFT

Mf

TO

JOHN BAKTHAM,

PATRIARCH

AMERICAN ARBORICULTURE.

1*

R/J772690

ADVERTISEMENT.

A SMALL work on the hardy ornamental
trees in cultivation, has long been a desidera-
tum.

The literature of other countries is well
represented in this respect ; the author offers
the present volume as a small advance to-
wards placing America in the same position.

His original design was to bring out a small
volume for the numerous admirers of the in-
defatigable Botanist, BARTRAM, describing
the trees now growing in his far-famed old
botanic garden. After the notes were pre-
pared for this object, he was induced by the
kind encouragement of his friends, and in the
face of a great public want, to throw them
into their present form. In order to make

Vlll ADVERTISEMENT.

the work of standard accuracy, nothing has
been admitted into the body of the work that
has not been the result of the personal ex-
perience of the author. 'No tree is described
as being in cultivation which the author has
not himself seen ; and in most cases, the reader
is referred to the tree, with its height and
dimensions, from which the description is
taken. The Appendix at the end of the work
contains principally those trees which, though
in cultivation, are too small to form a correct
estimate of their value in ornamental garden-
ing.

The work is offered solely as an aid in
practical affairs, without any high pretension
to its being a contribution to scientific litera-
ture. Hence the arrangement is alphabetical
and the descriptions are brief. The botani-
cal characters are for the most part compiled
from various authors. In the Pinacece,
London has been principally consulted. The
references to the natural orders are to those

ADVERTISEMENT. ix

as developed by Lindley in the " Vegetable
Kingdom," on the system of Endlicher, which
is now generally followed by botanists. The
rest of the work is entirely original. If any
resemblance is observed between the author's
remarks and the writings of others, it must
be attributed to his earlier studies, which
have become so blended with his observation
and experience, as to make what perhaps
properly belonged to others originally, now
seem to him to be his own.

The nomenclature is not probably what a
scientific writer would adopt, no particular
author being exclusively followed. In a
work intended for extensive popular use, it
was thought better to adhere to popular
names ; and, as the names of the authors of
both the generic and specific terms are given
in full with each name, no confusion can
arise on that score.

.Having said thus much of his work, the
author would gladly lay down his pen. But

X ADVERTISEMENT.

lie cannot rule out the claims of the public
to know something of the man who presumes
to offer rules for its guidance. He would
briefly state that, reared from infancy amongst
extensive collections of trees, they became by
circumstances as well as by taste the study
and the hobby of his riper years. These
advantages, together with a two years' study
of trees in the celebrated gardens at Kew,
with the subsequent practice of his know-
ledge in many superior establishments,
amongst which he would here enumerate
Eosedale, the nursery of Eobert Buist; Bart-
ram Botanic Gardens, now the property of A.
M. Eastwick, Esq., and Springbrook, the
country-seat of Caleb Cope, Esq., are, as he
trusts, sufficient to induce him to appear with-
out presumption before the public in an
author's capacity.

He would here farther return his thanks
to his numerous friends for their kind assist-
ance. Particularly to Dr. "William Darling-

ADVERTISEMENT. xi

ton, of West Chester, at whose suggestion the
work was originally begun. To A. M. East-
wick, Esq., to whom not only the author, but
the public at large are indebted for the zeal-
ous care and watchful jealousy with which
everything connected with the finest collec-
tion of full-grown trees in the country is
preserved ; to Caleb Cope, Esq., the ex-Presi-
dent of the Pennsylvania Horticultural So-
ciety, he is also indebted for much valuable
information and suggestions, as well as to
Thomas P. James, Esq., Secretary of the same
institution, Messrs. E. Buist, of Eosedale, and
John Evans, of Eadnor.

PHILADELPHIA, September 23, 1853.

INTRODUCTION.

TREES are essential to an American home.
The frame building, the first pointer to the
young mechanic in his arduous path towards
an honorable independence, is imperfect with-
out the idea of shade trees surrounding it.
And when, as he proceeds onwards, pros-
perity and plenty, smiling on his genius and
on his talents, suggest the idea of a suburban
residence, he dwells with pleasure on the
vast variety of ornamental flowering trees,
producing each month a succession of beauti-
ful novelties, clothed with an endless variety of
ever-changing foliage, administering equally
shade and shelter for the body with food and
enjoyment for the mind, which are pictured
with it. Perhaps fortune has chosen him
2

INTRODUCTION.

one of her special favorites. He becomes a
man of wealth. Being a man of taste, en-
dowed with an active sympathy for the charms
of nature ; alive to the keenest relish for land-
scape- beauties ; he has seen in his travels
some of the fairest specimens of nature's
handiwork in forest scenery, and resolved
on forming a country-seat where he

" with unsparing hand,

May cull the beauties of each land,
And blend them in that favored spot,"

and aim at producing in one whole a pleasing
picture of garden scenery, out of the mate-
rials nature has scattered so bountifully in
various parts of the world.

To aid the mechanic in the choite of pro-
per trees for his dwelling, and in their pro-
per treatment ; to assist the active business
man in most effectually embellishing his
residence, and combining the most beautiful
with the most useful, and to point out to the

INTRODUCTION. XV

retired citizen the principles by which the
most pleasing effects from trees can be derived,
as well as the most successful modes of rear-
ing, planting, and cultivating them, are not
among the least aims of the author ; and are,
as he believes, compatible with the original
and main design, as already stated.

HANDBOOK

OF

ORNAMENTAL TREES.

I. OF PROPER SOIL.

1. EACH kind of tree lias a soil peculiarly
its own. In that soil it will do better than
any other tree. The subject, then, is one of
some moment.

2. Science may some day explain this with
exactness; practice and experiment have
taught us chiefly what we know so far.
They have taught us that an oak, beautiful
on our neighbor's clayey soil, would lan-
guish in our light sandy loam ; and a pine
on ours — "the envied of all beholders" —
would be as equally uneasy on his stiff
ground. We have been enabled to learn
what trees are well adapted to certain soils —
in what soil any given tree will do well.

3

26 AMEBICAN HANDBOOK

3. This is of more importance to the man
of small means, than to the man of fortune.
The latter can have any tree he chooses, be-
cause he can make the soil to suit. The
other cannot afford the expense — he must
select the tree that suits his soil.

4. To illustrate the evil of inattention to
soil, take the silver maples employed as shade
trees in Philadelphia; where they are more
generally used than any other tree. You
may find it in every situation, till you be-
lieve that shade tree and silver maple are
considered synonymous. For ground wet or
dry, for soils light or heavy, it is all the
same. Thus, it often finds itself in circum-
stances every way unsuited to it. The
leaves become small; the growth short and
meagre; the trunk hide-bound, and the
branches covered with mosses and lichens.
They live and grow — perhaps for years — but
never to satisfaction. Scores of such speci-
mens may be seen at any time in our
streets. The blame is too often thrown
on the wrong source. The nurseryman is
charged with selling bad trees, and the re-
medy sought for in trees purchased from

OF OKNAMENTAL TREES. 27

another dealer, "which also, in their turn,
must follow them."

5. The number of species and varieties is
now so great, that a fine collection of trees
may be had in even a piece of ground with
one uniform soil. Variety is generally pleas-
ing ; and the smallest lot might as well have
its half-dozen trees of different kinds, as in
one monotonous sameness. If one tree only
be wanted, I prefer it to be different from
one's neighbor's adjoining. In addition to
the charm of variety, which is added to the
pleasure of the shade, emulation has here an
innocent outlet for its course, which will not
fail to bring its gratifying reward.

6. One objection to variety, so far as
shade trees are concerned, is its cost. A
nurseryman can afford to sell a quantity of
one thing for less, than for small lots of dif-
ferent ones. But, on reflection, few would
be willing to forego the pleasure of that
variety which is one of the charms of natu-
ral beauty — one of the means by which we
contrast that which is superior with that
which is beneath — and rest satisfied with the
only change brought by the seasons, and the

28 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

only pleasure that brought by its shade,
when a trifling cost in the original outlay
will " add all these things unto them." The
saving of a dollar in a gratification which is
expected to last for life, is a consideration
which will have little weight when duly
reflected on. A little extra expense in a
selection of trees, a little extra thought on
appropriating each to its most proper soil,
and a little extra care bestowed on their
removal and replanting, will be amply repaid
in the future beauty, variety, health, and
luxuriousness of shade trees.

II. ON THE CHOICE OF TREES.

7. For shade trees it is considered advan-
tageous to possess the property of trans-
planting easily. This is a great reason why
certain trees become so popular in some dis-
tricts as to give them a character. But, in
reality, there are no trees difficult to trans-
plant. When the true principles of the ope-
ration are understood, a beech may be trans-
planted as easily as an ailanthus, or a sour-

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 29

gum as a maple. This I hope to make plain
to the reader as we proceed.

8. In choosing trees, prefer those raised
in a nursery to those growing naturally in
the woods. Most persons are aware of the
difficulty of getting the latter to do well. A
glance at the nature of roots will teach us
the reason. There are two sets of roots to
most trees, perhaps to all. One consists of
fibres, the sole office of which is to draw mat-
ter from the soil for the use of the tree ; the
other of true roots, which extend and keep
the tree in its position, affording at the same
time channels for the conveyance of the
matter absorbed by the fibres. This distinc-
tion must be well noted. Fibres, as I have
repeatedly proved, are annual, dying out
after a season's service. New fibres make
their appearance as the extending roots
grow; and are, consequently, farther away
from the collar of the tree in proportion to
its age.

9. The roots of trees have their peculiari-
ties of divarication as well as the branches.
Some trees grow erect, or horizontal, making
few side shoots, and looking always sparse

30 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

and thin ; others branch and re-branch in
every direction. So it is with their roots.
The sour-gnm throws out a few strong roots,
scarcely making a single fork; while the
linden throws out an abundance of rootlets
in every direction. If we attempt to take
up a specimen of the former by the common
practice, that is, by opening a trench but a
few feet from the trunk, we find that though
we may have a great many roots, we have
very few or no fibres. They are left with
the roots in the ground, at their extremities.
Such a tree is reduced to the condition of a
mere cutting, and without the treatment pro-
per for a cutting, cannot grow. Trees taken
up by the same mode, that have an abund-
ance of branching roots, are more likely to
have fibres near the stem, and so succeed.
This constitutes the chief difference between
a tree that will " remove easily" and one
which will not.

10. It should be an early inquiry whether
a tree proposed to be transplanted have the
above-mentioned conditions of success or
not. A tree from a nursery has been trans-
planted when very young, perhaps several

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 31

times. The repeated cuttings off of the
young roots cause them to branch out nu-
merously, attended, of course, by an abund-
ance of fibres. That is exactly the tree for
the planter. Trees from the woods will be
in a worse case. Where they are particu-
larly desired, there are two ways of pro-
cedure. We may dig out a space two feet
deep, at from four to six feet from the trunk
of the tree, according to its size, which will
cut all the roots to that depth. Immediately
replace the earth, into which they will fibre.
The following year the tree may be removed
with safety. In the other case, the roots
should be followed to their extremities, the
fibres gathered together carefully, and rolled
up with the roots towards the trunk of the
tree, where they can be protected from in-
jury. The ball of earth on which so much
care is given to cultivate trees, is of little
importance in this case. There being but
few fibres at the base, the ball can be of slight
service, while it materially adds to the ex-
pense, and is actually a drawback by render-
ing the tree more unmanageable.

11. In these two modes of removal, sue-

32 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

cess greatly depends upon the operator; a
careful, persevering, determined hand, per-
forms more, and with better results, than a
hasty, undecided, and unpractical individual.
The latter mode, in the right kind of hands,
will give the most satisfaction in the end.

III. ON RAISING TREES.

12. For reasons already explained in the
last section, trees are far better for the plant-
er when raised artificially. Each tree's pe-
culiar treatment will be noticed in another
part ; here we may note a few generalities.

13. Whenever it is convenient to raise
trees from seeds, they will become most
vigorous ; though, under favorable circum-
stances, cutting layers or grafts, will some-
times equal or excel.

14. Many seeds lie two years in the ground
before they grow. Anything that will assist
the decomposition of their shells or outer
cases, hastens their germination. Applica-
tions of oxalic acid, or boiling water, have
been found useful, as well as allowing the
seed to lie in a heap and ferment ; or even

;
OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 33

by freezing them for a short time by packing
them in ice. It is a fruitful field 5 but few
discoveries have been made in it.

15. Trees of rapid growth should be trans-
planted at the end of the first season. In
other cases, they may remain two years in
the

IV. THE BEST SIZE FOR TRANSPLANTING.

16. This is a much disputed point. There
are many good reasons for preferring large
trees. The man who has become superior
to the active duties of business, through a
long course of years, and desires to pass the
remainder of his days in the peaceful retire-
ment of a country-seat, cannot afford to wait
till young trees grow up with their grateful
shade. He will prefer large trees. Taken
up properly (see par. 10), and at a proper
season (par. 21), they will succeed perfectly,
and the immediate object be gained.

17. Such trees, however, never grow with
mUch luxuriousness. Young thrifty trees,
under favorable circumstances, equal them
in a few years, and eventually go ahead.

34 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

Besides, there is great pleasure to be derived
from watching each year's luxuriant growth.
The gratification which immediate shade is
calculated to afford, is more than balanced
by the pride we feel in pointing to a thriving
tree which, but a few years ago, we could
have put into our coat pocket.

18. Where trees have to be procured from
a distance, or a nursery in general, young
trees should always be preferred. The haste
unavoidable in a nursery at the planting sea-
son, is unfavorable to great care in lifting
them ; while the readiness with which small
trees can be taken up, and the facilities they
afford for careful packing, is a powerful ar-
gument in their favor.

V. THE BEST SEASON TO PLANT.

19. When the principles of successful
planting are understood, trees can be removed
at any time. A tree on being transplanted
is, in some respects, in the condition of a
cutting. Let us inquire, then, what are the
principles of propagation ?

20. Cuttings are taken generally from half

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 35

ripened wood, are planted in light or sandy
soil, and plunged in material a few degrees
warmer than the atmosphere. Over the cut-
tings bell-glasses are placed. These are the
main points — variations being made to suit
peculiarities of each kind. Now for the
principles. Half-ripened wood contains the
" descending sap," out of which roots are
formed. Cuttings are " too young" when
the sap has not been elaborated ; " too hard"
when the descending current is feeble, or has
ceased. The sandy soil admits air, which is
essential to the formation of roots. Bottom
heat excites the base of the cutting, encour-
aging it to form roots before the top starts
into active life. Bell-glasses prevent evapo-
ration from the leaves and stems, checking
their demand for nutriment till the roots are
formed to supply them. Let us carry this
illustration to our subject.

21. In planting, the immediate object is to
get a speedy formation of new roots or fibres.
The best time to plant, then, will be when
the earth is a few degrees warmer than the
atmosphere, and when the elaborated sap is

36 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

descending and active, and the tree itself
least likely to suffer from excessive evapora-
tion. That time is the autumn ; at the fall
of the leaf.

22. Autumn planting, however, has its dis-
advantages. The soil is generally very dry
and unmanageable. The tree comes up with
difficulty, and the new fibres dry up as fast
as they push. Another disadvantage is, if
we wait till the fall rains have deeply pene-
trated the soil, there is danger of having to
leave the operation unfinished by frost. If
the planting be not very extensive, it is much
better for the tree to apply water when re-
quisite, and have it done in the best time.
The future health of the tree will repay the
additional expense.

- 23. Spring planting is most usually fol-
lowed. The ground is so pliable, it seems
to save so much labor, and the work can go
right ahead to completion. This is all that
can be said in its favor.

24. Winter planting, or the " Frozen ball"
system, is sometimes adopted. In the early
part of the winter, a hole is prepared for the
tree, and the tree itself prepared with "a

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 37

ball" just ready for removal. When the ball
is frozen through, it is taken off to the spot
prepared for it, suffered to thaw, and then
the hole filled up. I do not approve of this
system, having seen it fail on a very exten-
sive scale. The frost and atmosphere to-
gether, seem to act injuriously on the cut
and exposed roots ; besides, as I have al-
ready observed (par. 10), no amount of
" ball" can compensate for a want of fibres.

25. Though I lay down the rule that au-
tumn planting is preferable under most cir-
cumstances, it can be carried out in any sea-
son of the year. I have planted in every
month for experiment sake. The worst pe-
riod is just after the tree has burst forth its
leaves in spring. Success is more probable
every succeeding month till the fall, when
the most favorable period for the process has
arrived. There is a regular ebb and flow,
like the tides and the seasons, in the rise and
fall of the sap.

26. I will give one illustration to accom-
pany the last paragraph. In one of my
situations, a fine apricot-tree had to be trans-
planted or destroyed, in the month of June,

4

38 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

to make way for some alterations in a car-
riage house. The fruit was at the time as
large as pigeons' eggs. The young shoots
were cut back, as far as they seemed "watery,"
to check evaporation. The roots were wa-
tered, and covered with damp mats as fast
as they were exposed. It was taken out
without the particle of a ball, planted at
once, and finally well watered. Not a leaf
withered. It was not watered again the
whole season. The next spring it was a
sheet of blossom, and had the curculio been
well disposed, would have borne a splendid
crop.

VI. PRUNING.

27. Is it necessary to cut back the branches
of a tree on transplanting ? As much so as
it may be necessary to cut off a man's limb
to save his life. In either case, it is a neces-
sity upon which the operator might well
ponder, and hesitate to act.

28. If fall planting be adopted, the elabo-
rated sap, contained in every branch, will
assist in the formation of roots. As there is

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 39

little or no evaporation from the tree in the
winter season, the branches can do no harm
any way ; and by the spring, the tree will
have made roots to serve them.

29. In spring planting also, if the roots
have an abundance of fibres, cut nothing
away ; they can support all. If otherwise,
pruning must be resorted to, or the sap will
be dried out of them before the tree can
raise a necessary supply.

30. The whole question is reduced to one
of evaporation. If there be fibres enough
to sustain great evaporation, the less cut the
better.

VII. THE OPERATION OF TRANSPLANTING.

31. The common mode of planting is to
dig out a hole, stick in a tree, and leave the
rest to nature. This is not care enough. A
tree will repay reasonable attention.

32. In preparing a piece of ground for
planting, few operations are more beneficial
than draining. Some trees, certainly, thrive
in swamps ; but these are little employed,

40 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

and comprise but a small section of orna-
mental trees.

The majority thrive best in well-drained
soil. I know of no soil, except those on
sandy or gravelly substrata, not improved by
draining.

It frequently renders a poor soil perma-
nently fertile. By an underdrain a channel
is opened beneath the surface, which draws
down the rain, bringing with it the various
gases mixed with it, as well as the many fer-
tilizing ingredients always found at the sur-
face, all of which would otherwise have been
washed away to the nearest stream. A piece
of ground well supplied with underdrains,
from the great quantity of air-spaces the
draught of water through it occasions, is
always moist without the possibility of be-
coming soured by saturation. So much do
I value draining as a means of highly and
permanently improving land for trees, that
were I offered a thousand dollars for manure,
or five hundred to be expended in draining,
previously to planting a piece of ground, I
would unhesitatingly choose the latter. If

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 41

well executed, the most substantial and last-
ing benefit would ensue.

33. In some cases, natural causes prevent
draining, or the piece of ground would not
warrant the outlay; the expense being
greater than the corresponding advantages.
In such cases, if the ground be very wet, I
would plant on the surface instead of below
it. I have described my practice in this re-
spect in the Horticulturist, for 1849. The
ground is first trenched, or dug deep, the
tree placed on the desired spot, and the earth
spread over the roots; the whole, when
finished, mound-like. The appearance of
trees thus planted is objectionable. The
ground appears to an observer to have been
lowered, the trees indicating the original
height. Such appearances detract from that
natural looking beauty a garden ought to
exhibit. The mode can only be tolerated
where the ground cannot be drained.

Bad as its appearance is, it is preferable to
seeing trees planted in holes which, in reality,
become wells of stagnant water, with their
tenants rotten at the roots, their trunk the
sport of every passing breeze.
4*

42 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

34. One of the commonest errors is deep
planting. The fibres or feeding roots of a
tree, cannot exist long far beneath the sur-
face. Abstracting a portion of their supplies
from the atmosphere, they must be contigu-
ous to it. I have seen peaches, maples, and
elms, killed in six months by having the
soil about them raised fifteen inches. Those
who delight in seeing how nature works,
may look at any old forest, where the fibre-
bearing roots cover the surface like railroads
on a modern map. The tap roots only,
bearing no fibres, and evidently acting solely
as supports to the tree, penetrate far into the
soil.

35. A fear of the tree blowing over, or
becoming parched in summer, is a common
motive for deep planting. A tree planted
with long roots (par. 10) will never blow
over ; the weight of soil on the roots keep-
ing them in their position.

When otherwise planted, they should be
securely staked ; and if liable to parch, the
soil ought to be covered with short grass or
other substance, as a mulching. If, however,
the principles of planting, as I have explained

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 43

them, are understood and attended to, there
will seldom be occasion for one or the other.

VIII. ON THE SELECTION OF KINDS OF TREES.

36. Firstly, we have to consider what the
tree is wanted for ; whether for shade, for
ornament, or both combined; for utility or
beauty ; whether a rapid growth be desired,
or the highest effects of the art without re-
ference to time; whether they are to be
planted singly, or together in masses ?

37. A shade tree should have a widely
spreading head, abundant leaves, or dense
foliage. It should bud forth early in spring,
and retain its leaves late in autumn. It
should also be free from unpleasant odors,
and liability to attacks of disease or insects.
All fruit-trees are objectionable. Who would
choose a Lombardy poplar for a shade tree ?
The honey -locust has too fine a foliage. The
odor of the ailanthus is unpleasant. The
Kentucky coffee buds late, and the American
buttonwood is too unhealthy. Still, there is
great scope for variety. Fine selections can
be made from amongst the horse-chestnuts

44 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

and buckeyes, maples, some birches, ashes,
tulip-tree, magnolias, hop horn-bean, Eng-
lish buttonwood, the oaks, sweet-chestnut,
sophora, and in some parts or situations,
lindens and willows.

38. But it is by no means in the ma-
jority of cases that trees are planted for the
mere luxury of the shade they afford, or
their utility in screening disagreeable ob-
jects. They are valued for the effect they
have on the landscape; the beauty they ex-
hibit in their forms; the cheerfulness that
dwells in their foliage; the gayety that bursts
from their opening blossoms, charms; and
the contrasts they make with each other,
please. To these, if they combine harmony
with surrounding objects, expression of the
artist's ideas, or association with classic his-
tory, or remarkable occurrences, they afford
additional interest. These are points which
few can master thoroughly, without long and
careful study. Yet, on the perfection of this
knowledge, depends the production of the
most pleasing effects from ornamental arbori-
culture.

39. The effect to be produced by trees,

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 45

should be particularly well studied. The
object must never be lost sight of. Pleasure,
in its broadest sense, is generally a main
object; this is always to be derived from a
perception of the beautiful. Unity, harmo-
ny, and appropriate fitness, are the essential
elements of beauty ; to these, then, must the
planter's efforts turn.

40. The relation or fitness of a tree to the
subject in connection with it, will be one of
first importance in the study of effect. A
tree, beautiful in some situations, and in con-
nection with some objects, will fail to please
under other circumstances. A tree out of
character is as offensive to the ciiltivated
mind as would be a dress of the finest satin
on the back of a beggar. So, an idea at-
tached to a tree by association, gives it a
character which cannot be removed from it
without violence. A traveller, accustomed
to associate the cypress or yew-tree with
churchyards or monuments, would be pain-
fully struck on meeting an avenue of them
leading to a mansion. The same ideas hold
good in the peculiar character of trees, as
well as in their associations. A magnificent

46 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

deodar, or even a Norway spruce, solitary
and alone? would look as ridiculous by the
side of one of our western log-houses, as
a noble, weather-beaten, rustic-looking oak
would alongside a magnificent modern spe-
cimen of city architecture.

41. We often hear the remark that ever-
greens around a mansion look so beautiful.
Others again give a decided ^preference to
deciduous trees. This difference of opinion
can be accounted for on philosophical princi-
ples, and does not originate from any varia-
tion in the principles of beauty. Evergreens
are the accompaniments of the thoughtful
and the reflective. As we advance in age,
the fondness for them grows more devoted.
Their unchanging character suits the re-
flective steadiness that characterizes old age,
and which draws our affection towards them
as to bosom friends. Deciduous trees are
emblematic of lightness and gayety; the
young and untutored will always prefer
them. Our happiest remembrances cling
around the old oak of our childhood's home,
without a thought or a care for the holly or
the pine.

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 47

42. For these reasons evergreens should
never preponderate around places, or in
situations devoted to amusement or recrea-
tion. By schools, or places devoted to the
young, they are objectionable in great num-
bers. Unsuggestive of lightness and gayety,
they are opposed to the thoughtless, yet
happy innocence of childhood. Wherever
the aged love to resort, whatever is to have
an air of solitude or peace, there is the spot
which evergreens will adorn; here is the
point from which they will really seem beau-
tiful.

.43. The selection of trees for effect can
then depend upon no particular rule, fitness
or appropriateness depending upon each cir-
cumstance; but unity and harmony are more
general in their application.

44. Unity of design must not degenerate
into formality; nor harmony into monotony.
It is the frequency of this degeneracy that
produces the opposite errors of irregularity
and discord. One, in a mistaken view of
unity, will divide his grounds into two equal
parts, and an oak or an elm on one side
must have precisely the same on the other,

48 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

as if to balance the whole. Another, dis-
gusted with such abortions of taste, plunges
into the opposite error. His place has the
appearance of having fallen into the hands
of men of all principles, ages, and nations,
each one of whom had successively stuck on
a patch, till, between the daubs of so many
brushes on their objectionable part of the
picture, little of the original design is left.

45. Variety is not opposed to unity. The
oneness should be in the outline; the more
varied, then, the filling up, the better. The
carriage entrance to an old mansion is often
improved by a row of trees on each side.
Each set of two placed opposite to one an-
other, should of course correspond. One
would as soon see beauty in one gate-post,
or one eye being larger than the other, as to
see anything different in this respect. Yet
there could be no objection to the successive
sets of trees varying in species or varieties,
so long as no rule of harmony was broken
thereby. A light, airy-looking tree, like the
hemlock-spruce, should not be placed imme-
diately after a rugged, artificial-looking Nor-
way. Its gracefulness would be in part

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 49

absorbed by the rusticity of the latter, and
both lose by comparison.

46. This harmony of color, shade, and
contrast, is of more importance in the gene-
ral arrangement of trees in a garden, than in
such an avenue as I have described. They
are to be looked at in greater masses, seen
from more distant points of view, or from
more varied positions.

47. The colors, tints, and hues of the fo-
liage at different seasons of the year, will
then have to be more particularly studied.
Much may be lost or gained in the effect of
a single tree. The golden hue of a sugar
maple in the fall, appears to great advantage
followed by a sassafras with its rosy yellow
tints ; and this, again, followed by a red or
swamp maple or tupelo, forms a beautiful
combination. If we were to take away the
sassafras and replace it with a British oak,
the effect would be anything but pleasing.

48. Not only in color should there be har-
mony, but also in height, habit, and appear-
ance. All violent contrasts are opposed to
natural beauty. In the oft-quoted language
of Eay, " nature never takes leaps," but pro-

5

50 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

ceeds gradually step by step. Differing in
variety, yet united in general principles, each
dump or section of trees in a landscape will
possess characters exclusively its own. Few
mistakes can arise from planting trees sim-
ply ; harmony and association with the ob-
jects alone being called for.

49. In planting for a wood or grove, it is
frequently the desire to make a small place
look larger. Every bend should possess
some new or striking feature. A long walk
around a wood will not please without an
object. A visitor may be surprised at the
extent, but to the proprietor it is wearisome.
His pleasure can only be secured by a suc-
cession of ever present, yet ever changing
objects of beauty along the course.

-50. Thus the planter should be imbued
with the principles of beauty. Without
them his labors may excite only wonder at
their extent^ or surprise at their variety ;
with them, he combines lasting beauty — a
source of unvarying pleasure and delight.

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 51

IX. OF TREES INDiyiDUALLY.

ABIES, Tournefort.—Nat. Ord. Pinaceae. Mo-
;noeeia, Honadelphia, Linn. Cones mostly
pendant, seldom clustering, cylindrically
conical; scales not thickened at the top.
Leaves solitary, somewhat scattered, and
arranged more or less in two rows.

1. A. CANADENSIS, Micliaux. Leaves soli-
tary, flat, toothed near the point, disposed
irregularly in two ranks, each about half an
inch long. Cones oval, terminal, scarcely
longer than the leaves. — Hemlock spruce.
Native of the Northern States.

It would not be exaggeration to pro-
nounce this the most beautiful evergreen in
cultivation. Beautiful as many of the new
pines are, few approach this. It has regu-
larity without formality ; and, in any point
of view, elegance and gracefulness. Its habit
is frequently so erect as to approach the fas-
tigiate; yet -the ends of its branches are as
pendulous as a Babylonian willow. Its co-
lor is not of that mournful cast so common
to other Pinaceae; nor of that consumptive-

52 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

looking hue so connected with sickliness.
Stepping between these it is suggestive of
innocence and lightness, which cannot fail to
attract admirers for it, in whatever situation
placed. It will make the prettiest object
when grown by itself; but it is a tree that
has no aversion to company. The largest
specimen at Bartram is ninety-four feet high,
and eight feet four inches in circumference.

It thrives best in a light alluvial loam,
contiguous to moisture; but is soon injured
in wet situations. It will grow in the driest
soils; but, unless the atmosphere is very
humid, to little advantage. It is propagated
by seeds sown early in the spring in boxes
or beds of well-drained sandy loam, but
slightly covered with soil, and kept mode-
rately moist and shaded. When two years
old they may be removed to nursery rows
one foot apart in the row. "When they have
been thus raised, and once afterwards trans-
planted, they can be transplanted easily at
any future time. They seldom do well re-
moved from the woods. ;££ j

2. A. DOUGLASSII, Lindley. Leaves flat,
comb-like in their arrangement, silvery be-

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 53

neath; about one inch long. Cones about
four inches long, and two broad, borne on
the ends of the branches, with many sharp,
linear bracteas at the base; ovate oblong. —
Douglass's spruce. Native of the states on
the Pacific. Grows to one hundred and fifty
feet high, and is represented to be one of
the most beautiful of the tribe. The finest
specimen I have seen in the neighborhood of
Philadelphia is about five feet high, very
vigorous and hardy. This is on a sandy,
j^et moist hill, with a south aspect. On a
cold aspect, in a stiff loam, they do not suc-
ceed well. Most of the plants in the nurse-
ries are raised from cuttings, which make
fine plants ; but many are now raised from
seed obtained from their native places of
growth. These should be sown as soon as
received' in pans of sandy loam, the seeds
very little covered; and if they can be
placed in the soil separately, with their
sharpest ends downwards, it would be to
their advantage. Sometimes the seeds will
remain a year in the soil before germinating.
3. A. EXCELSA, De Candolle. Leaves scat-
tered, quadrangular, curved, and sharp-point-
5*

54 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

ed. Cones cylindrical, terminal; of a rich
reddish, brown when ripe; five to seven
inches long, one and a half to two inches
broad. — Norway spruce.

There is a great diversity of opinion re-
specting the merits of this tree in a land-
scape. The objection is chiefly to the mo-
notonous formality of its appearance; yet,
when it is in a situation highly artificial or
extra-natural— as near ornamental buildings,
on rugged, rocky places, or on the tops of
informal hills — there is probably nothing
more beautiful. The finest specimen at Bar-
tram is one hundred and twenty feet high,
and seven feet two inches in circumference ;
beautifully clothed with branches to near
the ground. It is growing on a light gra-
velly loam, on a substratum of gravel. It
generally thrives best in a cool sandy loam,
where the soil is always moist, but not wet.

Propagation, &c., see No. 1.

4. A. NIGRA, Aiton. Leaves solitary, regu-
larly disposed all round the branches, erect,
very short, somewhat quadrangular. Cones
ovate, about one and a half inch long, and
three-quarters of an inch wide in the middle ;

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 55

the scales blunt, roundish, very thin, and
when ripe, ragged and torn at the margin. —
Black spruce. Native of the Northern and
Middle States.

In its native localities this tree often at-
tains seventy feet in height, though its
diameter is never great. It much resembles
the Norway, but is not pendulous. It
spreads horizontally like that species, but
has a darker hue. It will grow alike in the
lowest or the most elevated situations ; on
the rocky hill-side, or in a spot nearly
swampy. It seems to thrive best in a cool,
light loam. There are no very fine speci-
mens now at Bartram, the largest is thirty-
four feet high by twenty -four inches in cir-
cumference.

For propagation, &c., see No. 1.

5. A. SMITHIANA, Wallich. Leaves com-
pressed, tetragonal, straight, somewhat awl-
shaped, sharp-pointed, one to one and a half
inch long, pale green, and somewhat glaucous.
Cones ovate oblong, solitary, four to seven
inches long. — Smith's Himalayan spruce.
Morinda. Himalayas.

This is said to grow about fifty feet high

56 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

in its native country, and to surpass the
Norway in beauty ; its habit is not quite
so pendulous ; the leaves are longer, and of
a lighter hue, and the whole habit seems
grosser and more luxuriant. It seems to
thrive best in a deep, strong loam, in an ele-
vated situation, but not too much exposed to
the sun.

ACACIA, Willdenow. — Nat. Ord. Fabaceae.
Polygamia, Moncecia, Linn. Calyx 4 or 5-
toothed. Legume dry, 2-valved.

A. JULIBRISSIN, Willdenow. Without
spines. Leaves with eight or ten pairs of
pinnae, and a small gland at the base of each
petiole. Heads of flowers pedunculate, form-
ing nearly a panicle. Native of the Levant;
flowers in July. The julibrissin is a highly
ornamental tree, resembling, but far excel-
ling, in habit and appearance, the honey -
locust. "When it is old, it has a round-
headed character; its branches spreading
very wide. Its foliage always gives it a
graceful appearance ; but when in flower, it
is surpassed in beauty by few. It is per-
fectly hardy in Philadelphia, though liable

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 57

to lose the tops of the young wood in severe
winters. There are several fine specimens
in the vicinity, some fifty feet high; the
largest Bartram specimen is about thirty-five
feet high by twenty-seven inches in circum-
ference.

It delights in a dry, rich loam, and a
warm, open situation. It is cultivated from
seeds, sown in a somewhat rich loam early
in the spring. In the fall they are taken up,
tied in bundles, and kept through the winter
in a cool, not damp cellar, packed in dryish
loam. In the spring, they are planted out in
nursery rows, eighteen inches apart, and
generally remain out the winter following.

ACER, Linnceus. — Nat. Ord. Aceraceae.
Polygamia, Moncecia, or Dicecia, Linn. Calyx
5-lobed, sometimes 5-petalled. Capsules two,
each terminated by a wing.

1. A. CAMPESTRE, Linnceus. Leaves cord-
ate, small, with lobes. Wings of the fruit
spreading right out. Bark often corky. —
English maple. Native of Britain.

This seldom reaches thirty feet high in its
native country. Its leaves resemble those

58 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

of the gooseberry. It is valuable in Ameri-
can gardening, from the late period of the
season to which it retains its foliage. It
takes a sharp frost to destroy its verdure.
It has a very stiff and formal habit of growth,
yet one that renders it very appropriate for
planting at a corner, to make a reason ap-
pear for a bend in a walk, or to accompany
any formal piece of work. There is a fine
specimen on the grounds of Caleb Cope,
Esq., and several in other places near Phila-
delphia.

It is readily propagated from seeds sown
in the fall as they ripen, in a bed of sandy
loam. If kept till the spring, they seldom
come up till the next season. When a year
old, they may be planted out in nursery rows
one foot apart. In two years afterwards,
they may be taken up and planted where
they are to remain, or in rows two feet apart
till wanted. It is often propagated from
layers. • A plant is cut down to within a few
inches of the ground. The numerous shoots
that spring up may be gently twisted any
time after the fall of the leaf till the bursting
of the bud, and a little soil thrown in amongst

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 59

the shoots till the twisted parts are covered ;
or the shoots maybe bent down to the ground,
notched and slit as in the usual mode of layer-
ing, and sunk a few inches in the ground.
The first mode saves labor; the last, after
waterings.

2. A. DASYCARPUM, EhrJiart Leaves pal-
mately 5-lobed, deeply sinuated with the
sinui acute. Flowers in clusters, before the
leaves. Ovaries downy. Seeds with large
wings. — Silver maple. Native of the North-
ern and Middle States.

One of the finest of our native trees. It
is so often seen in a half-starved, stunted
state, as a street tree, that one might be in-
credulous of its beauty when under proper
circumstances, from a mere description. Un-
less in favorable soil, it does not make a deep
shade — but in that case few can excel it, and
its shade is so mellowed by the silvery under
surface of the leaves, as to make quite a
pleasing effect. It branches out pretty near
the base, and spreads to a great extent with-
out much ramification, which renders it
liable to be broken at times by heavy winds.
The finest specimen at Bartram is seventy-

60 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

seven feet high, by six feet eight inches in
circumference.

It thrives best in a deep rich loam, or in a
gravelly loam contiguous to moisture, as on
a declivity by the side of a stream. It is
propagated by seeds, as described in No. 1.

3. A. MONTANUM, Alton. Leaves cordate,
3-5-lobed. Lobes acuminate, coarsely ser-
rate. Eacemes simple, pendulous, sometimes
nearly erect. Petals linear. — Mountain ma-
ple. Native principally of Canada and the
Alleghanies.

This tree is scarce in our nurseries. It is
valuable to the landscape gardener for the
variety of its red colors in the fall, and de-
serves more extensive culture. It does not
grow large when on its own roots ; but bud-
ded on the strong-growing species, makes a
fine tree.

4. A. NIGRUM, Michaux. Leaves 3-5-lobed.
Broader, and less bayed and cut than A.
tSaccharinum, slightly downy beneath. Leaf-
stalks shorter and stouter.— Black sugar
maple. Native of the Middle and Southern
States.

This tree, in cultivation, so much resem-

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 61

bles the true sugar-maple, that few can dis-
tinguish them. When in a wild state, it is
generally thought to present a very distinct
and peculiar appearance.

In cultivation it has a darker hue than the
other kind, and may be readily distinguished
in the spring by its coming into leaf a week
or ten days earlier. The finest specimen I
have seen is at Bartram. Though it is quite
young, it measures fifty feet high and thirty
inches in circumference. It is propagated
by seeds, as No. 1.

5. A. PLATANOIDES, Linn&us. Leaves
milky, broadly cordate, 5-lobed, coarsely
toothed. Fruit divaricate. Flowers pendu-
lous.— Norway maple. Native of the North-
ern parts of Europe^ jv

A very ornamental tree in any situation.
It does not incline to branch out so low down
as some of the maples, while it has a more
rugged and branching habit of growth. Its
ample broad leaves give a fine shade, which
is heightened by their dark green color. It
is quite a peculiar tree, combining the artistic-
appearance of some trees with the rusticity
of others. There are many situations in a
6

62 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

landscape where it would be singularly effect-
ive. It is very hardy, and will thrive in
any soil or situation. The finest specimen
at Bartram is growing on an elevated situa-
tion, in a gravelly soil on a rocky substratum,
and is sixty feet in height, and three feet two
inches in circumference. In the fine arbore-
tum of Mr. G. W. Pierce, near West Chester,
there is a fine specimen near eight feet in
circumference. There are also some fine
specimens on the grounds of the Society of
Friends, on Mulberry between Third and
Fourth streets, Philadelphia.

For propagation from seed, see No. 1.

6. A. PSEUDO-PLATANUS, Linnceus. Leaves
cordate at the base, 5-lobed, unequally den-
tate. Fruit with long, large wings. — Syca-
more.

This has a more formal appearance than
the last, being more regularly round-headed.
It is readily distinguished by its habit, which
is stiff and little inclined to branch. The
lobes of the leaves are more pointed, and
there is a wide difference in the fruit. It is
a fine object grown as a single specimen, at-
taining sixty or seventy feet high. It is a

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 63

rapid grower, thriving in a deep rich loam ;
but growing pretty well in any situation, or
under any circumstances. The young speci-
men at Bartram is about twenty-five feet
high and forty inches in circumference.

It may be propagated like No. 1.

7. A. RUBRUM, Linnceus. Leaves 3, nearly
5-lobed, slightly cordate at the base. Ovaries
smooth. Seed-vessels and stalks red or
brown. — Eed maple. — Swamp maple. Na-
tive of most of the States and Canada.

This tree, though it is naturally found in
swamps and morasses, will thrive in any soil
or situation. It is fortunate that it does so,
as it is indispensable to the landscape gardener.
Its bright scarlet fruit and flowers are amongst
the earliest harbingers of spring; while its
leaves, of every shade of red in the fall, add
materially to the interest of the landscape.
It has a very formal, regular head, though
sometimes a specimen may be found with a
somewhat rugged appearance. It varies very
much from seed.

In a curved avenue on the grounds at
Springbrook, in which there are many of
them, there are almost as many forms either

64 AMEKICAN HANDBOOK

in habit, hue, foliage, or fruit, as specimens.
One may prove a valuable variety. The
fruit is almost green, and comparatively in-
significant ; while the foliage appears a week
earlier than any of the others. The best
Bartram specimen is forty-seven feet high
and four feet in circumference. In favorable
situations it doubles this.

It is propagated from seed, like No. 1.

8. A. SACCHARINUM, Linnceus. Leaves
palmate, 3, 5-parted, smooth; lobes sharp,
with coarse teeth. Flowers in drooping
corymbs, on hairy or downy stalks. — Sugar-
maple. Canada to Pennsylvania. VU#-< ^

This tree has none of the graceful airiness
of the silver-maple, or the rusticity of branches
as the Norway; but excels them both in no-
bility of appearance. It has a stiff, regularly
round head, generally in over proportion to
the size of its trunk. It is much admired on
account of the rich golden-yellow hue, often
tinged with red, with which it is clothed in
the fall. The finest specimen at Bartram is
eighty-two feet high and five feet five inches
in circumference.

Like most of the maples it is of easy culti-

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 65

vation, doing well in any situation, except
in the dry and confined atmosphere of a
densely built city; and in most soils; but
preferring a loose loam or one on a sub-
stratum of clay.

It is propagated as No. 1. ,

9. A. STRIATUM, Lambert. Leaves 3-lobed,
rough, slightly cordate at the base, sharply
and finely serrate ; lobes acute. — Striped
barked maple. — Moosewood. From Canada
to Carolina.

Few trees show so much the effect of dif-
ferent circumstances as this. In England,
when grafted on the Sycamore, it makes a
tree three or four times larger than when in
its native places of growth. At Bartram
there is a young specimen on its own roots,
growing in a moist shady situation upon a
substratum of mica which is about thirty feet
high and sixteen inches in circumference ;
while in another part of the grounds there is
another specimen growing in dry gravel,
under the shade of a Norway spruce, which,
though planted many years, has never arisen
above the character of a shrub, perfecting it's
seeds every year. In the latter state, I pre-

66 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

sume it is the A. Pennsylvanicum, the moose-
wood of Linnaeus. ;,*'/**;

It may be raised from seeds, cuttings, or
grafts.

J3SCULUS, Linnceus. — Nat. Ord. Sapin-
dacae. Heptandria, Monogynia, Linn. Calyx
campanulate, 5-lobed. Petals unequal. Sta-
mens usually curved inwardly. Fruit bristly
and muricated.

1. A. HIPPOCASTANUM, Linnceus. Leaflets
7, obovately wedge-shaped, toothed. — British
horsechestnut.

This tree, originally confined to Northern
Asia (its native country), is now cultivated
all over the civilized globe. It is one of the
finest shade trees, and possesses in its hand-
some flowers appearing in May, a recom-
mendation many others do not. It does not
grow very lofty, being more inclined to
spread and become round-headed, and on
that account is one of the very best to stand
out by itself as a specimen tree on a lawn or
in a park. In deep rich loam it does well,
attaining a great bulk in a short time, but
in a dry or gravelly one, though it will grow

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 67

pretty well, it is short lived, and seldom
healthy. The old specimens planted by
John Bartram, not being on congenial soil,
are not remarkable; the largest being but
fifty feet high and seven feet five inches in
circumference.

They are readily reproduced from seed.
When collected, lay them out of doors on
the ground in a shady place, and slightly
cover them with leaves. Guard them from
vermin. Early in spring select a rich loamy
spot, in which draw drills, and sow the nuts
four inches apart, but just covering them
with the soil. They will soon appear. In
the fall following, transplant, to eighteen
inches or two feet apart, to where they can
remain till wanted. They also succeed well
budded in July on the buckeye.

2. M. OHIENSIS, Michaux. Leaves qui-
nate, unequally toothed; leaflets nearly ses-
sile. Flowers nearly yellow. — American
horsechestnut, sometimes Ohio buckeye.

This species half unites the buckeye with
the true horsechestnut, having the habits
and appearance of the one, with the prickly
fruit, the chief characteristics of the other.

68 AMERICAN" HANDBOOK

It is a small tree, attaining about forty
feet, and thrives in a similar soil, and is pro-
pagated in the same manner as No. 1. The
Bartram specimen is young, about thirty
feet high, and two feet in circumference. A
specimen in the arboretum of GL W. Pierce
appears to be about fifty feet high, and is
two feet four inches in circumference.

3. M. RUBicuNDA,Z>e Candolle. Leaflets 5-7,
unequally serrate. Petals 4, with the claws
of the petals shorter than the calyx. Sta-
mens, eight. — Eed horsechestnut.

Though a native species, it has not been
long in cultivation. It is undoubtedly the
handsomest. The flower-spikes are very
large, of a deep brick red, and do not appear
till June. It has a vigorous habit when
grafted on the yellow buckeye, which is its
best stock. The Bartram specimen — I be-
lieve the finest in the country — is thirty feet
high, and twenty-four inches in circumfer-
ence, grafted on the British species.

The same treatment as Nos. 1 and 2 suits
it. The seedlings occasionally produce car-
nate-colored flowers.

«*^:WM "• ' <>-:&w&''&d&.&;^:

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 69

AILANTUS, Desfontaines. — Nat. Ord. Xan-
thoxylaceae. Polygamia, Monoecia, Linn. Ca-
lyx 5 -cleft. Petals five. Stamens ten, un-
equal. Ovary mostly of five carpels, mem-
branous, 1 -celled, 1 -seeded.

A. GLANDULOSA, Desfontaines. Leaves pin-
nate; leaflets toothed at the base, with a
gland at the base of each tooth. — Ailanthus :
Tree of heaven. Native of China. Flowers
in June or July.

Few trees have met with such a sad re-
verse of fortune as this. Its growth is very
rapid, and as rapidly it grew in popular esti-
mation on its first introduction. Latterly,
the tide has set against it, and caused many
to be torn up by the roots, and cast away.
The late Mr. Downing's last and best essay
was directed against it, and it will probably
never recover from that stroke of his power-
fully-directed pen. There are many who
will agree with his pleasing arguments, and
discard it on account of its bad propensity to
throw up suckers, an argument that can be
used against many other of our finest trees;
and for its abominable stench for the week
that it is in flower. These are its disadvan-

70 AMERICAN" HANDBOOK

tages. On the other hand, it is of very rapid
growth, and, in appearance, often rivals the
beauty of our own black walnut. In some
situations, it does not sucker so freely as in
others, and occasionally not at all. Severe
pruning, or any external injury either to the
roots or branches, seems to have considerable
influence in the production of suckers. Hav-
ing thus given both its merits and demerits,
I leave it to its fate. Though I cannot re-
commend it as a lawn tree, yet in cities,
where it is so difficult to keep trees healthy,
its suckering propensities cannot injure any-
thing in the street, and there its value, by
its freedom from insects, may atone for its
stench while in flower. The Bartram speci-
men is sixty feet high and seven feet in
circumference. • >^

AMELANCHIER, Medikus. Nat. Ord. Poma-
eese. Icosandria, Pentagynia, Linn. Calyx
5-cleft. Petals 5, oblong lanceolate. Styles
more or less united. Fruit, a small apple,
with 3-5 gristly cells.

A. BOTRYAPIUM, De Candolle. Leaves ovate
oblong, slightly cordate at the base, acumi-

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 71

nate. Flowers in loose racemes ; petals linear
lanceolate. — June berry, shad-flower. Flow-
ers in April. Native of most parts of the
United States.

A pretty tree, fifteen to twenty feet high.
It grows very slenderly, and with few shoots,
unless in a very rich loam. The leaves have
mostly a white silky appearance, and the
flowers and succeeding berries are very or-
namental. I have seen a specimen thirty
feet high, and three feet in circumference,
but it is probably turned into "post and
rails" by this time.

They may be propagated by seeds, but in
English nurseries are generally grafted on
the hawthorn, and sometimes on the pear and
quince. Seeds produce the finest trees. The
latter modes produce plants quickest.

*'fr&-*'9- ' ( • ''J ; •'&$ '

AMYGBALUS, Linnceus. — Nat. Ord. Dru-
paceae. Icosandria, Monogynia, Linn. Calyx
5-cleft, petals 5. Fruit a drupe. Seed an
ovate nut with reticulate furrows.

A. PERSICA, Linnceus. Variety pendula,
with the branches drooping, is a very pretty
ornamental peach, when budded as tall as it

72 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

can be got, on a tree of the common kind,
suffered to grow up six or eight feet for the
purpose.

ANDROMEDA, Lmnceus. — Nat. Ord. Eri-
caceae. Decandria, Monogynia, Linn. Calyx
5-parted. Corolla monopetalous, globose,
with a contracted 5-parted mouth. The seg-
ments reflexed.

A. ARBOREA, Linnceus. Leaves oblong
oval, tapering to a point, thickly toothed.
Flowers in terminal panicles. Corolla slightly
downy. — Sorrel-tree. Native of the South-
ern States. Flowers in August.

A very handsome tree in favorable locali-
ties ; in others it dwindles down to a mere
shrub. It is fond of a gravelly, light loam,
where the roots can be in proximity to a
spring. Covered with its white blossoms it
is very pretty, and adds to the gracefulness
its light twiggy habit always presents. The
prettiest specimen at Bartram is sixty feet
high, and four feet in circumference.

It is raised from seed obtained from their
native places of growth. These must be
sown in fine sandy peat, sheltered from heavy

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 73

rains, yet kept regularly moist. When they
are about a foot high, plant one foot apart in
rows, in sandy loam, where they may remain'
till wanted.

ANONA, Linnceus. — Nat. Ord. Anonaceae.
Polyandria, Polygynia, Linn. Calyx com-
posed of three sepals connected at the base.
Petals 6, innermost smallest. Fruit, many-
seeded, pulpy.

A. GLABRA, Linnaeus. Leaves ovate ellip-
tic, wedge-shaped, smooth. The three outer
petals nearly round. Fruit large, thick, and
fleshy.— Papaw. Native of the Middle and
Western States. Flowers in July.

The stem is very straight, of a peculiar
gray color ; and the leaves have a very dark
and glossy-green appearance. To be grown
to perfection, it should be treated as a single
specimen, in rich soil, in an open situation.
Then the tree has a very pretty conical ap-
pearance. In stony soil it is liable to throw
up suckers ; but these are easily kept down.
In Philadelphia, it bears fruit freely in the
autumn. The largest specimen at Bartram
is thirty feet high and two feet eight inches
7

74 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

in circumference. There are some very
healthy luxurious specimens in Marshall's
Garden, in Chester County, Pa.

I have been unable to determine whether
the A. triloba, Michaux, is distinct. My friend,
Col. Carr, late proprietor of the Bartram Bo-
tanic Garden, considers them so. I am in-
clined to think them identical from the de-
scriptions, and have adopted the original
name, as the plant I describe is so known
in the nurseri^.

It is readily propagated from suckers or
seeds.

AKALIA, Linnceus. — Nat. Orel. Araliaceaa.
Pentandria, Pentagynia, Linn. Calyx very
small, mostly 5-toothed. Petals 5, expanded
or reflexed at the apex. Styles very short,
permanent, spreading. Fruit, a berry ; usually
5-celled, and striated.

A. SPINOSA, Linnceus. Stem and leaves
prickly. Panicles much branched. — Ange-
lica tree. Club of Hercules.

Thinly scattered through the Middle,
Southern, and Western States. When full
grown, and covered in the fall and winter

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 75

with its purple berries, it is a pretty, though
small tree. The coarse, spiny branches also
give it a picturesque appearance.

It has the advantage of thriving in dry,
barren, stony places, where few other things
will grow. When once established, it must
always remain; every attempt to destroy it
by digging it up, is retaliated by a regiment
of suckers. Let it alone, and it is not so
troublesome. The finest Bartram specimen
is fifteen feet high, and twelve inches in cir-
cumference.

It is easily propagated from cuttings of the
roots, or by seeds.

ARAUCARIA, Ruiz and Pavon. — Nat. Ord.
PinaceaD. Dioecia, Monadelphia, Linn. Male
flower. Pollen contained in ten to twenty
cases, pendant from the apex of the scale.
Female. Ovule solitary, joined to the carpel
or scale. Leaves imbricate.

A. IMBRICATA, Ruiz and Pavon. Leaves
in eights, ovate lanceolate, with small perma-
,nent spiny points, stiff, and attached to the
tree for several years. Cones roundish ovate,
about eight inches long, and seven broad.

76 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

Seed about two and one-fourth inches long,
and one broad. — Chili pine.

This picturesque evergreen is perfectly
hardy when grown in a light loam, and pro-
tected from sun in the winter season. It
sometimes loses its side branches when
young, in severe winters. In cold stiff soil,
especially if exposed to the sun in winter, it
generally fails.

It is propagated from seeds obtained from
its native country. These should be sown
in pans or boxes of light loamy soil, with
the narrow ends of the seeds downwards, as
soon as received. Put them in a frame
where they can be kept evenly moist, with-
out liability to saturation from rain. An
abundance of air is essential. Avoid much
heat, or an abundance of vegetable matter in
the soil. When they are a few inches high,
pot singly into four-inch pots; or, if they can
be protected, plant out in a bed four or six
inches apart.

BETULA, Linnceus. — Nat. Ord. Betulacea3.
Monoecia, Tetrandria, Linn. Aments of the
sterile flowers long and cylindrical; scales

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 77

ternate, the middle ones bearing the stamens.
Pistillate aments ovate oblong ; scales trifid,
8 -flowered. Seeds (or fruit) with a mem-
branous edge.

1. BETULA ALBA, Linnceus. Leaves ovate,
acuminate, serrate. Stem covered with white
bark. — White birch. Native of the North of
Europe.

The bark gives this a peculiar character ;
and the slender drooping branchlets, and
elegant shining green foliage, combine to
render it one of the handsomest of trees.

There is but one specimen referred to this
species at Bartram, but it so closely resembles
B.populifolia as to require a nice examina-
tion to determine it.*

It will thrive in the most barren soils where
little else will grow, the roots extending just
beneath the surface, and probably drawing
much of their sustenance from the atmo-
sphere. This circumstance renders them
very easy to transplant, and where any kind

* The nomenclature of the Birches is in great con-
fusion among practical men. They are worth a closer
study.

7*

78 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

can be got from the woods while young, it is
preferable to raising them from seeds. They
may be raised from seeds sown either in fall
or spring, on a bed of light sandy loam. If
slightly covered with decayed leaves, they
will more easily germinate. Large trees are
bad to transplant, on account of their main
roots extending so far ; but if transplanted
several times while young, there are few
easier.

2. B. LENTA, Linnceus. Leaves cordate,
ovate, -acuminate, sharply serrate ; the nerves
beneath hairy, as well as the leafstalks. —
Sweet black birch. Native of the Northern
States.

One of the handsomest of the birches. It
is one of the earliest to put out its foliage to
welcome the spring. It is generally conically
round-headed when old, and frequently has
its branches as pendulous as a weeping willow.
It will grow sixty or seventy feet high under
very favorable circumstances. The Bartram
specimen is fifty feet high, three feet ten in- .
ches in circumference.

Propagated and cultivated as No. 1.

8. B. NIGRA, Linnceus. Leaves rhombic

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 79

ovate, sharp-pointed. Fertile catkins oblong,
with hairy scales. — Black birch. Sometimes
red birch.

There are several fine specimens at Bar-
tram, which have been styled "paper birches,"
on account, as I presume, of their shaggy
bark. Others, correcting the error, have
styled them the B. rubra of Michaux, neither
of which I believe are in the collection ; nor
can I find them really in cultivation in the
vicinity.* Our kind is a very ornamental,
round-headed, pendulous, branching tree, and
thrives best in a rather moist situation. Its
white and yellow shaggy bark give it a pecu-
liar character, which interests even in winter.

Propagated and cultivated as No. 1.

4. B. POPULIFOLIA, Alton. Leaves del-
toid, much acuminated, unequally serrate.
Scale of the fertile catkin, with the middle
lobe acute, and smaller than the lateral ones.
— American white birch. Poplar birch.

The bark of this species is not of so fine
a silvery color as the European species. It

* The B. rubra, MX. may possibly prove to be the same
as B. nigra, L.

80 AMEBICAN HANDBOOK

is a stronger, and makes the finest tree. It
thrives best in a cool but not wet loam ; but
will grow in any dry situation. The best
Bartram specimen is forty -one feet high by
three feet in circumference.

There is a much finer specimen in Mr.
Pierce's arboretum.

BKOUSSONETIA, Ventenat.—Nat. Ord. Mo-
raceao. Dioecia, Tetrandria, Linn. Male flow-
ers in pendulous cylindrical catkins. Fe-
male, peduncled, in upright globular heads.
Fruit, club-shaped.

B. PAPYRIFERA, Ventenat. Leaves large,
downy; some entire, others deeply lobed. —
Paper-mulberry. Native of Japan.

This tree was formerly in much request
for shade. Its wide-spreading branches adapt
it well for that purpose. In other respects,
it possesses no beauty, and as it throws out
many troublesome suckers, it is not now
much sought after. It is very apt to be
killed by severe winters. It grows to forty
or fifty feet high. There are no very large
specimens at Bartram, the original trees
having been rooted out. In very dry situa-

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 81

tions, where few things will grow, and some-
thing is preferred to nothing, the paper-mul-
berry may be applied to advantage. It also
thrives on the sea-shore, as may be seen at
Cape May, where it stands solitary and alone
as an ornamental tree.

BUMELIA, Swartz. — Nat. Ord. Sapotaceae.
Pentandria, Monogynia, Linn. Calyx 5-
parted. Corolla, with a short tube, 5-parted,
with two scales at the base of each segment.
Fruit, an ovate, 1 -seeded drupe.

B. LYCIOIDES, Willdenoiv. Leaves lanceo-
late, slightly wedge-shaped at the base, and
shining. Flowers in axillary panicles. — Bu-
melia. Native of the Southern States.

A small, thorny tree, of rugged growth,
and, in itself, of little beauty. It possesses
an interest in the fact of its being nearly
evergreen in this vicinity, and is covered
with small purple berries in the fall. It will
grow pretty well in the deepest shade as well
as in open situations, and prefers a rich,
loamy soil. It may be propagated by seeds,
or more easily by layers. A specimen at

82 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

Bartram is about thirty feet high, and nine
inches in diameter.

Buxus, Tournefort. — Nat. Ord. Euphorbia-
cese. Monoecia, Tetrandria, Linn. Calyx of
the male flower 3-leaved. Petals 2. Fe-
male calyx 4-leaved, with three petals and
three styles. Capsules with three beaks.
Cells three.

B. SEMPERVIRENS, Linn. Box-tree.

Those who have seen this plant only as an
edging to garden-walks, can have no concep-
tion of the beauty of the tree varieties. The
climate of Philadelphia seems well suited to
them. The Bartram specimens, and some at
Marshall's, excel anything in beauty I have
seen in its native Box-hill in England.

The best Bartram specimen is about thirty-
six feet high, and thirty inches in circum-
ference, perfectly symmetrical, and a pair of
them (the golden-striped variety) equally
uniform. The common green thrives equally
well, growing in a gravelly dry soil, under
the drip of trees.

It is usually propagated by seeds, layers,
or cuttings. The former may be sown as

^^ OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 83

soon as ripe, in a cool, somewhat dry and
shaded situation. They will readily germi-
nate, and may stay two years where they are
sown, then planted out in rows to stay till
they are wanted, when they can easily be
removed. New varieties may be raised in
this way, the box being very apt to sport
from seed.

In the nurseries, they are usually raised
from cuttings, which root readily when put
in a frame of sandy soil early in the fall.
The box-tree will transplant at any season,
with care. I have been most successful im-
mediately after the breaking up of frost.
There are several handsome varieties in cul-
tivation, the broad and narrow-leaved, gold-
edged, variegated, silver, yellow, and myrtle-
leaved. The B. Balearica, or Minorca Box,
is not, I believe, hardy in Philadelphia.

CARPINUS, Linn. — Nat. Ord. Corylaceas.
Moncecia, Polyandria, Linn. Male catkins,
cylindrical; scales ovate, acute, ciliate near
the base. Stamens twenty; anthers slightly
bearded at the top. Female catkins oblong,
scales unequally 3-lobed, 1-flowered, perma-

84 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

nent, enlarging, and becoming leafy. Nut
ovate, slightly flattened.

C. AMERICANA, Michaux. Leaves oblong
ovate, acuminate, unequally serrate. — Ameri-
can hornbean, water-beech. Northern and
Middle States.

A small tree, of about twenty-five feet
high. Like the birches, it is useful for
planting in barren soil, especially if on a
clay bottom. It is fond of being near to
moisture, as on the margin of streams. It
is a very handsome small twiggy tree, the
leaves changing in the fall to various shades
of crimson, scarlet, and orange, and very
often, after they are killed by the frost, are
retained on the plant till the spring. The
best Bartram specimen is thirty -two feet
high, and twenty-six inches in circumference.

It is generally raised in the nurseries by
layers ; seedlings make finer plants, but are
longer in coming on. The seed should be
sown as soon as ripe, in a rather moist but
light soil, and transplanted when a year old.
Unless they are moved a time or two when
young, they are difficult of removal after-
wards.

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 85

The European hornbean nearly resembles
this. The leaves are more perfectly ovate,
and each has red ovate glands at its base.
There are several varieties <of it ; propagated
by budding on the original, as well as by
layers.

CARYA, Nuttal. — Nat. Ord. Juglandaceae.
Moncecia, Polyandria, Linn. Male catkins
mostly in 37s, with the scales 3 -parted. Sta-
mens 3-8 ; anthers hairy. Female flowers in
clusters, each with one 4-cleft scale, with
out any style; the stigma 2-lobed, and each
lobe slightly cleft. Nut somewhat quadran-
gular.

1. C. ALBA, Nuttal. Leaflets mostly three,
villous beneath. Fruit depressed, globose;
nut flattened. Bark often peeling off in
flakes. Shellbark hickory.

This fine tree will not, probably, share the
fate of so many other of our fine native trees.
In "clearing lots,'7 a "shellbark" or- two is
generally preserved, in order that its nuts may
assist to crack away the tedium of a winter's
evening. A place ought to be assigned it
8

86 AMEKICAN HANDBOOK

in all new plantations of any extent. Its
branches have, in general, a gnarled and
twisted appearance, which in winter are ex-
ceeded in picturesqueness only by the per-
simmon, and, in some cases, by the sour-gum
and sassafras. When raised from infancy,
without being over-crowded, it is rather flat-
headed and spreading. It loves a sheltered
situation, and thrives best in a rich, rather
moist loam. The specimen at Bartram is
fifty feet high and three feet in circumfer-
ence.

It is raised from the nuts sown as soon as
ripe, or early in spring, in beds of rich loam,
in drills. They should be transplanted after
a season's growth. The younger they can
be planted where they are to remain the
better.

2. C. AMARA, Nuttal. Leaflets ovate, smooth
on both sides. Fruit nearly round, rather
small; shell of the nut very thin ; kernel bit-
ter.— Bitter-nut.

With the exception of the peccan, this is
the loftiest looking one of the tribe. Its
branches all exhibit a desire to grow up-
wards, and when the tree arrives at maturity,

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 87

the side-branches are frequently the highest
parts of the tree.

It thrives best on dry, rocky, or gravelly
places. In such situations I have seen it
give a peculiarly interesting appearance to
the landscape. The foliage is always of a
pale yellow tint. It changes to a fine golden
yellow in the fall. The finest Bartram speci-
men is about seventy-five feet high.

For cultivation, &c. see No. 1.

3. C. OLIV^FORMIS, Nuttal Leaflets nume-
rous, slightly falcate. Fruit, oblong, slightly
squared. Nut, olive-shaped, with a smooth,
thin shell, often marked with colored lines. —
Peccan nut. Illinois hickory.

Eesembles the bitter-nut in its habits and
manner of growth. In a passing glance, it -
might be taken for an ash ; both its trunk
and foliage favoring the impression. The
finest tree I have seen is at Bartram. It is
ninety-one feet high and five and a half feet
in circumference. It rarely perfects its fruit
in this region, but a young specimen at
Bartram often does so.

It thrives well in similar situations to the
bitter-nut, and may be managed in the same
way.

88 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

4. C. PORCINA, Nuttal. Leaflets about
seven. Fruit pear-shaped, outer shell thin.
Nut smooth, slightly compressed, often
slightly cordate, hard and smooth. — Pig-nut.
This is generally a much smaller tree than
the others, and is less picturesque than the
shellbark. It thrives best in rather moist
situations, and may be propagated as No. 1.

The finest Bartram specimen is fifty feet
high by three feet in circumference.

5. C. TOMENTOSA, Nuttal. Leaves mostly
seven. Young leaflets, petioles, and shoots
downy. Fruit oval. Nut large, somewhat
6-angled, thick shelled. — Mocker nut. Hick-
ory. This is a well-known tree, but is rapidly
disappearing with the forests. I might note
many fine specimens in the vicinity, but
which, possibly, before this work went to
press, might meet the woodman's axe.* A
fine specimen exists on the grounds at Spring-

* A remarkable specimen exists in a wood belonging
to Miss Ann Bartram, at Kingsessing. I believe it never
bears fruit, which may account for its size. One hun-
dred dollars were offered for it as a "liberty-pole" at the
election of Gen. Jackson, which the good lady's political
principles led her to decline.

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 89

brook, which at least will be preserved so
long as its present proprietor has control
over it.

CASTANEA, Tournefort. — Nat. Ord. Cory-
laceae. Monoecia, Polyandria, Linn. Male
flowers clustered in very long cylindrical
catkins. Female flowers generally in threes,
within a prickly covering. .

1. C. VESCA, Linnceus. Leaves oblong lan-
ceolate, acuminate, sinuate — serrate, smooth
and green on both sides : nuts usually two —
three in each covering. — Chestnut-tree. Na-
tive of Europe and America. Flowers in
June.

Nothing can be a prettier object in the
landscape than this well-known tree. It fre-
quently outgrows the oak, which it somewhat
resembles in appearance. The foreign varie-
ties, Marroniers of the French, differ in little
from our native variety, except in the size
of their nuts. They are of distinct import-
ance, however, in a landscape, on account of
their remaining green for weeks after our
kind has fallen into "the sere and yellow leaf."
8*

90 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

It will thrive in the most barren soils, es-
pecially those of a rocky or gravelly nature
— doing equally as well in a deep, rich loam,
or any soil but a wet one. It is, in fact, a
tree for any situation. The Bartram speci-
men is eighty feet high, and seven feet nine
inches in circumference ; and one of the
marrone variety, thirty-five feet high and
three feet in circumference.

It may be propagated by seed sown in
drills in the spring, or in the fall, if preserved
from vermin. The improved varieties are
perpetuated by grafting.

2. C. PUMILA, Michaux. Leaves oblong
lanceolate, acute, whitish tomentose beneath.
— Chinquapin. Native of the Southern States.
Flowers in June.

In its wild state, this is but a shrub of
meagre stature; but cultivated, makes a
pretty, round-headed, miniature chestnut-tree.
A specimen at Bartram is twenty-five feet
high and thirty-five inches in circumference.
There is a very pretty specimen in Mr. Pierce's
arboretum, twenty-eight inches in circumfe-
rence and about thirty -five feet high.

In its native localities, it seems to prefer

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 91

moist situations. Both, the specimens above
alluded to are in rather dry soil.
It can be propagated as No. 1.

CATALPA, Scopoli. — Nat. Ord. Bignoniacae.
Didynamia Angiosperma, Linn. Calyx 2-
parted. Corolla campanulate; limb une-
qually toothed ; tube swollen out. Stamens,
two sometimes nearly abortive. Capsule
long, cylindrical.

C. BIGNONIOIDES, Walter. Leaves cordate,
acuminate, entire, petiolate. Flowers pani
culate. — Catalpa. Bean-tree.

This tree sometimes reaches thirty-five or
forty feet high, flowering in June, and is, at
that time, very ornamental. Yet it is not in
much demand. Its leaves are so long in
making their appearance in spring, as often
to originate the idea that the tree has suffered
in the winter. The first cold nights, too, put
an end to their verdure, while between its
" beans," leaves, and fading flowers, it keeps
up a litter throughout the year. Its head is
round and regular, while its branches are
generally curled and twisted. Its ornamental
flowers together, will always insure it a place

92 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

in a collection. The best Bartram specimen
is about forty feet high and four feet in cir-
cumference.

The catalpa will grow in any soil, but pre-
fers one rather rnoist. It may be propagated
by seeds sown early in spring, in a light
loamy soil, a little shaded. Cover them
very lightly. They will soon vegetate. The
sooner they are planted into the nursery
rows the better. They frequently die down
a little in winter, but soon lose this weakness.
They may also be struck from cuttings of last
year's wood, taken off early in the spring,
and put in a bed of sandy loam. Strong plants
can be raised sooner this way than by seeds.

CEDRUS, Barretter. — Nat. Ord. PinaceaB.
Moncecia, Monadelphia, Linn. Differs from
Larix in being evergreen, and in the carpels
separating from the axis.

1. C. DEODARA, Roxburgh. Leaves in
bundles, sharp, somewhat 3-angled, stiff, of a
bluish-green, covered with a glaucous bloom.
Cones four to five inches long, three to four
broad. — Deodar. Native of Nepaul.

This is said to grow one hundred and fifty

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 93

feet high ; the largest in this vicinity is not
over six. Its light gray color and graceful
pendulous habit, gives it a peculiar character
which makes it much sought after by orna-
mental planters. Most of the plants in our
nurseries are imported. Such are more
readily killed by our winters than plants
raised here. The severe winter of 1851-2
killed many of the imported trees in the
vicinity of Philadelphia.

I have seen it thrive remarkably well in a
cool, sandy loam, and have no doubt of its
proving with us one of the most valuable
ornamental evergreens.

2. C. LIBANI, Barrelier. Leaves one inch
long, nearly cylindrical, tapering to a point,
on very short footstalks ; growing in tufts.
Cones ovate, three to four inches long. — Cedar
of Lebanon. Native of Syria.

Of very slow growth in this country. This
may arise from imperfect culture. It is very
ornamental when of good size. The branches,
especially as they grow old, assume a stiffly
horizontal direction, and when the tree is in
favorable circumstances, sweep the ground.
When any way crowded, they soon lose their

94 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

under branches, and present a very artificial
looking irregular head. It thrives best in a
deep, rich, sandy loam, contiguous to moisture.

The seed should be sown early in the
spring, in light, sandy loam, about half an
inch deep. They will appear in about six
weeks. The following year they may be
planted in pots separately, or, which I think
preferable, in nursery rows, twelve inches
apart. It is well to give them a little pro-
tection against frost the first winter or so.
Frequently, they are potted and kept in cool
frames for a year or two ; but, unless under
very skilful hands, they are liable to get
stunted and be of little use afterwards.

The C. africana, Gordon, from Mount Atlas,
is probably but a variety of this with a
lighter hue. Its habit and appearance are
so nearly alike, that no distinction appears
for ornamental uses — so far as I can judge
from plants but a few feet high.

CELTIS, Tournefort. — Nat. Ord. Ulmaceae.
Polygamia, Monoecia, Linnceus. Calyx of the
staminate flowers 5 -parted. Stamens six.
Calyx of the perfect flowers 5-parted. Stig-

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 95

ma awl-shaped, elongated, spreading. Styles
short, connate. — Fruit drupaceous, 1 -seeded,
round.

1. C. CRASSIFOLIA, Lamarck. Leaves ob-
liquely cordate ovate, much attenuated, and
acuminate, mucronately serrate, very sca-
brous, and of large size. Flowers appearing
before the leaves. Divisions of the calyx
spathulate, nearly entire. — Hackberry. Na-
tive of the Northern and Middle States.

This fine tree is very little known in our
vicinity ; and, where it exists, is taken for
the next species. There are two specimens
(one of each), side by side in the garden of
Friend Joshua Hoopes, of West Chester,
where the difference between the two can be
seen at a glance. And in the garden of Mar-
shall, there is a fine specimen seven feet in
circumference, and probably ninety feet high.
Its branches spread, and the whole appear-
ance is very much that of an elm; with per-
haps a darker hue.*

* Mr. G. W. Emerson, in his "Trees and Shrubs of
Massachusetts," observes that this tree "has gnarled,
projecting roots, putting out nearly three feet from the
surface on every side."

96 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

The berries should be sown as soon as
they are ripe. If not sown till spring, they
seldom come up till the year following.

2. C. OCCIDENTALS, Linnceus. Leaves ob-
liquely ovate, serrate, acuminate. Flowers
mostly solitary. Divisions of the calyx
ciliate. Fruit brownish, not black, as de-
scribed by Michaux. — American nettle-tree.

"When in , cultivation, this is a large tree,
rivalling some of the elms, which family it
more resembles than even the last, often ex-
hibiting the corky barked appearance of some
of them. It is not quite so spreading in its
habit.

It delights in a moist, rich soil ; and, in-
deed, will become a large tree in no other.
The specimens at Bartram being on gravelly
soil, and consequently short-lived, are now
all dead ; but young trees abound.

It is propagated as No. 1.

CERASUS, Jussieu. — Nat. Ord. Drupace^e,
Icosandria, Monogynia, Linn. Drupe glo-
bose; nut sub-globose; not covered with a
bloom as in the plum.

1. C. CHIC ASA, Seringe. Branches glabrous,

,; ^;_.

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 97

becoming rather spiny. Leaves oblong oval,
sharp. Flowers on very short peduncles,
and mostly in pairs. Calyx glabrous; its
lobes very short. Fruit globose, small, yel-
low, or sometimes red. — Chicasaw plum. Na-
tive of the Southern States.

A small, twiggy, erectly-spreading tree, the
beauty of which principally lies in its lively
shining wood. A specimen at Bartram is
twenty-five feet high and thirty -four inches,
in circumference.

The best way to propagate is to cut a tree
down to a few inches of the ground, making
it thus to throw out an abundance of shoots,
In the fall following, run a knife just through
the bases of each, vertically. Then fill with
soil to a few inches over the slit. In the
following fall they will be well rooted, and
may be taken off the parent.

2. C. MAHALEB, Miller. Leaves somewhat
heart-shaped, toothed. Flowers in racemes.
Fruit nearly round, black, and very bitter. —
Mahaleb cherry. Native of the south of
Europe.

The deep black fruit of this tree, and its.
small apricot-like foliage, render it a veiy
9

$8 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

useful tree in ornamental gardening. Its
growth is generally erect, though it varies
much from seed in this respect. A very fine
specimen at Bartram, remarkably spreading
and round-headed, is thirty-five feet high
and thirty-six inches in circumference. It
delights in a deep rich loam, and may be
propagated from seeds sown early in spring,
or from layers, or the mode given for No. 1.

8. C. PADUS, De Candolle. Leaves ovate-
lanceolate, somewhat thin, sharp, and serru-
late, with the teeth rather spreading. Ra-
cemes long and leafy. Fruit round. — English
bird-cherry. Flowers in April.

A low flat-headed tree, seldom growing
over thirty feet high, but valuable to us for
the earliness and beauty of its white flowers.
It thrives best in a moist, shady situation ;
may be propagated as the preceding, or by
budding on the G. serotina, which improves its
vigor. A small specimen at Bartram, in a
dry situation, is twenty feet high.

4. C. BEKOTINA, De Candolle. Leaves ob-
long, acuminate, serrate dentate, smooth;
the petiole bearing about four glands. Flow-
ers in racemes; petals round. Fruit deep

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 99

red, or purplish. — "Wild cherry. Flowers in

Very ornamental, and indispensable in
every collection. It is usually round-headed,
and, if exposed, throws out its branches to a
great distance. Its leaves are of a fine, dark,
shining green; and even in winter, when
shorn of these beauties, its spotted and
speckled branches are interesting. Its fruit
is very attractive to birds, thus promoting
the pleasures of a country-seat in a twofold
manner.

A fine specimen at Bartram is seventy
feet high and five feet in circumference.

It will do well in most soils or situations,
and is propagated from seeds sown in the
spring.

5. C. SYLVESTRIS, Seringe. Branches vi-
gorous and spreading. Fruit-buds oblong,
acute. Flowers in umbels. Variety, flore
plena. Flowers double. — Double-flowering
wood-cherry.

* I am indebted to my friend, Dr. W. Darlington, for
the observation that the kind known as C. Virginiana L.
is really this species ; the real C. Virginiana L. being a
low shrub.

100 AHEKICAN HANDBOOK

Deservedly admired for its pure, white,
large, double flowers, appearing in May.
Propagated by budding. The Bartram spe-
cimen is twenty -five feet high, and thirty-six
inches in circumference.

CERCIS, Linnaeus. — Nat. Ord. Fabacese. Dia-
delphia, Decandria, Linn. Calyx obtusely 5-
lobed, gibbous at the base, corolla butterfly-
shaped; the wings larger than the standard
or top petal. Legume flat, oblong, many-
seeded.

1. C. CAISTADENSIS, Linnaeus. Leaves cord-
ate, nearly round, acute; pubescent in the
axils of the nerves beneath. — Eed bud. Ame-
rican Judas-tree.

Nothing can be more beautiful in April
and May, than a large round-headed " red-
bud," twenty or thirty feet high, covered
with its beautiful flowers before the bursting
of a single leaf. The silvery under-surface
of the leaves gives the tree a very light hue.
I'have seen some fine specimens of this in
Mr. Pierce's fine avenue. The best Bartram
specimen is thirty-five feet high and three
feet six inches in circumference, growing in

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 101

a rocky, shady soil, contiguous to moist-
ure.

It is readily raised from seeds sown in the
fall, or early in spring, in a cool, shaded loam.
They vegetate better if the seeds are sown
with the pods, these being merely broken to
pieces. They are considered to transplant
most easily just before the bursting of the

buds.

2. C. SILIQUASTRUM, Linnceus. Much re-
sembling the other, but with the leaves not
so large, or round, and are entirely smooth.
The flowers are less brilliant, and the whole
tree inferior in beauty. — European Judas-
tree. Native of the south of Europe.
.

CHIONANTHUS, Linnceus. — Nat. Ord. Olea-
ceae. Diandria, Monogynia, Linn. Calyx 4-
parted. Corolla 4-5-cleft ; lobes very long and
slender. Fruit, drupaceous. Nut, striated.

C. VIRGINICA, Linnceus. Leaves ovate, lan-
ceolate, smooth, a little leathery. Peduncles
3-cleft, 3-flowered. — Fringe-tree, flowering in
June. Native of the Southern and Middle
States.

Though seldom more than a week in

102 AMEBICAN HANDBOOK

flower, their beauty, or rather elegance,
makes 'up for their evanescence. They re-
semble elaborately cut and fringed racemes
of white paper. In the fall, its clusters of
dark-purple, olive-shaped berries add much
to its interest. The tree itself has little
beauty ; its glaucous hue is frequently mis-
taken for mildew. It thrives well in a cool,
deep loam, and may be propagated by seeds
or layers. Seeds should be sown as soon as
ripe, in a cool, shaded situation. If not
allowed to get too hot or dry, they will vege-
tate the first season.

The best Bartram specimen is about
twenty feet high and thirty inches in cir-
cumference.

CORNUS, Linnaeus. — Nat. Ord, \ Cornaceae.
Tetrandria, Monogynia, Linn. Petals sessile,
4, valvate in opening. Limb of the calyx
very small, 4-toothed. Berry marked by the
remains of the calyx. Nut 2-8-celled.

1. C. ALBA, Linnceus. Leaves broadly ovate,
villose beneath. Heads of flowers very flat. —
White-berried Dogwood. Flowers in May.
Native of Eussia and North America.

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 103

There are some slight differences between
these plants in different localities, but I be-
lieve botanists consider them specifically the
same. It is a law, spreading tree, becoming
in fact but a shrub unless pruned up to a
straight stem in its infancy. Its large trusses
of white flowers, succeeded by white berries,
and the fine, red color its branches turn to
in winter, render this not the least ornament-
al of a very handsome tribe of small trees.
It is rather scarce near the city, but is in the
garden of Mr. John Evans, at Eadnor.

It may be propagated by seeds, layers, or
grafts. Seeds, if not sown as soon as ripe,
often lie two years in the ground ; especially
if not sown in moist soil. The best plan of
raising them, is to take small branches, with
several shoots on them, as soon as possible
after the frost is out of the ground, and plant
them in rows in a rather moist, somewhat
shaded place, leaving only the tops of the
small shoots out of the soil. It is better not
to take off even a leaf. In the following fall
most of them will have roots, when they may
be taken up and separated to form plants.

2. C. ALTERNIFOLIA, LinnoBus. Leaves

104 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

slightly alternate, oval, heavy underneath.
Berries dark purple. — Alternate-leaved dog-
wood. Flowers in May. Native of the
Northern and Middle States.

This will often grow as large as the C.
florida, with a similar spreading head. The
flowers are of a yellowish- white color, and
the wood remains always green. It thrives
best* in moist shady situations, and may be
propagated as No. 1.

3. C. FLOEIDA, Linnceus. Flowers in capi-
tate clusters, surrounded by four large petal-
like leaflets, forming an involucre. — Flowery
dogwood. American dogwood. Native of
the Northern and Middle States.

One of the most beautiful of our native
flowering small trees, the flowers appearing
in April, and presenting a brilliant appear-
ance. It often grows thirty feet high and
one foot in diameter in our forests ; but, with
them, is fast disappearing. It will thrive in
the deepest shade, loves moisture, but does
not do well in a dry or exposed situation.
The flowers are succeeded by beautiful red
berries, and the leaves turn reddish in the
fall. The branches grow very horizontal,

J

OF OR^AMEKTAL TREES. ,, 105

and give it quite an interest in winter, each
small twig crowned with its future head of
flowers in embryo.

Propagated as No. 1.

The finest Bartram specimen is thirty feet
high and two feet nine inches in circumfer-
ence.

4. C. MAS, Linnceus. Flowers in heads,
surrounded by a four-petalled, green, leafy
involucre, appearing before the leaves. —
Cornelian cherry. Native of most parts of
Europe.

A round-headed, small, shrubby tree of
great beauty, whether considered with regard
to its early bee-enticing flowers ; its regular,
spreading, twiggy head ; or the beautiful large
red elliptical fruit with which it is covered
in the fall. It grows in any soil or situation,
but best in a deep rich loam. A specimen
at Bartram is fifteen feet high and twelve
inches in circumference.

It may be propagated as No. 1.

Many beautiful varieties might be raised
from seed. One with yellow fruit is said
already to exist.

5. 0. SAKGUIKEA, Lmnceus. Leaves ovate,

106 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

J v >' * ' •" • X

entire, often undulated. Berries black. —
English red dogwood. Native of Europe.
Flowers in June.

The red young shoots give it a brilliant
appearance; and the dark berries form a fine
contrast. It thrives well in any moist soil.
It is much inclined to branch out to form a
shrub ; when carefully pruned it makes a
pretty tree of about fifteen feet high. The
best specimens about are in the garden of
John Evans.

CKAT^EGUS, Linnceus. — Nat. Ord. PomaceaB.
Icosandria, Di-pentagynia, Linn. Calyx, limb
5-cleft. Petals 5, orbicular, spreading; styles
1-5, smooth. Apple or fruit mealy or fleshy,
closed by the teeth of the calyx. Seeds bony.

1. C. COEDATA, Miller. Leaves cordate
ovate, gashed and cut, smooth ; petioles and
calyx without glands. Styles 5. — "Washing-
ton thorn. Maple hawthorn.

All the tribe are highly ornamental small
trees, whether considered in flower, fruit, or
foliage. The fruit of this is smaller than in
most of the following — grows about twenty
feet high. All the kinds thrive best in a

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 107

deep rich loam. May be propagated from
seeds, layers, or by budding on each other.
The seeds very seldom come up the first
year. They make finer trees for ornamental
purposes by this than by any other mode.
For fencing, they are sometimes raised by
cuttings of the roots.

2. C. COCCINEA, Linnceus. Leaves cordate
ovate, with sharply cut angles, thin and
smooth, on long glandular petioles. Styles
mostly 5. Fruit large, roundish, bright red.
— Scarlet-fruited thorn. American haw-
thorn.

A very desirable kind, on account of its
fine foliage and large fruit.

3. C. CRUS-GALLI, Linnceus. Leaves nearly
sessile, shining, leathery, ovate wedge-shaped,
serrate. Segments of the smooth calyx lance-
olate. Flowers mostly two -sty led. — Cock-
spur hawthorn. Flowers in May. Native of
North America.

The enormous spines, frequently three or
four inches long, give this tree its chief pecu-
liarity. The branches spread more horizon-
tally than in some of the others, and are
generally of a shining, greenish red.

108 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

4. C. FLAY A, Aiton. Leaves obovate.
Wedge-shaped, angular, smooth and shin-
ing. Petioles, stipules, and the segments of
the calyx glandular. Berries pear-shaped,
yellowish, 4-seeded, branches thorny. Thorns
often with small leaves on them. — Yellow-
fruited hawthorn. Pear-fruited hawthorn.
Native of the Northern States. Flowers in
May.

A strong-growing, very desirable species ;
but as yet scarce in cultivation. It is grow-
ing in the garden of John Evans.

5. C. OXYACANTHA, Linno&us. Leaves
mostly trifid, blunt, a little wedge-shaped,
serrate, rather smooth and shining. Petioles
and calyx without glands. Styles 1-3. Fruit
ovoid. — English hawthorn. Flowers in May.

In England, this is in the smallest garden,
so much is it valued for the earliness and
fragrance of its flowers. They make very
beautiful objects, pruned up to a single stem,
as single specimen small trees, in parks and
similar places, there ; here, they do not seem
so well adapted as some of our own species,
being of a very luxuriant straggling growth,
throwing out few side shoots. There are

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 109

many varieties of this species, of which nearly
twenty are cultivated by John Evans, at
Eadnor. There are also double red and
white varieties, and others with various-
colored fruits, highly ornamental.

6. G. PYRIFOLIA, Aiton. Leaves ovate,
elliptic, deeply serrate. Calyx slightly
downy. Flowers 3-styled. — Pear-leaved
hawthorn.

This species does not grow so tall as some
of the other kinds, rarely reaching twenty
feet. It is very desirable on account of its
foliage, and as being one of the latest to open
its blossoms ; they seldom appearing before
the middle of June. Though a native of the
Northern States, it is scarce here in cultiva-
tion, Mr. Evans being the only cultivator
who, to my knowledge, possesses it.

CRYPTOMERIA, Thunberg. — Nat. Ord. Pi-
nacese. Moncecia, Monadelphia. Scales pel-
tate, 4-6-seeded. Seeds 2-winged.

C. JAPONIC A, Don. Leaves 5 -rowed, ses-
sile, with dec ur rent nerves, linear, incurved,
slightly 4-angled, awl-shaped. — Japan cedar.

In its native country it is said to reach
10

110 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

near one hundred feet high, growing in damp
soils, on a basaltic substratum.

It is perfectly hardy with us, and has a
beautiful light-green appearance through
summer. In winter it becomes quite brown.

CUPRESSUS, Tournefort. — Nat. Ord. Pi-
naceae. Monoecia, Monadelphia, Linn. Male
flowers in catkins. Calyx, a scale of the
catkin, bearing four sessile anthers. Female
flowers heaped in a roundish cone, without a
corolla. Styles concave, ovaries eight, in a
receptacle. Fruit, a strobile.

1. C. THYOIDES, Linnceus. Leaves acute,
flat, imbricated. — White cedar. Native of
the Middle States.

Frequently grows thirty feet high, and at
first sight resembles the red cedar. It has a
very slender, straight trunk, and the branches
grow erect, giving the tree a very slim ap-
pearance. It delights in a low, wet situation,
and is therefore often valuable as thriving
where few others will. A specimen at Bar-
tram, on rather dry soil, is twenty feet high
and nine inches in circumference.

It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.

.''•"' • ''01- *

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. Ill

The former sown as soon as ripe, in a light
moist soil, in a shady situation. They will
mostly appear the following spring.

Cuttings may be taken off in the fall as
soon as the wood is firm, and put in a bed of
coarse sand, and kept shaded from the full
sun. They will require protection from frost,
or it will draw them out of the soil. Most
of them will be rooted by spring. They are
not so desirable for fine specimens as seed-
lings.

2. C. TORULOSA, David Don. Leaves
ovate, obtuse, imbricated in four rows. Main
branches crowded, ascending; small branches
much crowded, round, closely imbricated
with leaves, often recurved at the points. —
Twisted cypress. Native of Nepaul.

A very beautiful and distinct species.

It does not prove entirely hardy here, but
sufficiently so as to demand notice. The
finest I have seen in the vicinity is about
three feet. It is readily propagated from
cuttings, like No. 1.

CYRILLA, Linnceus. — Nat. Ord. Ericaceae.
Pentandria, Monogynia, Linn. Calyx 5-

112 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

parted, persistent, with small divisions. Pe-
tals five, thick and convex in the centre, ex-
ceeding the length of the calyx. Stamens
as long as the petals. Ovary oval, with a
short style, and a 2-3 cleft stigma.

1. C. RACEMIFLORA, Linnceus. Leaves
wedge-lanceolate, somewhat acute and lea-
thery, smooth. Petals three times longer
than the calyx, and convex in the middle. —
The cyrilla. Native of the Southern States.

One of our prettiest small evergreen trees,
whether we consider the cheerful appearance
of its foliage, or its beautiful racemes of white
flowers. It thrives well in a light, gravelly
loam contiguous to moisture. In such, there
is a specimen at Bartram twenty feet high
and thirty inches in circumference.

CYTISUS, Linnceus. — Nat. Ord. Fabaceae.
Calyx 2-lipped. Upper lip 2-cleft. Lower
3-toothed. Legume attenuated at the base.

C. LABURNUM, Linnczus. Racemes simple,
pendulous. Leaflets ovate oblong. Legumes
many-seeded. — Laburnum. Native of the
South of Europe. Flowers in May, in large
yellow clusters.-

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 113

In the climate of England, this is one of
the most ornamental of small trees. It does
pretty well here in a deep, rich loam, in a
cool, very shaded, but not close or confined
situation. It will not do well in a wet soil.

It may be propagated by seeds, layers, or,
with care, by cuttings. The former is best.
Sow as soon as ripe — if with the pods, the
better — early in spring. They appear in a
few weeks. The following spring transplant
into nursery rows, one foot apart. The
sooner they are permanently removed the
better, as they get easily checked by being
disturbed. There are several varieties, as
the oak-leaved, variegated, &c. These are pro-
pagated by grafting or buddings on the com-
mon kind.

The best Bartram specimen is about
twenty-five feet high by fifteen inches in
circumference.

DIOSPYROS, Linnceus. — Nat. Ord. Ebenaceae.
Polygamia, Dioecia, Linn. Calyx 4-parted.
Corolla pitcher-shaped, 4-cleft. Stamens, in
the male flower, often sixteen; in the fertile,
eight. Styles 4-cleft. Very often 8-seeded.

114 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

D. VIRGINIANA, Linnceus. Leaves ovate,
acuminate, entire, nearly smooth ; petioles
downy ; buds smooth. — Persimmon. Native
of the Middle and Southern States.

In good soil this will frequently grow
forty or fifty feet high, and, in its habits of
growth, is one of the most picturesque
middle-sized trees we have. "When by itself
it grows conical, with its branches very tor-
tuose. ( It is interesting at all seasons. In
the spring, by its deep shining green foliage;
in the summer, by the light green fruit ; in
the fall, by the rich orange of its sered
leaves, with the deep brown of its fruit ; and
then in the winter, by its rustically -twisted,
" ram's-horn" like branches. It thrives best
in a deep rich loam.

It is propagated by its seeds, sown as soon
as ripe. They will appear in the spring. It
is one of those trees which do not transplant
readily, if not carefully cultivated when
young.

There is a specimen at Bartram sixty feet
high and three feet in circumference; and
another fine specimen of a variety planted
by William Bartram, which is of a fine fla-
vor long before the frost arrives.

.
OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 115

EL^E AGNUS, Linnczus. — Nat. Ord. Elaeagna-
ceae. Tetrandria, Monogynia, Linn. Calyx tu-
bularly bell-shaped, with four slightly spread-
ing lobes. Stamens shorter than the corolla
adhering to its base. Fruit consisting of an
achenium, and of the tubular part of the
calyx rendered fleshy. The flowers are oc-
casionally male only.

E. HORTENSIS, Bieberstein. Leaves lanceo-
late, and, with the shoots of the current year,
hoary. Flowers, axillary. Fruit, of a red-
dish brown. — Oleaster. Native of the south
of Europe,

The specimen at Bartram is about twenty-
five feet high and twelve inches in circum-
ference. It is a small willow-like tree, with
a soft mellow-looking foliage, keeping green,
in our specimen, till near Christmas.

It is easily propagated from its berries,
sown as soon as ripe ; or by layers. It does
best in a loose loamy soil, and prefers a cool
situation.; r>Yf^

EUONYMUS, Tournefort.—Nat. Ord. Celas-
traces3. Pentandria, Monogynia, Linn. Fruit
capsular, 3-5-angled ; 3-5-valved ; valves

116 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

opening by the middle. Seeds coated by a
colored arillus.

1. E. ATROPURPUREUS, Jacquin. Leaves
elliptic ovate, acuminate, petiolate. Capsules
smooth. — Dark purple spindle-tree. Native
of the Middle States.

Under very favorable circumstances, and
with >good trimming when young, it will
make a small tree of fifteen feet high ; other-
wise it will scarcely come under the head of
Arboriculture. Its red capsules render it
very conspicuous in the fall.

It thrives best in a deep rich loam, in a
somewhat shaded situation. It is readily
propagated by either seeds or layers. Seeds
should be sown as soon as ripe, or they will
not germinate for a season. They will come
up freely if sown in any moist, shady place.

The best specimen at Bartram, on stony
soil, is about ten feet high.

2. E. EUROPCEUS, Linnmus. Leaves smooth,
bluntly serrate, elliptical; flowers mostly
4-stamened; peduncles compressed, many-
flowered. Stigmas awl-shaped. Angles of
the capsules blunt. — European spindle-tree.
Those who have seen this tree in English

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 117

gardens, about ten or fifteen feet high, would
be unprepared to see a specimen double this
size in the garden of Mend Longstreth,
Kingsessing, which was probably planted
there by Young, " the King's Botanist," and
rival of John Bartram, who formerly owned
the place. Its gray bark, and, in the fall, its
pale pink capsules, clothe it with interest. .

It may be propagated as No. 1.

3. E. LATIFOLIUS, Bauhin. Leaves serrate,
lanceolate, with short petioles. Flowers
mostly 5-stamened, on long cylindrical pedi-
cels, many together. Petals white, changing
to purple. Angles of the capsules sharp. —
Broad-leaved spindle-tree.

This is a finer species than either of the
other two, growing much larger and stronger,
and having finer foliage and larger fruit. It
is scarce in these parts, but is cultivated in
the garden of John Evans.

It is a native of the south of Europe.

FAGUS, Linnceus. — Nat. Ord. Corylaceas.
Monoecia, Polyandria, Linn. Staminate flowers
numerous; in globose, pedunculate, pendu-
lous catkins. Female flowers in twos, in an

118 AMERICAN" HANDBOOK

ovoidal, muricated involucre. Pistil with
the base covered by the calyx. Styles three,
awl-shaped. Nut triangular.

1. R FERRUGINEA, Aiton. Leaves oblong
ovate, acuminate, more or less dentate, cili-
ate; the flexible armature, or bracts, of the
involucre spreading, or recurved. — American
beech.

Who does not know the beech? From
the child who cuts its name on the smooth
gray bark, to the aged one who stops, lean-
ing on his staff, to take an oft-repeated look
at some noble specimen in a landscape. It
looks well in any situation where quietness
and graceful elegance are sought to be ex-
pressed. In wild or rugged scenery, I con-
sider it out of place. By itself, in a quiet,
sheltered nook, in a deep rich loam, it will
form an object not easily surpassed for beau-
ty. Its deep green glossy foliage ; its slen-
der feathery branches; the silvery gray of
its trunk, with its robust, ample proportions,
cannot fail to excite admiration. In wild,
rugged scenery, its foliage seems too dense
for its light branches ; and the head is too
regular, and seeming too overgrown to be in

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 119

keeping. It will often grow to a very large
size in rocky soil, if not too dry. Its roots
extend a long way, and so near the surface
that nothing but a kind of broom-rape, which
nature seems wisely to have provided for
the purpose, will grow amongst them. The
best Bartram specimen is about seventy-two
feet high and four feet four inches in circum-
ference. ">X;*

Seeds sown early in spring very soon
germinate. They should be early trans-
planted to nursery -rows, and have plenty of
room allowed them. For permanent situa-
tions, a two-year old plant is better than an
older one.

2. F. SYLVATICA, Linnceus. Leaves ovate,
glabrous, slightly toothed, and ciliated. — Eu-
ropean beech.

This very much resembles our species in
habit, but has a glossier-looking foliage, and
more compact habit of growth. It is very
scarce in our district, existing chiefly as
stocks on which imported varieties have
been grafted, and failed. It is very late in
budding out in the spring.

The variety cuprea is more common. The

120 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

most handsome in form is probably that at
Bartram, which is clothed with branches to
the ground, and is fifty feet high and thirty-
six inches in circumference. A specimen
with a magnificent head exists in the fine
arboretum of Mr. Pierce, which is five feet in
circumference. It is propagated by grafting
the two-year old wood on the original species.

The var. sanguinea has larger and darker-
colored foliage. I have seen no very large
specimens here.

Var. pendula is a fine weeping variety,
propagated also by grafting.

The var. laciniata is cultivated in the
" Woodlands" west of the Schuylkill. Its
finely cut foliage gives it a very distinct
appearance.

Small specimens of the var. cristata are
also in cultivation, the leaves appearing like
a curled willow.

FRAXINUS, Tournefort. — Nat. Ord. Oleaceae.
Polygamia, Dioecia, Linn. Sometimes Dian-
dria Monogynia. Calyx mostly none, or 4-
parted. Corolla none, or 4-petalled. Stamens

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 121

mostly 2. Pistil one. Capsule a flat, lance-
olate, winged samara.

1. F. AMERICANA, Linnmus. Leaflets ob-
long ovate, somewhat pubescent and glaucous
beneath; petioles and young branches smooth.
Also F. acuminata, Lambert. — White ash.

What the Quercus alba is to its family,
this is to the ashes — the chief. It is one of
our prettiest trees. The head is flat when
the tree is full grown, and when seen at a
little distance, seems regularly marked with
horizontal lines of light and shade. Its hue
is so light as to have a beautiful effect when
combined with trees of a darker shade. One
of the prettiest combinations of trees I think
I ever saw had a white ash with an Euro-
pean linden on each side ; not near enough
to touch each other. The lindens were per-
fect cones, and perhaps one-third taller than
the ash ; and formed a fine contrast, both in
habit and color, to the ash. There was a
splendid specimen at Bartram, which blew
down in a gale in 1850, measuring over one
hundred feet high. The roots of all the ashes
run very near to the surface. They require
a rich loam and plenty of room to arrive at
11

122 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

perfection. Seeds should be sown as soon as
ripe, on a bed of sandy loam, in a rather
moist situation. They will come up in the
spring. They should be transplanted into
nursery rooms, at least two feet apart, at the
end of the first season's growth. All the ashes
are amongst the latest to push forth in the
spring.

2. F. EPIPTERA, Wittdenow, which is in-
cluded in many of our collections and cata-
logues, is, so far as I have been enabled to
determine, either the same thing as F. Ameri-
cana, L. or is not really with us.

3. F. EXCELSIOR, Willdenow. Leaflets
lanceolate, serrate, sessile. Flowers without
petals. — English ash.

This species, though resembling the black
ash in its descriptive character, is readily distin-
guished at sight. Its leaflets are smaller, and
but 4-6 in a leaf. The hue of the foliage is
so light as to make a marked distinction. A
very fine specimen existed at Bartram till
1851, when, being very nearly decayed, it
was taken down. There are still several
small ones, some exceeding thirty feet high.

For soil and cultivation see No. 1.

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 123

Var. aurea has an interesting appearance,
from the color of its bark. There is a fair-
sized specimen on the grounds of Mr. E.
Buist, Eosedale, Kingsessing.

Var. heterophylla, often bearing entire
leaves, grows in the garden of John Evans.

Var. pendula, the weeping ash, is indis-
pensable in many situations. There is a very
interesting specimen at Bartram, forming the
"Washington arbor" under which the Father
of his country, Benjamin Franklin, Wilson,
and other eminent men, have often sat ; and
wherein, surrounded by scenes he loved,
William Bartram breathed his last. Here
sat Washington, when he replied to the
French ambassador's playful inquiry, what
kind of a nut that (bombshell) was: "It is a
nut too hard for John Bull to crack." There
is another taller specimen on the same grounds.

It is propagated by budding on any of the
strong-growing species.

4. F. JUGLANDIFOLIA, Willdenow. Leaflets
7-toothed, petiolate, oval acuminate. Branches
and petioles smooth. — Walnut-leaved ash.
Native of the Middle and Southern States.

A middle-sized tree, attaining sometimes

124 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

sixty feet high. It thrives best in a cool
deep loam, contiguous to moisture.

5. F. PUBESCENS, Walter. Leaflets on short
petioles, elliptic lanceolate, slightly sharp and
serrate ; petioles and young branches downy.
— Downy ash. Eed ash. Native of the
Northern and Middle States.

The most irregular-headed of all the ashes.
The branches are frequently twisted and
tortuose, very different to the stiffness so
general in the tribe ; though not attaining
such large proportions as some other kinds,
it is more ornamental. It thrives best in a
moist situation. A fine specimen at Bartram
is fifty feet high by five feet two inches in
circumference.

6. F. QUADRANGULATA, Michaux. Young
branches quadrangular, nearly sessile, oval
lanceolate, sharply serrate, downy beneath. —
Blue ash. Native of the Western States.

I have seen but one small tree, in the arbore-
tum of Mr. Pierce. It has the appearance of
being very ornamental. It is said to grow
sixty or seventy feet high, and to require
less moisture than most of our other species.

7. F. SAMBUCIFOLIA, Willdenow. Leaflets

.4

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 125

ovate lanceolate, sessile; the midrib hairy
beneath. Calyx wanting. — Black ash. Na-
tive of the Northern and Middle States.

As an ornamental tree, this possesses few
points of interest. It has a coarse formal
habit, pushes forth its leaves late in spring,
and sheds them early in fall, and when leafless,
has no point of beauty beyond a dingy, smoky,
disagreeable blackness, which may occasion-
ally please by its evident harmony with
wintriness and dulness. It prefers a moist
situation.

GLEDITSCHIA, Linnceus. — Nat. Ord. Faba-
cese. Polygamia, Dicecia, Linn. Hermaphro-
dite flowers with a 4-cleft calyx. Corolla 4-
petalled. Stamens 6. Pistil 1. — Male calyx
3-leaved. Corolla 3-petalled. — Female calyx
5-leaved, corolla 5-petalled.

1. Gr. TRIACANTHOS, Linnceus. Leaflets
ovate oblong. Frequently, very spiny.
Spines axillary. — Honey locust.

The most usual height is fifty feet. Opinions

are divided in regard to the value of this tree

in the landscape. "When in fruit, with its

large bean-like pods, it has a pleasing aspect.

It*

126 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

Its formidable-looking spines and extremely
thin foliage, detract from its otherwise agree-
able appearance.

In spite of its many defects, its place in
some situations cannot be better supplied.
There is a fine specimen at Bartram, but the
winds have made sad havoc with it. It is
ninety feet high and eight feet in circumfer-
ence. It thrives best in a deep rich loam, and
is readily propagated from seed sown early
in the spring.

GOKDONIA, Ellis.— Nat. Ord. Ternstro-
miacese. Monadelphia, Polyandria, Linn.
Calyx of 5-sepals, permanent. Petals 5, slightly
united at the base. Style short, crowned by
a5-cornered peltate stigma. Capsules 5 -celled,
5-valved.

1. G. LASIANTHUS, Linnceus. Leaves very
smooth, stiff, and shining, slightly serrate.
Flowers on long peduncles. Capsule some-
what conical, tapering at the top. — Loblolly
bay. Native of the Southern States.

I am not sure I am right in including this
tree as being in our neighborhood. The
Bartram specimens have died out. I copy

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 127

the following description from Michaux :
"The leaves are evergreen, from three to six
inches long, alternate, oval, acuminate, slightly
toothed, and smooth and shining on the upper
surface. The flowers are more than an inch
broad, white and sweet-scented. They begin
to appear about the middle of July, and bloom
in succession during two or three months.
This tree possesses the agreeable singularity
of blooming when only three or four feet
high. From twenty -five to thirty feet of its
trunk is perfectly straight. The small diverg-
ency of its branches near the trunk, give it
a regular pyramidal form; but as they ascend
they spread more loosely, like other trees of
the forest." " The seed germinate succesfully
in wet places among sphagnum moss."

2. GORDONIA PUBESCENS, Willdenow.
Leaves lanceolate, slightly downy and serrate.
Flowers sessile, capsule round. Franklinia
of Marshal — Franklin-tree. Banks of the
Altahama, Georgia.

In the Bartram garden this tree grows to
about thirty feet high, and has a diameter of
from nine to twelve inches. The finest speci-
men lately blew off in a gale. It has a very

128 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

erect habit of growth, and is very much in-
clined to throw out small branchlets to its
base. The flowers, which are white, like
a single camellia, and sweet-scented, appear
at the ends of the young branches, continuing
from July till frost. It seems to thrive best
in a light rich loam, contiguous to moisture;
and may be propagated by either seeds or
layers.

^':ip>v^^^

GYMNOCLADUS, Lamarck. — Nat. Ord. Faba-
ceae. Dicecia, Decandria, Linn. Corolla of
5 equal petals. Fruit a broad flattened
legume. Seeds roundish.

G. CANADEJSTSIS, Lamarck. Leaves doubly
pinnate. — Kentucky coffee.

A tree of noble proportions ; with a red-
dish-gray, straight trunk, and heavy luxuri-
ant-looking foliage. Denuded of its leaves
by the frost, its branches still interest by their
crooked, picturesque appearance, an interest
sometimes heightened by the large seed-pods,
which stay on till spring.

It thrives well in a loose loam, which, if
deep, will grow it to a great size. The best
specimen at Bartram is ninety -three feet high

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 129

and six feet in circumference. There is also
a very fine specimen in Marshall's garden,
which is probably as high, and seven feet in
circumference.

It is raised from seeds or by cuttings of
the roots. The former are sown early in the
spring. The latter method is most generally
adopted. The roots are cut into lengths of
two or three inches, planted in boxes with the
largest end even with the surface, about the
end of the winter season, and the boxes placed
in a slight bottom heat. When the cuttings
are rooted, they are put out in nursery rows,
and after their first season's growth, are cut
down to a few inches of the ground, when
they spring up afresh with a vigorous start.

HALESIA, Ellis. — Nat. Ord. Styracaceae.
Dodecandria, or Monadelphia, Monogynia,
Linn. Calyx 4-toothed, superior, corolla 4-
cleft, twisted to the left. Nut winged ; 2-
seeded.

1. H. DIPTERA, Linnczus. Leaves ovate,
petioles smooth and even. Fruit with two
large and two small wings. — Two- winged
Halesia. Native of Georgia.

130 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

Is not easily distinguished from H. tetrap-
tera when young. A close attention to the
leaves will enable one to distinguish them.
"When in flower or fruit the distinction is
striking. It does not grow so large as the
other kind, but the flowers are handsomer.

It may be raised from seeds, or by grafting
on the tetraptera. Seeds should be sown, as
soon as they are ripe, in a light loam. They
must never be allowed to get dry, or they
will not appear till the following year. It
thrives best in a cool deep loam. A speci-
men at Bartram in dry gravel is about fifteen
feet high and nine inches in circumference.

2. H. TETRAPTERA, Linnceus. Leaves ovate,
petioles glandular. Nut 4-winged. — Snow-
drop tree. Native of the Southern States.
Flowers in April.

The tree is round-headed, somewhat pen-
dulous and irregular, very light and twiggy ;
when covered with its white flowers it is very
ornamental. The best Bartram specimen is
fifty feet high and three feet six inches in
circumference. It will do pretty well in any
dry soil, but best in a deep rich loam. It is
easily propagated by seeds, as No. 1.

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 131

HAMAMELIS, Linnaeus. — Nat. Ord. Hama-
melidaceae. Tetrandria, Digynia, Linn. Often
monoecious, dioecious, or polygamous. Calyx
3-4-leayed. Petals 4. Stamens 8, 4 sterile.
Ovary ending in 2-3 styles at the apex. Cap-
sules leathery, 2-celled, throwing the seeds to
a distance on bursting.

1. H. VIRGINICA, Linnceus. Leaves round-
ish ovate, sharply toothed, alternate. — Witch
hazel. Native of the Middle States.

Naturally but a shrub, but a handsome
small tree in cultivation. It sends out its
yellowish small flowers immediately after
the fall of the leaf; the fruit of the previous
season ripening at the same time. The foliage
much resembles that of the hazel. It seems
to thrive well in any situation, whether dry
or moist, stony or clayey ; in exposed situ-
ations or the deepest shade. The best speci-
men of Bartram is about fifteen feet high and
ten inches in circumference. It may be raised
from seeds or layers. The former generally
lie in the ground two years before they grow.

HIBISCUS, Linnceus. — Nat. Ord. Malvaceae.
Monadelphia, Polyandria, Linn. Involucre

.

132 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

of many bracts, inner one nearly entire.
Styles united. Stigmas 5-10-headed. Capsule
5-10-celled.

H. SYRIACUS, L-innceus. Leaves ovate,
wedge-shaped, deeply cut. — Althaea frutex.
Native of Syria.

A well-known small tree, although it is
most commonly seen as a shrub. Its flowers
constitute its chief value. These are of every
shade of color, even to the yellow, though
that variety is now scarce. It does best in a
deep rich loam, and will do well in any soil
but a wet one. It is best propagated from
seeds sown in spring, which will soon come
up and make good plants. They will also
do pretty well by cuttings put in early in
spring in light soil, in a warm yet somewhat
shaded situation. By layers they do very
well.

Fine specimens, from fifteen to twenty
feet high, are common in the vicinity.

Linnceus. — Nat. Orel Eleagna-
ceae. Dioecia, Tetrandria, Linn. Barren flowers
in catkins. Anthers linear, without filaments.
Fertile flowers solitary. Calyx tubular,

m ; .; :; :,

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 133

cloven at the summit. Stigma awl-shaped.
Nut one-seeded, surrounded by a berry-like
calyx.

H. KHAMNOIDES, Linn. Leaves linear lan-
ceolate, silvery. Berry orange. — Sea buck-
thorn. Native of Europe. Flowers in May.

A bumelia-like small tree, well worthy of
cultivation either for its beautiful foliage or
its berries. It will thrive in the most barren
soils.. It is readily propagated from layers
or from suckers, which in some soils are so
numerous as to be troublesome; There is a,
specimen about three feet high growing in
the garden of John Evans.

ILEX, Linn. — Nat. Ord. Aquifoliaeeae. Te-
trandria, Tetragynia, Linn. Flowers (from
abortion) diceciously polygamous. Calyx 4-
5 -toothed, remaining attached to the fruit,
Petals of the corolla equal in number to the
sepals of the calyx ; slightly adhering at the
base. Berry 4-5-seeded.

1. I. AQUIFOLIUM, Linn* Leaves ovate7
acute, spiny, shining, wavy. Flowers axil-
lary, subumbelled. — English holly.
12

134 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

In Britain, this rises forty feet high, or
more. It is one of the handsomest ever-
greens. It is considered sca.rcely hardy in
Philadelphia. In the very severe winter of
1851-2, a specimen at Springbrook, grafted
on the I. opaca, came out uninjured, while
another close by on its own roots suffered
very much. It prefers a cool deep loam,
and a situation shaded from oiir hot suns,
It is rather difficult to transplant, unless it
has been frequently removed already. I
prefer the month of May for the operation,
taking advantage of some rainy " spell" for
that purpose. They will often do well re-
moved in August or September.

It may be propagated by seeds. These
are generally put into a heap of sand to fer-
mdnt together for twelve months. If sown
as soon as gathered, they lie two years in
the ground before germination. They ought
to be transplanted at the end of the first
season's growth, and great care afterwards
taken to prevent their getting dry. If they
once lose their leaves, they are not easily
recovered. It may also be grafted on No. 2
in March or April, or budded in August or

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 135

September. Buds take best on two year old
wood.

There are several beautiful varieties intro-
duced, as well as many others that deserve
to be. Amongst the former are the ferox,
having its leaves a nest of spiny bristles;
the golden-leaved, and silver-edged. The old
catalogues of foreign nurserymen reckon
over forty varieties.

2. I. OPACA, Aiton. Leaves ovate, acute,
flat, smooth, spiny. Flowers at the base of
last season's shoots. — American holly. Na-
tive of the Middle and Southern States.

It is rather nice in its choice of soils,
refusing unconditionally to "do good'7 in
cold, wet, or clayey ones. In a deep rich
loam it can scarcely be excelled by any ever-
green I know ; and it will grow in dry or
barren places. It is seldom of so dark a hue
as No. 1; but that contrasts as well with its
light-red berries. The best Bartram speci-
men is thirty-two feet high, by forty inches
in circumference at the base.

Propagation. See No. 1.

3. I. VOMITORIA, Alton. Leaves alternate,
distant, oblong, somewhat blunt, serrate, not

•M "~

136 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

spiny. — Emetic holly; South Sea tea. Na-
tive of the Southern States.

A very beautiful small evergreen tree,
rising from fifteen to eighteen feet high, of a
pyramidal form, with very dark green foli-
age, and clothed with beautiful red berries
throughout1 the winter. It is scarcely con-
sidered hardy here, though I believe in most
cases it is so.

JUGLANS, Linn. — Nat. Ord. Juglandace^e.
Moncecia, Polyandria, Linn. Catkins of the
staminate flowers simple, cylindrical, loosely
imbricated,, with a 5-6-parted scale for a
calyx. Styles two, very short, with large
stigmas. Fruit with the husk undivided.

1. J. CINEBEA, Linn. Leaflets mostly eleven,
oblong lanceolate, oblique or roundish at
the base, softly pubescent beneath; petioles
downy. Fruit ovoid, oblong, leathery, downy,
sticky, or viscid, and the shell of the nut
deeply striated. — Butternut; white walnut.
Native of most of the Northern, Middle, and
Western States.

The ailanthus has been admired for its
" oriental" appearance in the landscape. As

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 137

it is fast growing in disgrace, this tribe is the
best substitute. This kind seldom exceeds
fifty feet high, is generally round-headed,
with an inclination to become flat. The
finest specimen at Bartram is fifty-five feet
high and fifty-four inches in circumference.

It thrives best in a cool, deep, and rich
loam; and is best propagated by sowing the
nuts about four inches apart, in rows, early
in spring, covering them about two inches
deep. They are in general difficult to trans-
plant, and the sooner they are removed to
their final positions the better. They also
take easily by grafting on each other. * •&

2. J. NIGRA, Linnceus. Leaflets about fif-
teen, ovate lanceolate, nearly heart-shaped
at the base. Fruit globose, dotted, spongy.
Nut nearly round, wrinkled. — Black walnut.

This is a larger tree every way than the
preceding, and the handsomest of the group.
It is somewhat round-headed, but frequently
quite cylindrical, or even conical. They
should always grow by themselves, on ac-
count of their unneighborly propensity of
injuring everything growing about them.
The finest Bartram specimen is eighty feet
12*

138 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

high by four feet ten inches in circumfer-
ence.

The same soil and culture as No. 1 suits
it also.

3. J. REGIA, Linnceus. Leaflets about nine,
oval or oblong, smooth. Fruit ovate, smooth.
Nut with a thin shell. — English walnut.

Not quite so ornamental as either of the
other two, but still interesting on account of
its luxuriant growth, fine glossy foliage, deep
purple branches, and smooth gray stems.
"When old, it is round-headed, often flat, and,
to most tastes, less interesting. It loves a
deep, dry, rich loam, especially if it have a
limestone character. There are many fine
specimens about Philadelphia. The Bartram
specimen is but young, but measures forty
feet high, and thirty-four inches in circum-
ference. The female flowers are frequently
killed by spring frosts.

Propagated by sowing the nuts, or by
grafting.

JUNIPERUS, Linnceus. — Nat. Ord. Pinaceae.
Dicecia, Monadelphia, Linn. Male flower a
conical catkin ; the scales of the catkin each

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 139

forming a calyx. Stamens three. Female,
calyx 3-parted. Petals three. Styles three.
Berry 3 -seeded, irregular. .^V

1. J. COMMUNES, Linnceus. Leaves in threes,
spreading, mucronate. Berries longish. —
Common juniper. Native of Europe and
America.

When usually seen in gardens, it is but a
shrub, tied up into shapes pyramidal and
conical; when left to itself, without the inter-
ference of knife or string, it forms a very
picturesque small tree. There is such a
specimen at Bartram, measuring thirty -five
feet high, and two and a half feet in circum-
ference. It is growing on a dry loam with
a gravelly subsoil, which seems to suit it
admirably. There are several varieties,
amongst which I am inclined to include the
Swedish juniper, J. suecica, Miller.

They may be easily raised from seed sown
as soon as ripe ; or by cuttings put in sandy
soil early in the fall, and protected from frost
through the winter.

2. J. EXCELS A of Bieberstein. A Siberian
species, with a fine erect habit of growth and
glaucous foliage; ought to be hardy in this

140 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

district ; but, so far as I have hitherto seen,
has been preserved in cool greenhouses in
the winter.

3. J. VIRGINIANA, Linnceus. Leaves in
threes, fastened at the base; the younger
ones imbricate, the older spreading. Berries
roundish. — Eed cedar.

A well-known and useful evergreen, often
growing thirty or forty feet high. It varies
so much from seed, that to describe its habits
of growth, would be to particularize each
individual tree. Sometimes compact, some-
times very loose; in one case erect and stiff,
in another gracefully pendent. In some
places, we see them broadly round-headed,
in others spiry and conical. The handsomest
young specimen I have ever seen is in Mr.
Beckett's (formerly Buonaparte's) grounds,
at Bordentown; and with the finest trunk, on
the grounds of Mr. Cope. The red cedar
thrives in any dry loose soil that is not too
rich, but seems to do best in a light cool
loam.

It is readily propagated like No. 1.

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 141

KCELREUTERIA, Laxmann. — Nat. Ord. Sa-
pindacese. Octandria, Monogynia, Linn. Calyx
5-parted. Petals mostly 4, with a double
appendage on the inside. Style acute- 'at the
apex. Fruit bladdery, 1-celled above, 3-
celled below, 3-valved. Leaves alternate.

K. PANICULATA, Lambert. The only known
species. Native of China.

A very pretty looking small tree, deserv-
ing a place in every garden for its numerous
large panicles of yellow flowers, with which
the tree is covered in July and August. A
cool deep loam, in a situation partially shaded,
is well suited to it. In England, it is propa-
gated from layers and root cuttings. In this
country it perfects its seed. The specimen
at Bartram is below the average, being about
fifteen feet.

... ^ f .- f _ . ; . , ' /-

LAGERSTR^MIA, Linnceus. — Nat. Ord. Ly-
thraceas. Polyandria, Monogynia, Linn. Calyx
6-cleft, bell-shaped. Petals 6, curled. Stamens
with the six outer ones stouter than the rest,
and longer than the petals.

L. REGINA, Roxburgh. Leaves opposite.

142 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

, \

Lagerstraemia. — Fringe myrtle. Native of
the mountains of the East Indies.

A very beautiful small tree, generally
treated as a greenhouse plant. A fine speci-
men on the grounds of the late Nathan Jones,
Blockley, near Philadelphia, planted many
years ago by one of the Bartrams, is now
over thirty feet high, and, when in flower, is
a most beautiful sight. This is growing in
a light poor soil. It is sheltered on the
north-west by the house from wintry winds,
and partially shaded from the hot sun by
trees on the south. In cold clays it is gene-
rally cut to the ground in winter.

It is propagated by cuttings or layers. The
former should be taken off just before the
fall of the leaf, and placed in sandy soil,
where they can be protected from frost dur-
ing winter, and not suffered to get damp.
-%>£'• J^r£v/* 7>---y^.;^ •/';<> ^J'fc-X"?'*;^*

LARIX, Tournefort. — Nat. Ord. Pinaceae.
Monoecia, Monadelphia, Linn., or Dioecia.
Leaves annual, disposed in groups. Cones
erect.

1. L. EUROPCEA, Decandolle. Leaves linear,
soft, one inch long. Cones oblong, ovate,

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 143

erect, one inch long. — European larch. Moun-
tains of Europe.

In ornamental gardening, few trees come
into service oftener than the larch. It has
become so associated with rocky, rugged,
barren scenery, that wherever this is promi-
nent we almost look for the larch as for a
necessity. Its foliage is of such an agreeable
light-green hue, and at the same time so soft
and graceful, while its branches are frequently
drooping and always slender, that it is sure
to please. It has the advantage, too, of thriv-
ing in the dryest and most barren soils, where
little else will, and thereby turning a useless
piece of ground into a source of pleasure
and profit. There are several fine specimens
both at Bartram and in Marshall's. The
finest of the former is one hundred and eight
feet high, and five feet four inches in circum-
ference.

The seed should be sown early in spring
in boxes of light sandy soil, or in beds of the
same material ; cover about a quarter of an
inch thick, and keep them carefully moist
till the plants appear. If sown thinly, they

144: AMERICAN HANDBOOK

will be better not transplanted for a couple
of years.

2. L. AMERICANA, Michaux. Leaves about
three-quarters of an inch long. Cones small,
ovate roundish, with few scales. — American
larch; hackmatack.

Though closely allied botanically with No.
1, it is very different in general appearance.
The foliage has a bluish tinge, the branches
less drooping, and more divaricating.

In a level piece of ground, standing singly,
I think it more beautiful than the other. It
thrives best in a deep cool loam, and in a
rather moist situation, and may be propagated
as No. 1.

The best Bartram specimen is quite young,
but is about forty feet high and two feet nine
inches in circumference.
. - '-tv.; Y^-;' •*,- i*.-"'-- ';/*« -•' ; :•',('. • '•- ,/; ;: '

LAURUS, Linnceus.—Nat. Orel Lauracese.
Enneandria, Monogynia, Linn. Calyx want-
ing. Corolla 6-parted. Stamens arranged
in a double series, the outer ones with dis-
tinct simple - filaments, the three inner ones
connate at the base, bearing glands. Fruit
a one-seeded drupe.

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 145

L. SASSAFRAS, Linnceus. Leaves entire or
3-lobed. Flowers terminal, frequently dioe-
cious. Buds and pedicels downy. — Sassafras.

In my opinion, one of the most interesting
trees that can be in a landscape, the glau-
cous green of its foliage is so uncommon ;
and it is one of the first to aid in forming
that beautiful picture of autumnal forest
scenery which has so enraptured European
travellers, and gives the American landscape
a position amongst the special beauties of the
world. The sassafras generally grows in a
conical form ; but the leaves are mostly formed
on the branches in lines running horizontally,
causing a very pleasing effect in light and
shade. Towards the fall, the leaves turn to
a reddish-brown, turning up at the edges,
with a beautiful appearance. Unfortunately,
nature seldom gives her beauties unalloyed;
and, in the case before us, the suckers which-
it perseveringiy throws up in spite of all
opposition, render it objectionable. It is
readily propagated from suckers, or by seeds
sown in June, as soon as ripe. It thrives
well in dry sandy loam, but will grow in any
situation. The best Bartram specimen is
13 V

146 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

- '"* '

fifty feet high and forty-two incites in circum-
ference.

LIQUIDAMBAR, LinnoBus. — Nat. Ord. Altin-
giaceao. Monoecia, polyandria, Linn. Male
'flower with a common 4-leaved calyx, with-
out a corolla. Female calyx in a globe, 4-
leaved, without a corolla. Styles 2. Capsules
many, in a globe, 2-valved, many seeded.

L. STYKACIFLUA, Linnceus. Leaves pal-
mate-lobed, with the sinuses of the base of
the veins villose. — Sweet gum. Native of the
Middle States.

This varies very much according to the
circumstance or situation wherein it grows.
In the shade, or surrounded by other trees,
it has very few side branches, and grows up
with a clean smooth stem to a great height.
In a wet soil, but in an exposed situation, it
grows tall, with a very bulky trunk, and a
loose cylindrical appearance. In a cool, deep,
rich loam, it becomes very spreading and
round-headed, and in that state is one of the
prettiest of trees. Its star-like cut leaves,
with their beautiful gloss, move, like some
poplars, with the lightest breezes ; and, ex-

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 147

posed to the full sun, give animation to
scenery. Its branches frequently present a
curious corky appearance. In favorable cir-
cumstances I have known it grow eighty feet
high, with a circumference of seven feet. The
Bartram specimen, on dry stony soil, is nearly
decayed, and is forty-five feet high, and four
and a half feet in circumference. It is raised
from seeds, sown as soon as ripe in a light
loam, in a cool situation, slightly protected in
winter by a few leaves thrown over the bed.
Most of them will appear in the following
spring.

LIRIODENDRON", Lmnceus. — Nat. Ord. Mag-
noliaceae. Polyandria, Polygynia, Linn. Car-
pels not opening to let out the seed, as in
Magnolia; winged, arranged in a spike. Ca-
lyx 3-leaved, deciduous. Corolla 6-petalled,
bell-shaped.

L. TULIPIFERA, Linnceus. Leaves 3-lobed,
the terminal lobe appearing as if abruptly
cut off. — Tulip-tree. Native of the Northern
and Middle States. Flowers in June.

One of the loftiest of American deciduous
trees. It rises with a stem perfectly straight;

148 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

and, when crowded, soon loses its side-
branches. When the tree becomes old, the
main branches curve downwards, affording a
readily distinguishing mark when it is desti-
tute of foliage. When unsurrounded by any
other tree, it branches out close to the
ground, and presents a fine conical appear-
ance till it gets old, when it becomes rather
irregular and rough in its appearance. Few
trees are better fitted to form a single object
in a park or on a lawn; the very peculiarity
of its foliage and appearance suggesting the
exclusiveness in which it would stand in order
to show off its entire beauty. It is short-
lived in towns, and soon shows a distaste for
city life; evidently preferring the times of
the Indians to the modern march of civiliza-
tion. It thrives best in strong, clayey, or
micaceous soils. They are easily raised from
seed, sown as soon as ripe, in any loamy soil
in a shady situation. They will appear the
next spring. They should be transplanted
every year till they go into their permanent
situations, as, otherwise, it is next to impos-
sible to remove them successfully. The
finest specimen I am acquainted with in cul-

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 149

tivation is at Bartram, which, is ninety feet
high, and seven feet eight inches in circum-
ference.

MACLURA, Nuttall. — Nat Ord. Moracese.
Dioecia, Tetrandria, Linn. Male flowers in a
very short, nearly sessile panicle of about
twelve flowers. Female flowers in close
heads on a short peduncle.

M. AURANTIACA, Nuttall. Leaves ovate
acuminate, of a deep shining green. Male
plant with smaller leaves. Fruit as large as
a good-sized orange, golden yellow, verru-
cose. — Osange orange. Native of Arkansas.

As an ornamental tree, this is almost too
coarse to be beautiful ; yet its shining leaves,
and pretty fruit, will always insure it a place
in collections. The best Bartram specimen
(female) is about thirty feet high and four
feet in circumference. The male about fif-
teen feet high. It is best propagated from
seeds obtained from the neighborhood of. a
staminate plant, and sown in drills like peas
early in the spring; the following year
place in nursery-rows eighteen inches apart.
1

150 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

It prefers a rich moist loam, though it will
grow in any situation.

MAGNOLIA, Linnceus. — Nat. Ord. Magnolia-
ceae. Poly andria, Poly gynia, Linn. Calyx 3-
leaved. Petals 9. Carpels collected gene-
rally in a crowded spike, each opening by
the external surface; 1-2-seeded. Seeds
berry-like, hanging from the carpels by
threads when ripe.

1. M. ACUMINATA, Linnwus. Leaves ovate,
tapering to a point. Fruit cylindrical, resem-
bling, before ripe, a small cucumber. — Blue
magnolia ; cucumber-tree.

Cultivated, this is the finest of the family.
In common with all the deciduous magno-
lias, this is very artificial in its appearance,
and well adapted on that account to many
peculiar situations in a garden. The fine
specimens at Bartram are rather round or
flattish-headed, having lost their lower
branches; but the specimens in Marshall's
garden are of the most beautiful and regular
conical shape. Having no leaves but at the
extremities, we look up into this specimen
as to an immense umbrella. This is about

OF ORNAMENTAL TKEES. 151

ninety years old, and is seven feet ten inches
in circumference, and perhaps eighty feet
high. The Bartram one is about the same
height, and but seven feet in circumference.
It is a native of the mountainous regions of
the Middle States, and thrives well in any
deep loam, on a dry bottom.

They are very easily propagated by seeds
sown as soon as ripe. They require early
transplanting to their final positions ; or,
otherwise, frequently removed. They take
readily grafted on each other.

2. M. AURICULATA, Lamarck. Leaves ovate,
narrowed towards the base, and swelling out
into lobes or ears. Fruit smaller than M. ma-
crophylla. — Long-leaved cucumber-tree. Na-
tive of the Middle States. Flowers in May.

This seems to excel in cultivation any-
thing in a wild state. It is perhaps more
artificial in its character than the last, as it
has larger leaves and denser foliage, of a
paler hue, contrasting well with the depth of
its own shade. Its branches are stiffer than
any of the others. It thrives in similar situa-
tions to the last, and may be propagated and
managed in the same way.

152 AMEKICAN HANDBOOK

The best Bartram specimen is seventy
feet high and five and a half feet in circum-
ference.

The M. PYRIMIDATA of Bartram is not in
the collection now, and is probably a variety
of this.

3. M. CONSPICUA, Salisbury. Leaves ob-
ovate, abruptly terminating to a point.
Flowers appearing before the leaves. — Chi-
nese magnolia ; yulan. Flowering in April.

It is a native of China, where it is said to
have been in cultivation over one thousand
years ; and well it deserves to be. Flower-
ing in the greatest profusion, and at a season
when there is nothing else in bloom, and
these flowers, too, combining the fragrance
of the lily with the beauty of the rose — what
can be more desirable ? It thrives best in a
deep rich loam in a sheltered locality. In
England, it seldom grows over ten or twelve
feet; here, it will probably rival it in its native
localities. The Bartram specimen is small;
but there are many fine specimens in the
vicinity of the city. It is readily propagated
from seed, which it sparingly produces. The
best plan is by grafting on the acuminata.

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 153

4. M. CORDATA, Michaux. Leaves heart-
shaped; flowers yellow; fruit ovate, nearly
cylindrical. — Heart-leaved magnolia. Native
of Georgia and Carolina.

A very hardy round-headed species, much
valued for its yellowish flowers, appearing in
July. In its native places it grows about
fifty feet high. There are very fine speci-
mens in Hamilton's old garden at the Wood-
lands, and also in Mr. Pierce's arboretum;
one specimen four feet in circumference.

5. M. GLAUCA, Linnceus. Leaves ovate
elliptic, white or glaucous beneath; almost
evergreen, — Small or swamp magnolia ; white
bay. Native of the Middle and Southern
States.

This tree is naturally a native of swampy
places; but I think that, in a good deep loam,
it will excel anything indulging in its swamp-
loving habits. It grows luxuriantly in such
situations, and very compact and symmetri-
cal; its deep-red seeds contrasting handsome-
ly with the gray green of its foliage. The
best Bartram specimen is about twenty feet
high.

The M. longifolia of Aiton is but a variety

154 AMEKICAN HANDBOOK

of this. M. Thompsonia is a hybrid, between
this and M. tripetala.

6. M. GRANDIFLORA, Linnceus. Leaves
evergreen, mostly inclining to oval, stiff and
leathery, more or less rusty beneath. — Large-
flowered magnolia. Native of the Southern
States. Flowers in June and July.

One of the most beautiful products of the
vegetable kingdom when in its own soil;
often reaching ninety feet high. It is only
hardy in Philadelphia when grown in dry
soils and sheltered places. The one planted
by John Bartram is still in existence, but
every few winters it is killed to the ground.
It loves a loose, deep, and rich soil, rather
dry, yet contiguous to moisture. May be
propagated as No. 1, by seeds, layers, or
grafts.

There are many beautiful varieties, of
which the handsomest is perhaps M. G. prce-
coXj flowering earlier and larger. There are
some fine specimens of this at Bartram, but
protected in winter. Mr. Pierce has one in
his arboretum which stands out pretty well.
7. M. MACROPHYLLA, Michaux. Leaves large,
obovate, slightly cordate at the base. Petals

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 155

six; ovate, incurved. Fruit ovate. — Large-
leaved magnolia. Native of Tennessee.
Flowers in June and July.

This is a remarkable tree, wandering far
away in appearance from the usual forms of
arboreal vegetation in temperate climates.
It is in every way larger and stronger than
M. tripetala, and, like that kind, well calcu-
lated to adorn very artificial scenery. It
thrives pretty well in the shade of other
trees. It seems to do best in a strong loamy
soil, if not wet. A fine specimen at Bartram
is about thirty feet high and twelve inches
in circumference, which is growing in a light
loam on a bed of brick earth. It is easily
raised from seeds, as No. 1, but is considered
very difficult to transplant, unless often re-
moved when young, and "puddled" before
being removed to any distance. The finest
specimen I have seen is in the grounds of
Mr. Pierce.

8. M. SOULANGEANA is a hybrid between
M. acuminata and M. purpurea. It can scarce-
ly rank as a tree, though of a much stronger
habit than purpurea. Few things make so
pretty a bush as it does.

156 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

' 9. M. TRIPETALA, Linnaeus. Leaves lanceo-
late, inclining often to wedge-shaped. Petals
about twelve; exterior ones spreading. Fruit
almost cylindrical. — Umbrella-tree. Native
of the Middle and Southern States. Flowers
in June.

Its large leaves and loose flowing branches
give it a peculiar appearance, well meriting
its popular name. Near any artificial deco-
rations, in a garden, it is a very appropriate
tree. Its leaves fall with the first frost. It
thrives well in a cool deep loam, having an
abhorrence to soils of a dry, stony nature.
The best Bartram specimen is about forty
feet high and three feet in circumference.

It is propagated and cultivated as the
others.

MORUS, Tournefort. — Nat. Ord. Moraceee.
Monoecia, Tetrandria, Linn. Calyx 4-parted.
Flowers (in the male) in loose spikes without
a corolla. Female flowers in dense spikes.
Stigmas two. Calyx becoming a berry, each
bearing one seed.

1. M. ALBA, Linnceus. Leaves obliquely

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 157

cordate, shining. — White mulberry. Native
of China.

The celebrated morus multicaulis is a va-
riety of this. It usually has a spreading
irregular head; the leaves mostly shining,
with dark gray bark. It loves a rich soil.
It may be easily raised by seeds, layers, eyes,
or cuttings. A specimen at Bartram mea-
sures thirty-one feet high and thirty-three
inches in circumference. There are also
varieties with black fruits >.•>:{*

2. M. RUBRA, Desfontaines. Leaves cordate,
hairy beneath, scabrous above. Catkins cy-
lindrical. Fruit deep purple. — Eed mulberry.
Native of the Middle and Southern States.

This is the loftiest of the mulberries, fre-
quently reaching sixty feet. It is very regu-
larly round-headed, and the leaves very large,
giving it a bold and strong appearance. The
foliage has a deep green hue, but yet lighter
than in the M. nigra. The rich-colored fruit,
with which it abounds in June aijd July,
adds to its interest. It thrives best in a deep
rich loam, in a partially shaded situation. It
is raised either from seeds or layers. A spe-
14

158 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

cimen at Bartram measures fifty feet high
and forty-nine inches in circumference.

3. M. NIGRA, Linnceus. Leaves cordate,
rugged, smaller than the preceding. — Black
or English mulberry. Native of the south
of Europe.

This much resembles the other, and is
adapted to the same circumstances. The
fruit is smaller, and nearly round.

NEGUNDO, Moench. — -Nat. Ord. Aceraceas.
Dioecia, Pentandria, Linnceus. Calyx small ;
4-5-toothed. Petals wanting. Anthers 4-5,
linear, sessile. Female flowers in racemes;
the male ones in bundles.

N. .ACEROIDES, Moench. Leaves of 3-5 leaf-
lets. Leaflets rhombic ovate, coarsely cut
and toothed. — Box elder ; ash-leaved maple.
Native of the Middle and Southern States.

Not so common in gardens as it ought to
be. In favorable situations it is a stately
tree, growing fifty or sixty feet. When
crowded by other trees, the trunk seldom
grows straight, and, indeed, never looks so
well in any respect as when grown by itself.
It very much resembles the ash. It has a

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 159

darker line than most of that family. The
trnnk is very apt to throw ont knots and
small spray, which, in some situations, add
to its interest. It will thrive well in any
soil, except the driest, in which it is usually
short-lived. It can be propagated by seeds,
layers, and, with care, by cnttings. It is
generally raised from seeds, like the maples.
The best Bartram specimen measures sixty
feet high and five feet two inches in circum-
ference.

NYSSA, Linnceus. — Nat. Ord. Alangiaceae.
Polygamia, Dioecia, Linn. Calyx of stami-
nate flowers 5 -parted, without a corolla. Sta-
mens 5-10. Pistillate flowers 5-stamened.
Fruit a 1 -seeded drupe. Nut oval, striated.

1. N. MULTIFLORA, Wangenheim. Leaves
oval and obovate, often acuminate. Fertile
peduncles about 3 -flowered ; berry black. —
Sour gum ; tupelo. Native of the Middle
and Southern States.

There is great difficulty in identifying the
different species of nyssa. In this neighbor-
hood they vary very much. There are two
very different kinds, which, without taking

160 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

upon myself to pronounce them specifically
distinct, are yet sufficiently so to be practical.
The first variety is round-headed, the branches
extending out a long way, and very rigidly,
frequently very ruggedly tortuose and twist-
ing ; the leaves very much shining, and the
berries nearly round. It seldom exceeds
fifty feet high. The leaves turn to a yellowish-
red in the fall. The other grows very erect
and tall, with few side branches. It fre-
quently reaches eighty, or even ninety feet,
with a circumference of eight or nine. The
leaves turn to a deep purple in the fall. The
first variety is as frequently found in the
very driest as in the wettest places; the lat-
ter in situations which can neither be called
wet nor dry. They are indispensable trees
in ornamental planting. The best specimen
(round-headed var.) at Bartram, growing on
Very gravelly soil, is forty-five feet high and
forty-eight inches in circumference. There
is a fine specimen of the other kind, but the
soil it is in being dry, will not permit it to
live there many years more. It may be pro-
pagated from seeds sown early in the spring,
or as soon as ripe. They seldom grow the

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 161

first season. The soil in which they are sown
must not get dry, or they will never vegetate.
The young plants should be removed early
into nursery-rows, and frequently removed
until finally transplanted. This mode will
make this tree capable of being easily re-
moved, which is generally supposed to be
next to impossible.

OSTRYA, Michaux. — Nat. Ord. Corylacese.
Moncecia, Polyandria, Linn. Male flowers;
scales orbicular-ovate; anthers conspicuously
bearded at the summit. Female catkins
linear, without scales, but having a small
membrane inclosing each flower. Nut ob-
long, included in the enlarged bladder-like
membrane. In other respects resembling
Carpinus.

0. YIRGINICA, Michaux. Leaves elliptic-
ovate, acuminate, sharply serrate. Cones
oblong; buds acute. — Hop-hornbean ; iron-
wood. N ative of the Middle States.

A very pretty tree, greatly improved by

cultivation. Its head is then spreading,

light, graceful, and as elegant as a birch,

and becomes near fifty feet high. It will

14*

162 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

thrive pretty well in dry, gravelly soils, pro-
vided they be not on a bleak exposure. In-
deed, it seems to love company, and, when
that is the case, is not over-fastidious about
the quality of the soil. It may be propa-
gated as the common hornbean. The best
Bartram specimen is fifty-four feet high and
three feet six inches in circumference.

PALIUKUS, Tournefort. — Nat. Ord. Eham-
naceae. Pentandria, Trigynia, Linn. Ca-
lyx 5. Petals 5, upon a glandular disk
adnate to the calyx. Fruit dry, girded with
a broad membranous wing; 3 -celled. Seeds
ovate.

P. ACULEATUS, Lamarck. Leaves ovate, ser-
rulate, smooth, 3-nerved, with two spines at
the base, one straight, the other recurved. —
Christ's Thorn. Native of the south of
Europe.

A small tree, of a very erect habit of
growth, and bluish, shining leaves. The
large spines are among the peculiarities that
give it prominence. It thrives well in dry,
gravelly soils, or in the deepest shade. It
usually sends up occasional suckers, by

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 163

which, it may be propagated ; or more exten-
sively by layers, put down before the burst-
ing of the buds in spring; or by seeds, when
they can be obtained, which, however, often
lie two years in the ground before growing.
The best Bartram specimen is thirty feet
high and two feet in circumference.

PA VIA, Boerhave. — Nat. Ord. Sapindacese.
Heptandria, Monogynia, Linn. Calyx tu-
bular. Petals 4, erect, narrow. Stamens
straight. Capsules smooth.

P. FLAVA, De Gandolle. Leaflets 5-7, ellip-
tic-oblong, acute at both ends, equally ser-
rate. — Yellow buckeye. Native of the
Southern and Western States. Flowers in
June.

Grows considerably larger than the British
horsechestnut, but has a less spreading and
beautiful head. Its habit of growth is quite
rugged and stiff, strongly resembling, at a
distance, magnolia auriculata. It thrives well
in a loose loam, on a dry bottom. The best
specimen at Bartram measures 110 feet high
and seven feet one inch in circumference.

In the nurseries, these are usually grafted,

164 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

the flowers varying slightly in color from
seed. Seed treated as horsechestnuts, make
fine plants. . The flowers appear later than
the horsechestnut, and the leaves fall earlier.
The P. macrostachya is a strong growing
and highly ornamental shrub, of which there
are several varieties. . t;,v*

PAULOWNIA, Siebold. — Nat. Ord< Scrophu-
lariaceae. Didynamia, Angiospermia, Linn.
Calyx 5-cleft; segments equal, coriaceous,
covered with a rusty down. Corolla 2 -lipped,
imbricated in its aestivation; the two upper
lobes external. Fruit ovate, with a sharp
point.

P. IMPERIALIS, Siebold. The only known
species is a native of Japan, and thrives ad-
mirably in this climate. It is as rapid a
grower as the ailanfhusr the wood and trunk
of the tree also resembling it. The leaves
are rather coarse, looking like large melon
leaves ; but the beauty of the large clusters
of sky-blue flowers which appear in June,
covers all blemishes. It will thrive in any
good loam, and may be readily propagated
by cuttings of the roots.

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 165

There are many fine specimens, though
but recently introduced, in some of our
streets, at- Eosedale, and many other places
in the vicinity.

PICEA, Link. — Nat. Ord. Pinaceao. Monoe-
cia, Monadelphia, Linn. Cones erect, cylin-
drical ; scales not thickened at the tip. Leaves
more entirely 2-rowed than in dbies.

1. P. BALSAMEA, Linnceus. Leaves solitary,
silvery beneath, about a half inch long, some-
what recurved. Cones violet-colored, four
inches long, a half inch broad, tapering to-
wards the top. Seed about half the size of the
silver fir. — Balsam fir. Native of the Northern
and Middle States.

A well known and widely cultivated spe-
cies. It is readily distinguished from the
silver fir by the cones, and easily by practice
in the foliage and habit of the tree. It is a
very pretty conical tree while young, but be-
coming very meagre-looking by age, unless
in a very deep loam. It does well in most
soils, or situations that are not too wet or stiff.
The best Bartram specimen is sixty-two feet

166 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

high, and three feet two inches in circum-
ference.

The seed should be sown early in the
spring in a bed of sandy loam or peat, rather
thinly, and but slightly covered with soil.
They will appear in a few weeks. When two
years old, they may be removed to nursery-
rows, planted about eighteen inches apart.

2. P. CEPHALONICA, London. Leaves awl-
shaped, terminating in a long, sharp prickle ;
almost sessile, flat, dark-green above, silvery
beneath, the base of the leaf of a lighter color
than the rest of it. — Cephalonian silver fir.

Growing about sixty feet high in its native
country. The largest I have seen near Phila-
delphia is not over three. It seems most at
home in a cool sandy loam. The buds of
this species and of P. pectinata, are very apt
to be destroyed in severe winters, while the
plants are young. A little cotton wrapt
around the buds of the leading shoots will be
a sufficient protection.

3. P. FRAZEKI, Pursh. Leaves short,
crowded, flat, emarginate, a half inch long,
silvery beneath. Cones oblong ovate, bracts
obcordate, mucronate, reflexed outwards. —

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 167

Double Balsam fir. Middle and Southern
States.

This is allied to the balsamea, but is very
distinct. It is considerably smaller in stature,
in a wild state seldom exceeding ten feet
high, though in a state of cultivation it will
often double or treble this. It thrives well
in similar situations to No. 1, and may be
treated in the same manner, .y-

4. P. KOBILIS, Douglass. Leaves falcate,
short, acute, silvery beneath, scarcely one
inch long, crowded. Cones erect, six and
seven inches long, and three inches thick,
ovate cylindrical, scales broad, bracts broadly
spathulate, reflexed, covering the scales. —
Noble fir. North-west coast.

One of the gigantic pines discovered by
Douglass. It is considered one of the finest,
as it certainly is one of the prettiest — supe-
rior, in my opinion, to the Abies Douglasii.
Plants in Philadelphia are not over two feet
high.

5. P. PECTINATA, London. Leaves flat, ob-
tuse, with the points turned up, exhibiting
the two silvery lines running lengthwise with
the midrib on the under side. Cones in the

168 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

axils of the branches, large, cylindrical,
bluntly pointed at both ends, about six
inches long, and two broad. — Silver fir. Na-
tive of Europe and Asia.

In a deep rich loam, and a sheltered situa-
tion, this is one of the most rapid growing
and interesting firs. The branches usually
grow stiffly horizontal, and, when in fruit,
the cones, standing so rigidly erect on the
axils, give the species quite an unique charac-
ter. The best specimen at Bartram is ninety-
five feet high and six feet in circumference.
In Mr. Pierce's arboretum there are also some
noble specimens, little, if any, inferior to
these. In very dry soils it is apt to die out
in dry summers, and at any rate be but short-
lived. It may be propagated as No. 1, but
the seeds should be a little deeper covered.

6. P. PICHTA, London, is generally con-
sidered as only a variety of this, with the
leaves closer set on the branches, and not so
silvery beneath. Specimens about here are
not 6ver two feet high.

PINUS, Linnceus. — Nat. Ord. Pinaceaa.
Monoecia, Monadelphia, Linn. Male catkins

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 169

grouped. Pollen contained in 2 cells, formed
in the scale that opens lengthwise. Female,
ovules 2. Strobile ovately conical in most
species. Carpels, or outer scales, thickened
at the tip, exceeding the bracteas or thin
outer scales in length, and concealing them ;
persistent. Leaves in groups of two, three, or
five, each group arising out of a scaly sheath.
(From London.)

1. P. CEMBRA, Linnczus. Leaves in 57sr
sometimes 3, with three ribs, the ribs serrated,
one of them green and shining, the other two
white and opaque. Buds white and without
resin. Cones about three inches long and
two and a half broad. — Swiss pine. Native
of Switzerland and Siberia.

Though a somewhat old and well-known
species, it has not become common amongst
us.

I have seen no large specimens around
Philadelphia. It is one of the slowest grow-
ing kinds; yet when large, so very compact
and regularly conical, as to be much admired.

The plants in our nurseries are imported
chiefly from England.

2. P. EXCELSA, Lam bert. Leaves- very Iong7

15

170 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

in 57s, slender, loose, 3 -cornered, 5-7 inches
long, angles very finely toothed. Sheaths
about half an inch long. Cone about nine
inches long and two broad, with a footstalk
one inch long. — Lofty or Bhotan pine. Na-
tive of Nepaul.

Very nearly allied to the white pine. It
can readily be distinguished at sight, by its
pale glaucous green hue, and longer, finer,
and more crowded leaves.

In stiff cold soils it can scarcely be con-
sidered hardy ; but in dry sandy soils, and in
sheltered situations, not too much exposed to
the sun in winter, it is perfectly so.

3. P. HALAPENSIS, Alton. Leaves in 2's.
Cones ovate, rounded at the base, nearly the
same length as the leaves, with blunt scales.
— Aleppo pine. Native of the Levant.

Not a very lofty growing species, but with
a very fine green and dense foliage. This
stands out in the garden of John Evans,
though I scarcely think it will prove hardy
in most situations here.

4. P. INOPS, Alton. Leaves in pairs. Cones
drooping, oblong conical, longer than the
leaves. The scales awl-shaped, with promi-

ft*

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 171

nent prickles. Cone two and three-quarters
to three and a half inches long, one and a
half wide, sheaths with three or four rings-
— Jersey pine.

A very handsome species, though of some-
what low growth. Its branches extend far
horizontally, and form a very symmetrical
round head. The leaves are rather fine, and
the hue of the foliage not so dark as to be
obnoxious. It thrives best in a very light
sandy loam, and will do well in any soil that
is not stiff or wet. The finest Bartram speci-
men is sixty-two feet high by three feet in
circumference.

It is easily propagated from seeds sown in
the spring after ripening. They will grow
if two or three years old, but not so readily.
Sow thinly, on a bed of sandy loam some-
what cool and shaded, covering in the seed
very slightly, just enough to cover them.
They ought not to be allowed to get dry at
any time. The following spring they may
be put out into rows one foot apart, to re-
main a year or two. After that they should
be transplanted to double that distance. They

172 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

transplant easily any time after being grown
in this manner.

5. P. LAMBERTTANA, Douglass. Leaves in
5's, a little rough ; sheath very short. Cones
cylindrical, twelve to sixteen inches long.
Scales loose, spread and rounded above. —
Gigantic pine. Native of the North-west coast.

This is said often to grow two hundred
feet high, and to be as hardy as the white
pine, to which it is allied. In the garden of
John Evans, it thrives admirably in a cool
sandy loam. When the nuts can be obtained,
they may be sown as soon as received, and
raised in the manner of the araucaria imbri-
cata.

6. P. MITIS, Michaux. Leaves two, some-
times three in a sheath, long, slender, hollowed
on the upper surface. Cones small, ovate,
conical. Scales with their outer surface
slightly prominent, and terminating in a very
small slender point, bending outwards. —
Yellow pine. Northern and Middle States.

This has a very elegant appearance. The
bluish tinge of the long slender foliage is
almost peculiar to it. The Bartram speci-
men, on a dry gravelly soil, with a rocky

•pfc

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 173

bottom, is ninety feet high, and four feet
eight inches in circumference.
Propagated as No. 4.

7. P. PALUSTRIS, Alton. Leaves in 3's,
about twelve inches long, growing in tufts
at the ends of the branches. Cones nearly
cylindrical, covered with stiff bristles. —
Southern swamp pine. Native of the
Southern States.

A rather odd looking pine, growing about
fifty feet high, and thriving in wet swampy
places. There is a small specimen in the
garden of John Evans.

8. P. PINASTER, Aiton. Leaves two in a
sheath, four to six inches long, somewhat
rough at the edge. Cones oblong, three to
five inches long, narrowed at the base, scales
bristly. — Pinaster. South of Europe.

A coarse, free growing species, very hardy,
round-headed, will thrive almost anywhere.
These are its best recommendations. It is
not so handsome as many others.

Propagated as No. 4.

P. Maritima is a variety of this.

9. P. PINE A, Linnceus. Leaves in 2's, earlier
ones ciliate. Cones ovate, obtuse, without

15*

174 AMEKICAN HANDBOOK

prickles, longer than the leaves. Nuts large.
— Italian stone pine.

One of the most useful as well as hand-
some of the tribe. No soil is too loose or too
barren for it to thrive in, nor any situation
too bleak or exposed. The seeds (which are
four years coming to perfection with the
cone) may be sown singly, as recommended
for the araucaria or No. 5.

10. P. PONDEROSA, Douglass. Leaves in
3's, nine to eleven inches long, flexible, tor-
tuous. Sheaths short. Cones ovate, reflexed,
with the ends of the scales flattened, with a
raised process in the middle. — Heavy wooded
pine. Native of the North-west coast.

Said to grow from fifty to eighty feet high
in its native country. Plants in this vicinity
are not over three feet high, but it promises
to be a rapid and strong grower. Our plants
are imported from Europe ; but where seed
can be obtained, they may be treated as No. 5.

11. P. PUMILIO, Hoenke. Branches gene-
rally bent down. Leaves short, stiff, a little
twisted, thickly distributed over the branches,
with long, lacerated, woolly, white sheaths.
Cones, when young, erect; older growing

•

i.

• "1WR''"' • *"
OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 175

outwards, one and a half to two inches long,
one inch broad. Scales and seeds small. —
Dwarf pine. Native of the mountains of
Europe.

It is said to grow not more than twenty
feet high in its native country. It will pro-
bably exceed that here. It is a very distinct
looking kind. It will thrive in any light
loam, provided it is not in a situation exposed
to our hot sun. It is easily raised from seed,
like No. 4. The plants in our nurseries are
generally imported in pots, and if kept too
long in them seldom do well. In all such
cases, the roots should be uncoiled and spread
out in planting.

12. P. RIGIDA, Miller. Leaves in 37s, three
and a half to four inches long. Cones ovate
oblong, two to three inches long, about
one and a half broad, their scales terminated
by a rough thorny point. — Pitch pine. Na-
tive of the United States.

Growing by itself, this is remarkable for
the irregularity and number of its branches.
They are usually spreading, covered by foliage
of the darkest green. It will grow in any
soil, from the dryest to those frequently

,

176 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

inundated ; a moist sandy loam seems to suit
it best. A specimen at Bartram growing on
a rock, with very little soil, is fifty -four feet
high and four feet six inches in circumference.

It may be propagated like No. 4.

13. P. STROBUS, Linnceus. Leaves in 57s,
slender, without sheaths, three to four inches
long, straight, soft, and 3 -cornered. Cone
long, cylindrical, pendulous, with the scales
not thickened at the apex. — White pine. Na-
tive of the United States.

A well-known species of the highest utility
in landscape gardening. When not crowded
by others it is highly ornamental, producing
branches regularly from the ground, and
forming a symmetrical figure. When young,
it is not so handsome to most tastes ; but that
gives it an advantage that always pleases, of
improving in appearance as it grows. The
bluish tinge it possesses removes the objec-
tions made to many of the tribe on account
of their funereal hues. The finest -Bartram
specimen is one hundred and eighteen feet
high and Seven feet three inches in circum-
ference. There are also some splendid speci-
mens in the large avenue in Piercers arbore-

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 177

turn, which, though only planted in the year
1800, now average seven and a half feet in
circumference, and are between ninety and
one hundred feet high, to all appearance. It
prefers a rich, yet loose and dry loam, on a
gravelly or rocky subsoil. It will do pretty
well in heavy loam, but in cold, clayey, wet
soils the white pine is decidedly not at home.

It may be propagated as No. 4.

14. P. SYLVESTRIS, Linnceus. Leaves rigid,
in pairs, one and a half to three inches long,
somewhat waved and twisted, slightly con-
cave on the upper, and convex on the lower
surface, finely serrated on the edges. Cones
from two to three inches long, and from one
to one and a quarter broad. — Scotch pine.
Native of the mountains of Europe.

By no means so handsome as many others,
but in this country we have no evergreens to
spare. Still, it is highly appropriate to many
situations, where few similar trees would grow.
Its dark hue, and, when mature, stiff compact
habit, render it well fitted for cold looking,
rugged scenery. If not crowded by other
trees, it does not become so naked on the
trunk, or so flat-headed as it is usually seen

178 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

or supposed to be, and is then more symme-
trical and more beautiful. A specimen at
Bartram slightly varying from the true form,
is thirty-five feet high, and three feet in cir-
cumference. It delights in a dry deep loam,
and in somewhat elevated situations. It
will do pretty well in any gravelly or dry
peaty soils, but little good in any that are
wet.

May also be propagated as No. 4.

15. P. TJEDA, Linnceus. Leaves in threes.
Cones oblong, conical, shorter than the
leaves, growing in clusters; scales with
rough prickles. — Frankincense pine. Native
of the United States and Canada.

Somewhat in the way of the last, but rea-
dily distinguished by the number of its
leaves in the sheaths, as well as by its other
characters. It reaches a good height, and
thrives pretty well in most soils that are not
wet. Plants are scarce in our district, but
one exists in the collection of John Evans.

PLATANUS, Linnceus. — Nat. Ord. Platana-
cea3. Moncecia, Polyandria, Linn. Male
flowers in globular heads. Corolla very

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 179

small. Anthers growing round the filament.
Female flowers with a many-petalled corolla.
Style with a recurved stigma. Seeds round-
ish-clavate, mucronate, with a persistent style,
invested with pappus-like hairs at the base.

1. P. OCCIDENT ALIS, Linnceus. Leaves
roundish-pentangular, slightly palmate,do wny
beneath. — American buttonwood.

This tree was formerly in much demand
for its shade; latterly (suffering from late
frosts, probably) it has fallen into disrepute
from its unhealthiness. I believe it carries
the disease with it even to other countries.
In landscape gardening it can only be em-
ployed effectively as a single specimen. It
does not harmonize well with other trees.
By itself, its magnificent proportions, its
broad-spreading habit and large ample foli-
age, challenge admiration. It will do well in
any situation, but prefers one inclining to
moisture. A specimen at Bartram is ninety-
five feet high and six feet in circumference.
May be propagated from seed sown as soon
as ripe* in a moist yet light soil, covering

* Emerson recommends to soak the seed twenty-four
hours before sowing in the spring.

180 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

them very slightly with the earth. They
may stay two years in the seed-bed before
transplanting, after which they will make
rapid growth, and may be safely removed
any time after. With care, cuttings will
grow pretty well. The young but well-
ripened wood is taken off early in the win-
ter, laid in "by the heels" in any sheltered
spot, and put out in rows in a warm border
very early in spring. Layers succeed well
put down in July, or as soon as the wood
seems perfectly ripe.

2. P. ORIENTALIS, Linnceus. Nerves of
the leaves smoothish beneath. Lobes more
palmate than in No. 1. — English buttonwood.

Seldom makes so large a tree as the other,
but is free from its disease. It is a week
later in putting forth, which may be one
reason for its healthiness. It will grow well
in dryer situations than the last. A speci-
men at Bartrarn measures eighty feet high
and four feet in circumference.

POPULUS, Linnceus. — Nat. Ord. SalicaceaB.
Dioecia, Octandria, Linn. Calyx of the male,
the flat scale of the catkin torn at the edge.

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 181

Corolla turbinate, oblique, entire. Female,
stigma 4-cleft. Capsule 2-celled, many-seeded,
bristly.

1. P. ALBA, Linnceus. Leaves lobed, tooth-
ed, white beneath; lobes acute, flat. Stig-
mas four. — Abele; white poplar. Native of
Britain.

A tree formerly very popular, on account
of its rapid growth and lively foliage, but
which planters now often wish back again
to its native country, because of its great
propensity to throw up suckers ; still, where
this is not objectionable, as in towns as
street-trees, it will often be desirable. The
whole of the poplar tribe has strong claims
to be distinguished in a catalogue of street-
trees ; few things bearing the smoke and dirt
better. This species grows lofty and some-
what conical, with a gray bark ; and, with its
two-colored leaves, bears a good character
for beauty.

Pieces of the two-year old wood, cut into
three to four inch pieces, and planted nearly
their whole length in a rather moist and
shaded spot, very early in spring, grow like
willows.
16

182 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

2. P. ANGULATA, Aiton. Shoots angular.
Leaves heart-shaped, tapering at the point,
very large, and with fine serratures.— Cot-
tonwood poplar. Native of the Western
States. .

One of the most ornamental of poplars. It
is of very rapid growth, and, when full grown,
is round-headed and spreading. The leaves
are very large and glossy, and, the petioles
being: very flat, possess an aspen character.
The light and shade from the leaves, as they
are moved by every little breeze, gives the
tree a playfully pleasing appearance. It
does not do well in very dry situations, but
has no decided objections to others. It may
be propagated as No. 1.

The finest specimen I have seen, probably
eight feet in circumference, stands by the
road-side near old Humphrey Marshall's gar-
den.

3. P. BALSAMIFERA, Linnceus. Shoots
round. Buds very gummy. Leaves ovate-
acuminate, serrate, whitish beneath; petioles
round. — Balsam poplar. : '*!;:

Very short-lived in dry soils. It prefers
those that are deep, moist, and rich. It is

OF OKNAMENTAL TREES. 183

somewhat inclined to throw up suckers in
dry soils. May be propagated as No. 1.

The best Bartram specimen is seventy feet
high and four and a half feet in circumfer-
ence.

4. P.CANAPENSiSjMc&ame. Young branches
angled. Leaves cordately ovate, tapering to
a point, finely and rather unequally toothed ;
petioles compressed; buds gummy. — Cana-
dian poplar. Native of the Northern States.

It frequently grows to eighty or ninety
feet high, and is well worthy of a place in
any collection. In soils similar to the last.

5. P. CANDICANS, Aiton. Shoots round.
Buds very gummy. Leaves heart-shaped at
the base, ovate-acuminate ; petiole flattened
in the upper part, frequently hairy. — Onta-
rio poplar ; balsam poplar of the Northern
States.

It is in every way a larger and a finer
tree than the true balsam, and is readily dis-
tinguished by the leaves.

6. P. CANESCENS, Smith. Leaves roundish,
very slightly lobed, toothed. Stigmas eight.
—Gray poplar. Native of England.

By many considered a variety of the abele.

184 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

A fine young specimen at Bartram is about
fifty feet high and eighteen inches in diame-
ter.

7. P. DILITATA, Alton. Leaves smooth on
both sides, acuminate, serrate, wider than
their length. — Lombardy poplar. A well-
known and formerly very popular tree, on
account of its easy and rapid growth, and
singular fastigiate appearance. Though in
little demand at present, there are many
situations in which it is singularly effective —
as where horizontal lines prevail, or highly
artificial scenery. In the fall, the leaves turn
to a rich golden yellow hue, equalled by few
other trees. They also remain on to a late
period of the season.

Propagated as No. 1.

8. P. GBJECA, Aiton. Leaves cordate, ovate,
acuminate, serrate, serratures somewhat claw-
ed, glandular at the base, petioles compressed.
— Athenian poplar. Native of the islands
in the South of Europe.

An irregular, somewhat spreading-headed
tree, growing often to fifty feet high. In
Europe, this is sometimes mistaken for P.
heterophylla, Linn&us, which may have given

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 185

rise to the idea that it is also a native of the
United States.

9. P. GRANDIDENTATA, Michaux. Leaves
downy when young, afterwards smooth on
both surfaces. Sinuately toothed, with large
unequal teeth. — Large American aspen. Na-
tive of the Northern States.

A very fine tree when in a rather moist
situation, and unsurrounded by other trees.
It is not too troublesome by suckering, as
some of the others are. • The best specimen
at Bartram is sixty -two feet highland three
feet two inches in circumference.

10. P. TREMULOIDES, Michaux. Leaves
roundish, heart-shaped, shortly pointed, slight-
ly toothed. Bracts deeply 3-4-lobed, lobes
linear. — American aspen.

This, in moist, somewhat shaded situations
and not too much crowded, is an ornamental
round-headed tree, and though not so pretty
as the European, has its leaves shaken, like
it, by every playful breeze.

PRUNUS, Tournefort. — Nat. Ord. Drupacete.
Icosandria, Monogynia, Linn. Nut ovate or
16*

186 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

oblong, flattened, sharp at both ends, furrowed
at the edges, smooth in the other parts.

1. P. AMERICANA, Marshall Branches sub-
spinose. Leaves oval and obovate, acuminate,
sharply and often doubly serrate. Umbels
nearly sessile, 2-5 -flowered. — American red
plum.

A small round-headed tree, usually grow-
ing but fifteen feet high. Near the door of
Marshall's old house is a specimen, probably
of his own planting. The Bartram specimen
is much finer, being about thirty feet high
and two feet six inches in circumference.

It is propagated by seed ; or more speedily
by layers. A stool should be kept for this
purpose ; that is, a tree should be cut down
to nearly the ground, which will throw out
an abundance of shoots. These, which will
be fit for layering about June, should be each
gently twisted, and earth placed around the
whole until the twisted part of the shoots are
covered. The spring following, these being
well rooted, may be taken off as plants.

2. P. MARITIMA, Wangenheim. Leaves
lanceolate, ovate, serrate. Flowers in pairs.
Fruit small, round, sweet, dark blue. — Sea-

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 187

side plum. Native of the Eastern and
Southern States.

Naturally but a shrub, but becoming a
very ornamental small tree when budded on
the P. Americana. It is rather scarce in culti-
vation. There is a specimen in the garden
of John Evans, at Eadnor.

PTELEA, Linnceus. — Nat. Ord. Xanthoxy-
laceae. Monoecia, Tetra-Pentandria, Linn.
Calyx 4-5-parted. Fruit compressed, of 2-
3-cells. Cells 1-seeded, each cell expanded
into a rounded netted wing.

1. P. TRIFOLIATA, Linnceus. Leaves in 3's.
— Native of most of the Middle States.

A small tree, possessing no particular
beauty to recommend it. When in fruit it is
curious. It has the advantage of thriving in
the deepest shade, especially if in a rather
moist soil.

It can be readily propagated by cuttings,
layers, or seeds.

The Bartram specimens grow about ten
feet high.

188 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

PYRUS, Linnceus.—Nat. Ord. Pomaceae.
Icosandria, Pentagynia, Linn. Calyx 5-cleft.
Petals 5. Fruit a 5-celled, many seeded
apple.

1. P. ARIA., Smith. Leaves ovate, cut and
serrated, white and downy beneath. Flowers
corymbose. Fruit globose.— White beam.
Native of Britain. Flowering in June.

At a distance, has much the appearance of
a mulberry tree. The downy under surface
makes a fine contrast to the deep green of
the upper. It thrives best in a limestone
soil, where it frequently reaches fifty feet
high, but it will do well in any firm loam in
an open situation. It varies much in foliage,
sometimes being quite pinnatifid. The P.
pinnatifida, Ehr., and P. hybrida (Sorbus),
Linn., are now considered varieties of this.
It may be propagated by seeds sown as soon
as they are ripe in a box, or protected situa-
tion ; or by budding on the mountain ash. The
latter mode is the commonest, but such trees
are not near so desirable, as those on their
own roots.

2. P. AUCUPARIA, Gcertner. Leaves pin-
nated, glabrous, leaflets serrated. Flowers

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 189

corymbose. Fruit globose, small, red. —
Mountain ash; Eowan. Native of the moun-
tains of Europe. Flowers in May.

This beautiful tree grows about thirty feet
high, and has the round-headed spreading habit
of the apple, with the foliage of an ash. Its
clusters of white flowers, followed by red ber-
ries, are its chief attraction. It thrives best
in a loose dry soil, in a situation somewhat
shaded. The P. Americana, Dec., is consider-
ed to be a variety of this. It is propagated
as the last. Sometimes they will not appear
the first year, unless the seed has been thrown
in a heap to ferment previously.

There is a specimen at Bartram forty-five
feet high and three feet in circumference.

3. P. BACCATA, Linnceus. Leaves equally
serrulated. Peduncles clustered. Fruit small
and berry -like. Calyx deciduous. — Cherry
apple. Native of Siberia.

A small tree, seldom exceeding twenty feet
high, but very popular on account of the pro-
fusion of its red cherry-like fruit.

3. P. CORONARIA, Linnceus. Leaves ovate,
slightly heart-shaped at the base, sharply
serrate or nearly lobed, smoothish. Pedun-

190 AMEKICAN HANDBOOK

cles corymbose, smooth. — Sw.eet-scented crab.
Native of the Middle and "Western States.

A small bushy -headed tree, growing about
fifteen feet high, and valued chiefly for its
pale-red, sweet-scented flowers, which appear
in May. Scarce in cultivation, but growing
in the garden of John Evans.

4. P. DOMESTICA, Smith. Leaves pinnate,
villose underneath. Leaflets serrate. Flowers
panicled. Fruit obovate. — True service-tree ;
Sorbus. Native of Britain.

Resembling the Rowan, but is in every way
a more vigorous grower. The branches are
stouter, the leaves larger and coarser, and
the fruit like a small crab-apple, full an inch
in length.

5. P. NIVALIS, Linnceus. Leaves quite en-
tire. Flowers in corymbs. Fruit globular. —
Snowy-leaved pyrus. Native of mountains of
Austria.

A shrub, ranking only as a tree when
grafted on the larger kinds. Growing in the
garden of John Evans.

. 6. P. PRUNIFOLIA, Willdenow. Leaves
ovate acuminate. Flower-stalks pubescent.

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 191

Styles woolly at the base. — Plum-leaved Sibe-
rian crab.

Cultivated chiefly for its early, pear blos-
som-like flowers, yellowish-red fruit, and its
extreme hardiness. The Bartram specimen
is about fifteen feet high.

7. P. SPECTABILIS, Aiton. Leaves oval-ob-
long, serrate, even. Claws of the corolla
longer than the calyx. Styles woolly at the
base. — Double flowering apple. Native of
China.

The most ornamental flowering one of the
tribe. It reaches about twenty -five or thirty
feet high, and has more the appearance of the
common apple than any other species. It
does best in a deep, rich, loamy soil, and is
propagated by grafting or budding on the
ordinary kind. Specimens in our vicinity
are not over fifteen feet high.

8. P. TORMINALIS, Smith. Leaves ovate or
cordate, lobed, and serrate; lower lobes
spreading. Peduncles corymbose. — Wild
service-tree, England.

A handsome species, growing about fifty
feet high. It prefers a limestone soil, but
do pretty well in a strong rich loam. It

192 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

is rather scarce. There is a specimen in the
garden of John Evans.

QUERCUS, Linnceus. — Nat. Ord. Corylacese.
Monoecia, Polyandria, Linn. Male catkins
with flowers haying a 5 -cleft calyx, with 4-
10 stamens, and no corolla. Female flowers;
calyx an involucre composed of numerous
scales united into a cup. Fruit, an acorn.

1. Q. ALBA, Linnmus. Leaves obovate-ob-
long, nearly equally pinnatifid sinuate, shining
green above, a little whitish beneath. Cup
hemispherical. Nut ovate or oblong. —
White-oak. Native of United States.

All the oaks are amongst the most useful
trees in landscape gardening. They possess
a great variety of forms and modes of
growth; different colors, shades, and hues;
and are adapted, some one or other of them,
to every difference of soil, situation, and
aspect. They are usually considered of slow
growth, but when under favorable circum-
stances, soon attain a large size. A magnifi-
cent avenue of them, on the fine estate
owned by Alexander Brown, Esq., on the

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 193

Delaware, planted since the Bevolution,*
show what they can do in a short time ; and
a small and thriving one at Bartram, fourteen
years planted, contain some above forty feet
high. This species is one of the handsomest,
whether considered with regard to its noble
size, its beautiful form, its peculiar elegant
leaves, both in outline and hue, or its fre-
quently grotesquely-twisted branches. Sin-
gly, in the landscape, I know of no other
tree that can be compared with it. I would
desire to see no better emulation in garden-
ing than in a desire to possess the best white-
oak. The grounds of Bartram and Spring-
brook are equally enriched in this respect ;
the former having one eighty-five feet high
by thirteen feet in circumference, and Mr.

* In reference to this avenue, Mr. Cope has kindly
obtained for me the following information from Mr. Sa-
muel Breck: "This estate was purchased by my father
about 1796. The only access to it was by a lane on the
east side, that goes down to the Delaware. This being
a roundabout way, he purchased an outlet on the turn-
pike ; and, having considerable taste for rural adornment,
planted and arranged the avenue, aided and assisted by
Frederick Pursh, then in his employ (who was also gar-
dener to W. Hamilton, at the Woodlands), in 1797."

17

194 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

Cope's measuring seventy-two feet high by
twelve feet in circumference. It varies very
much in the lobing of the leaves. In dense
woods, the leaves are merely sinuated; in
open, exposed situations, they are very
deeply lobed, nearly pinnatifid. Very com-
monly, though not always, the bark is scaly,
like the shellbark-hickory. In the fall of the
year, the leaves turn to a deep reddish-brown ;
in young trees often staying on till spring.
It thrives best in dry loams contiguous to
streams or moisture. All the species are
easily raised from seed sown as soon as
ripe, and the best trees are raised from the
youngest plants that find an early permanent
situation.

2. Q. AQUATICA, Walter. Leaves somewhat
wedge-shaped, narrowed at the base, lobed,
smooth. — Water-oak.

Somewhat allied to the Black-Jack, but
often growing fifty feet high. It varies very
much in its foliage. The best soil for it is a
sandy loam contiguous to moisture. It is
rather scarce in cultivation. There is a spe-
cimen in the garden of John Evans.

3. Q. BALLOTA, Desfontaines. Leaves ever-

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 195

green, elliptic, toothed or entire, downy be-
neath. Acorn very long. — Barbary-oak.

This is a fine tree, sixty feet high in its
native country. It will probably not stand
out here in situations exposed much to the
sun in winter, or little sheltered ; but I be-
lieve it does pretty well in the garden of my
friend Evans.

4. Q. BICOLOR, Willdenow. Leaves oblong-
ovate, acute, softly downy beneath, coarsely
and unequally dentate, the teeth rather acute.
Fruit on long peduncles; cup hemispherical;
nut ovoid-oblong. — Swamp white-oak.

Seldom exceeding fifty feet. Has a very
pretty, regularly spreading, large head, fre-
quently larger, in proportion to the size of
the trunk, than any other species. The bark
is slightly scaly. It thrives best in a low
situation and moist soil. The best Bartram
specimen is sixty feet high, with a head
about forty feet in diameter.

5. Q. CASTANEA, Willdenow. Leaves ob-
long, lanceolate, acuminate, pubescent, and
of a pale gray beneath, nearly equally tooth-
ed, the teeth rather sharp. Cup hemispheri-
cal. Nut roundish. — Chestnut-oak.

196 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

The resemblance of this to a chestnut-tree
is striking, not only in its foliage, but also
in the color and appearance of the bark, and
in its general habit and appearance. It
thrives best in rich soil, and in elevated
situations. It does not do well in tenacious
clays. In dry, gravelly soils, I have seen it
do pretty well. The best Bartram specimen,
a young 6ne, is thirty -feet high.

6. Q. CERRIS, Linnceus. Leaves sinuate,
pinnatifid, pubescent beneath. Cup covered
with branching bristles. — Turkey oak. Na-
tive of the south of Europe.

In England, this is a very pretty round-
headed tree. Here it takes a more pyrami-
dal form, with a tendency to extend its
branches far horizontally. The leaves have
a peculiar, curled, and cut appearance, giving
the tree quite a " distinction with a differ-
ence" amongst its fellow oaks. There are
many fine varieties, but few of them intro-
duced here. The leaves of our species stay
on green till near Christmas, and remain on
till the bursting of the buds the following
spring. It thrives best in a loose, shady

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 197

loam, that does not get hot or dry in
summer.

It is propagated by seeds, or, most com-
monly, by grafting on the other species.

7. Q. COCCINEA, Wangenheim. Leaves on
long petioles, oblong, deeply sinuate lobed,
smooth; the lobes divaricate, toothed. Cup
nearly top-shaped, conspicuously scaly. Nut,
roundish-ovate. — Scarlet-oak.

I consider few oaks superior to this in
beauty. In the fall of the year it bears off
the palm. Its leaves then become red, fre-
quently reaching a fine scarlet. It averages
fifty feet high, though some are occasionally
found nearly doubling that height. It is
rather an irregular grower, when old often
inclining to become flat-headed. Its long
leafstalks permit an easy motion of the
leaves with every summer breeze, and gives
motion as an additional attraction to the
beauties of its autumnal foliage. It thrives
best in a deep rich loam, inclining to moisture.

8. Q. FALCATA, Walter. Leaves downy be-
neath, sinuated, with three or four somewhat
sickle-shaped, bristle-pointed lobes, the ter-
minal one elongated and jagged. Fruit small.

17*

198 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

Calyx hemispherical. Acorn of a bright
orange color inside. — Spanish red-oak. Na-
tive of the Middle and Southern States.

A tree with very variably shaped leaves,
and yet with such a constant rusty, downy
peculiarity as renders it at all times easily
recognized. It grows to a large size, but
seldom forms a regular or picturesque head.
Its foliage is the chief point of interest that
renders it attractive. It delights in a rich
and rather dry loam. The Bartram speci-
men is a young tree of forty feet high by
three and a half in circumference.

9. Q. HETEROPHYLLA, Pursh. Leaves on
rather long petioles, ovate-lanceolate, oblong,
entire, frequently with large irregular teeth.
— Bartram oak.

Partaking of the characters of Q. Phellos,
and Q. imbrwaria, and supposed by many to
be a hybrid between them. I cannot sub-
scribe to this opinion; firstly, because I can-
not learn that flowering plants of Q. imbri-
caria ever existed in Bartram, and secondly,
because seedlings of the phellos show no ten-
dency to vary, and seedlings of Q. Tieteropliylla
have more or less the characters of the origi-

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 199

nal. The tree from which Pursh drew up
his description, was privately destroyed by
some of Mr. Hamilton's gardeners (as I have
been informed by Col. Carr), because it inter-
fered with a view of the Schuylkill from the
Woodlands. A seedling from this tree at
Bartram is seventy feet high and six feet in
circumference. The leaves of this are con-
siderably narrower than those of another tree
at Marshall's garden ; making it appear, with-
out examination, like a willow oak. Marshall's
specimen, on the other hand, has its leaves
much resembling those of a Q. imbricaria^
Michaux, which is growing beside it with a
trunk seven feet three inches in circumfer-
ence, and probably ninety feet high. The
leaves of this latter are broader and shorter
than either the Bartram or the willow oak.

10. Q. LYRATA, Walter. Leaves subsessile,
glabrous, lyrately sinuated, much contracted
in the middle, attenuated at the base, and
dilated at the summit. Cup globular, rough,
and almost covering the acorn. — Lyrate oak.
Water white-oak. Native of the Southern
States.

This, though perfectly hardy at Bartram,

200 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

never ripens its seeds there. This may be
owing to the fact of its growing there in dry
gravelly soil, while in its native places it is
found in swamps. Nevertheless, our speci-
menjias attained a fair size, being sixty-two
feet high and six feet two inches in cir-
cumference. It has something the appear-
ance of a white-oak when seen at a distance,
and in the Bartram tree, indicates a head of
a very spreading character.

11. Q. MACROCARPA, Michaux. Leaves
lyrate, downy beneath, deeply and sinuately
lobed, the lobes obtuse and spreading. Cup
deep, scaly, and fringed with bristles. Acorns
large, thick, and ovate. — Burr oak. Over-
cup white-oak. Native of the Western States.

A powerful rival to the white-oak, having
the advantage besides of very handsome
acorns. The Bartram specimens, on dry
gravelly soils, do not indicate very lofty trees,
but have widely spreading heads. The finest
is sixty-three feet high and six feet in cir-
cumference.

12. Q. NIGRA, Linnceus. Leaves broadly
wedge-shaped, slightly 3-5 -lobed at the end,
covered with rusty dots beneath. Cup very

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 201

scaly. Acorn roundish-ovoid, small. — Black-
jack.

A very useful small tree, thriving in the
most thin and barren soils, and giving, by
its large shining leaves, a gay appearance.
In deep rich loams it grows beautifully, and
will reach fifty feet high. The Bartram
specimen in dry gravel is about thirty feet
high.

13. Q. OBTUSILOBA, Michaux. Leaves obo-
vate-oblong, wedge-shaped at the base, irregu-
larly sinuate, lobed, the upper lobe dilated,
retuse. Cup hemispherical, scaly, nut ellip-
tic-ovoid.— Post-oak. Barren white-oak.

This is a singular looking tree, having but
few branches, and these very long, forming
a very meagre looking round head. The
branchlets are so small as to appear stunted,
while the leaves are rather above the average
size. It thrives best in a dry situation. The
best Bartram specimen is thirty feet high by
forty two inches in circumference.

14. Q. OLIV^FORMIS, Michaux. Leaves
oblong, glabrous, glaucous on the under side,
deeply and unequally sinuate pinnatifid.
Fruit elliptic ovate, cup hollowed out, bristly

202 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

on the upper side. — Olive shape fruited oak.
Native of the Middle States.

Growing to the height of about fifty feet,
and thriving in deep loam, in an elevated
and dry situation. Scarce in cultivation, but
is in the collection of John Evans.

15. Q. PALUSTRIS, Duroi. Leaves oblong,
deeply cut or sinuate lobed, smooth, green,
and shining; acorn small and subglobose,
often striped with blackish-brown before quite
ripe. — Pin oak.

A very pretty conical-headed tree, with
leaves of a light yet lively green, each very
deeply cut, and with the lower branches often
pendulous, sweeping the ground, and forming
a pleasant shade. Though generally con-
sidered a swamp tree, it will flourish in the
driest situations ; a desirable quality in an
universal favorite. The largest Bartram
specimen is eighty feet high and eight feet in
circumference.

16. Q. PHELLOS, Linnceus. Leaves lanceo-
late, quite entire. Fruit small, acorn of a
deep orange color inside. — Willow oak. Na-
tive of the Middle and Southern States.

A peculiar looking oak with dark green

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 203

willow-like leaves, and an ovately conical
head. Its foliage remains green till a late
period of the season. It thrives best in low
moist land of a rich quality, but will do well
in dry and elevated situations. The best
Bartram specimen is eighty-three feet high
and seven feet two inches in circumference.

17. Q. PRINUS, Linnczus. Leaves obovate
and elliptic-oblong, pubescent beneath, with
wide, blunt, equal teeth. Fruit pedunculate.
Cup hemispherical. Nut ovoid. — Chestnut
white-oak.

Usually grows to a great height, often over
one hundred feet. It somewhat resembles
the castanea. The latter is often mistaken
for a chestnut ; the former would never be
taken for anything but an oak. In the speci-
mens that have come before me, the head is
always bold and irregular, but would pro-
bably be more symmetrical when grown
isolated from other trees. It will grow to a
fine size in dry, rocky, or gravelly soil, but
attains its finest proportions in low and rich
situations. The best Bartram specimen, on
dry gravel, is eighty- two feet high and five
feet six inches in circumference.

204 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

18. Q. ROBUR, Linnceus. Leaves oblong,
somewhat wedge-shaped, smooth and irregu-
larly sinuate, lobes rounded, acorns cylindri-
cal.— British stalked oak.

A very valuable kind in ornamental garden-
ing from the fact of its foliage remaining on
green till the frost fairly " drags" it off; while
its glossy green summer dress is "highly be-
coming." It does not often exceed sixty
feet high in its native country, but in America,
which is pre-eminently adapted to deciduous
trees, it will do much better. The Bartram
specimen, growing on thin soil on a rock, is
eighty feet high and seven feet in circumfer-
ence. In general appearance it is allied to
our white-oak, but the bark is never scaly,
nor are the leaves ever so deeply lobed. It
will do well in any situation not too wet. Q.
H. purpurea, with fine purple foliage, is a very
ornamental variety, of which small specimens
are in our vicinity.

It is propagated by grafting on the com-
mon kind.

19. Q. RUBRA, Linnceus. Leaves obtusely
sinuated. Cup very flat, with shallow edges.

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 205

Nut large, oblong, ovoid. — Eed oak ; Cham-
plain oak.

The trunk and bark of this tree much
resemble a chestnut; the branches have a
very coarse and rigid appearance, sufficient
to distinguish the tree readily even in winter.
It makes a pretty object as a single speci-
men. It thrives well in very poor soils, but
will not do well in low or wet situations. A
specimen at Bartram is about sixty feet
high and four and a half feet in circumfer-
ence. There is a noble specimen a few feet
off the boundaries of the Bartram estate; but
there is no certainty when it may go to form
" post and rails," as I have been informed a
solitary specimen of Q. ambigua^ Michaux,,
in the vicinity once did.

20. Q. SESSILIFLORA, Salisbury. Leaves,
on long stalks, oblong-ovate, deeply sinuated,,
their sinuses acute, lobes obtuse. Fruit clus-
tered on very short stalks or sessile. — Ses-
sile-fruited British oak.

This is very like the Q. Eobur, and by

many thought to be but a variety of it. It

is considered the most ornamental of the two.

I believe it is not so common as the other,

18

206 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

but may be found in the collection of John
Evans.

21. Q. SUBER, Linnceus. — Leaves evergreen,
ovate oblong, tomentose beneath, wavy. —
Cork-tree. Native of the south of France,
Barbary, &e,

Also growing in the garden of John
Evans. It is not generally considered hardy,
but will doubtless prove so in situations
shaded from our winter's sun.

22. Q. TUSTCTORIA, Bartram. Leaves ob-
ovate -oblong, sinuate-lobed, pubescent be-
neath. Cup turbinate. Nut ovoid. — Black
oak; quercitron.

Its large, luxuriant, dark glossy foliage, is
its chief value in ornamental gardening.
The tree itself has a very un picturesque-
looking head; and, in our neighborhood, is
noted for a general decay, even young trees
frequently losing large branches. It does
best in a rich loam on a clay bottom.

BHAMNUS, Linnceus. — Nat. Ord. Ehamna-
cea3. Pentandria, Monogynia, Linn. Calyx
swollen out with a 4-5-cleft border. Petals
4-5; sometimes wanting. Styles 2-4, dis-

OF OKNAMENTAL TKEES. 207

tinct, sometimes combined. Fruit, a 2-4-
seeded berry.

1. E. CAKOLINIENSIS, Walter. Leaves oval-
oblong, obscurely serrate, nearly smooth.
Umbels axillary, on peduncles much shorter
than the leafstalks. Flowers 4-5-stamened.
Petals embracing the very small stamens.
Stigmas three. Fruit globose. — Carolina
buckthorn.

I give a full description of this species, as
it is too little known. It is a round-headed
tree, of a very pretty habit ; while the red
berries which cover it in the fall, and which
subsequently change to a deep black, render
it highly interesting, not merely for their
own simple beauty, but also for the variety
of birds they attract. It is impatient of
moisture, and also of extreme drought, thriv-
ing best in a deep, cool loam. A specimen
at Bartram is about twenty feet high and
twelve inches in circumference.

It is readily propagated by seeds sown as
soon as ripe. They sometimes remain in the
ground two years before they grow, though
very seldom. It may also be raised by cut-
tings or layers, but as these take twelve

208 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

months at least to root well, I prefer the
former mode.

2. K. CATHARTICUS, Linnceus. Leaves ovate,
sharply serrate. Flowers 4-cleft, dioecious.
Spines terminal. — Buckthorn. Native of
England.

Most generally seen as a shrub, but by a
little pruning when young, makes a hand-
some round-headed tree, often attaining, un-
der favorable circumstances, a height of
twenty-five feet, and a circumference of two
feet. It delights in a rich loam, inclining to
moisture. It will grow well in dry soils, but
is there short-lived. Propagated as No. 1.

3. K. FRANGULA, Linnceus. "Without spines.
Flowers perfect. Leaves obovate, entire. —
Alder buckthorn.

This is usually but a strong shrub, but,
like the last, becomes a small tree, having the
appearance of No. 1 by cultivation and ma-
nagement. A specimen is in the garden of
John Evans, at Kadnor.

EHUS, Linnceus. — Nat. Ord. Anacardiaceao.
Pentandria, Trigynia, Linn. Calyx 5-parted.
Petals five, ovate-lanceolate, spreading. Fruit,

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 209

a one -seeded berry, nearly dry, with a bony
nut.

1. E. COTINUS, Linnceus. Leaves simple,
ovate. — Venetian sumach; mist-tree. Native
of the south of Europe.*

In Europe but a small shrub, it rises here
to the dignity of a small tree by the aid of a
little pruning when young. "With its dark-
green roundish leaves, and its formal round
head, it is peculiarly pleasing in many situa-
tions; and, when covered with its flowers,
looks literally like a " mist." It is readily pro-
pagated by layers laid down just before the
bursting of the leaf. The following spring
they may be treated as separate plants.

2. E. TYPHINA, Linnceus. Leaves pinnate,
leaflets in many pairs, lanceolate, acuminate,
tomentose beneath. Panicles terminal! —
Stag's-horn; sumach.

A small tree, fifteen to twenty feet high,
and the most ornamental tree I know of its
size. Its dark-green leaves rival those of
the ailanthus in the " orientality" of their

* De Candolle makes a separate genus of tliis under
the name of Cotinus.

18*

210 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

appearance ; and when in the summer months
the tree is covered with its large, erect pani-
cles of red berries, the effect is beautiful in
the highest degree.' Unfortunately, it is one
of the most inveterate suckerers in the vege-
table kingdom. Its admirers must be careful
to select a position for it where this propen-
sity will not prove objectionable. It thrives
best in a light, dry, and rich soil, making no
progress in a wet one.

3. E. VENENATA, De Candolle. Leaves
pinnate ; leaflets obovate-oblong, sharply
acuminate, the margin very entire, and
slightly revolute. Panicles loose, on long
peduncles. — Poison-ash ; poison-sumach.

This tree possesses little beauty, and, from
its poisonous properties, none but an enthu-
sia'stic lover of trees in all their forms will
be induced to cultivate it. It thrives best in
a moist situation. The Bartram specimen is
about fifteen feet high.

KOBINIA, Linnceus. — Nat. Ord. Fabacea3.
Diadelphia, Decandria, Linn. Calyx 4-cleft ;
the upper division slightly notched. Legume
compressed, many-seeded, gibbous.

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 211

1. E. HISPID A, Linnaeus. Leaves unequally
pinnate. Stem hispid. Eacemes axillary. —
Eose Acacia. Native of the Southern States ;
flowering throughout the summer.

Few deciduous trees are more ornamental
than this when well grown and covered with
its racemes of rose-colored flowers. It de-
lights in a moist rich soil, though not by any
means ivet. If grfifted on the next described
species it becomes more vigorous. On its
own roots it will frequently grow twenty
feet high. On a dry soil it never reaches
any great height, though it will flower freely.
It is readily propagated by cuttings of the
roots placed in a slight hotbed early in spring.

2. E. PSEUD-ACACIA, Linnceus. Leaves
unequally pinnate. Eacemes loose, pendu-
lous, pedicels or flowerstalks one-flowered.
Stipules spinose. — Yellow locust. Flower-
ing in May.

This varies from one of the handsomest of
ornamental trees to one of the ugliest. When
young, with its bold round head, its elegant
foliage and luxuriant growth, profusely
covered with its large clusters of deliciously-
scented flowers, it laughs at its rivals. But

212 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

the case is different as it advances in age ;
large branches broken off by every stiff
breeze, others dying " voluntarily," like sui-
cides through grief for loss of the power to
please ; then the borer, which attacks them
most unrelentingly, and its innumerable
suckers, make a bad end to its chapter of
history. It thrives best in a cool rich loam,
and is very readily propagated from its seeds,
sown either when ripe or in the spring.

There are many varieties, differing chiefly
in the forms of their leaves.

The R. macrophylla is common now with us,
and also the R. tortuosa, with its curiously
twisted branches.

The R. viscosa, known as the clammy locust,
the branches and legumes being very clam-
my and sticky, is probably a good species.

SALISBURIA, Smith. — Nat. Orel. Taxaceae.
Monoecia, Polyandria, Linn. Staminate flow-
ers axillary, filiform, pedunculate. Fertile
flowers terminal, solitary on simple or branch-
ing peduncles. Ovule naked, seated in a cup-
shaped disk, the disk finally becoming fleshy,

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 213

embracing the base of the nut-like seed
(abridged from Flora Cestrica).

1. S. ADIANTIFOLIA, Smith. Leaves pecti-
nate or comb-shaped, somewhat wedge-shaped
at the base, irregularly cut or scolloped on
the margin, and marked with straight diverg-
ent veins. — Gtinko ; maiden hair tree. Native
of Japan.

Though classed by Loudon as a monoecious
plant, in a private letter in my possession he
speaks of it as a dioecious one. I believe
our specimens have not yet flowered. As
an ornamental tree it claims much attention.
Its stem is very straight, resembling in that
respect, as well as in color, that of the tulip
tree. The leaves are of a bluish-green tinge,
and from their fern-like appearance, attract
much attention. The branches come out of
very variable vigor, and extend nearly hori-
zontally. It is a very artificial-looking tree,
and very appropriate for associating with
architectural objects. It thrives best in a
deep rich loam on a dry subsoil. The hand-
somest trees, being the original of Mr. Hamil-
ton's introduction, are at the Woodlands; the

214 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

Bartram specimen is sixty-one feet high and
three feet eight inches in circumference.

It is generally propagated by layers, put
down as soon as the young wood is ripe,
being first notched as for a carnation. The
stool of layers should be protected from frost.
When rooted, they are easily managed after-
wards.'55'

There are some very fine specimens of this
tree in Mr. Pierce's arboretum, little if any
inferior to the Bartram specimens.

SALIX, Linnceus. — Nat. Ord. Salicacea?.
Dioecia, Diandria, Linn. Catkins with the
scales entire. Calyx wanting. Staminate
flowers with 1-6 stamens, filaments some-
times united. Pistillate flowers. Stigma 2-
lobed, with one or more glands contiguous to
the pistil.

The WILLOW TRIBE has not as yet met
with that distinction as affording ornamental
trees which it deserves. I fear that Juliet's

* Since the above was written, I learn that trees have
produced fruit in France. So that the easiest manner of
increasing our stock of this valuable tree will be by im-
porting seedlings.

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 215

doctrine, that "a rose by any other name will
smell as sweet," has been inverted in this case,
and that the name " willow" has become so
associated with the idea of a swamp, except in
the instance of the Baby Ionian, that all willows
seem to "smell swampy" to the ornamental
planter. But though many of them thrive
in moist places, it is not so in all the kinds.
Some of them do well in the driest soils, and
are adapted to ornament every situation.
They are destined yet to receive considerable
attention. So far there are but few in culti-
vation; the following kinds are for the most
part to be found growing only in the collec-
tion of my friend Evans.

1. S. ACUMINATA, Smith. Stamens 2.
Leaves lanceolate oblong, pointed, wavy,
finely toothed, glaucous and downy beneath.
— Large-leaved willow. Native of England.

It grows twenty or thirty feet high, with
an erect, coarse, and stiff habit; its chief
beauty consisting in its fine foliage. It
thrives best in a low wet situation, but will
do very well in a dry one.

Like all the willows, this may be readily
struck by cuttings or "truncheons" of the

216 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

one or two year old wood, the latter making
vigorous trees the soonest. The pieces, be-
ing cut into lengths about three inches long,
may be stuck their full length in any moist
waste piece of ground any time in early
spring before the bursting of the bud.

2. S. ALBA, Linnceus. Leaves elliptic-lan-
ceolate, acuminate, toothed, white and silky
beneath, the lowest teeth glandular. Flowers
appearing with the leaves. Ovaries smooth,
sessile. — White willow. Native of Europe.
Naturalized in the United States.

A handsome round-headed tree, growing
well in any soil or situation, where it will
easily attain a height of fifty feet. In wet
swampy places I have seen it between seventy
and eighty, and with a trunk of large diame-
ter.

3. S. ALBA, var. Vitellina. S. vitellina,
Linnwus, now reduced to a variety of alba,
has the leaves shorter and broader, and
more spreading orange-yellow branches, but
is in every other respect similar. Its golden
bark contrasts beautifully with its deep-green
leaves, and even in winter imparts a cheerful-
ness to garden scenery.

OF OKNAMENTAL TEEES. 217

4. S. BABYLONICA, Linnceus. Leaves lance-
olate, acuminate, serrate, glabrous, glaucous
beneath. — Weeping willow. Native of Asia.

A detailed description of this fine tree is
unnecessary, so well is it known. It is pecu-
liarly fitting to accompany architectural ob-
jects. Its lightness, and graceful elegance,
throw on all around a softness that is pecu-
liarly pleasing. By ponds, lakes, or small
streams it is highly appropriate, and in any
still, quiet scenery, as a shade to an arbor or
place devoted to meditation or study, it adds
an interest few trees can create. In very
gay, rugged, stiff, or bold scenery it is out
of place, except in peculiar instances, where
bold contrasts can be introduced with effect.
It will thrive in almost any soil, refusing
only those actually wet or sodden ; but in a
dry deep loam, contiguous to moisture, it
grows with a surprising rapidity.

5. B. annularis has its leaves always curl-
ed. As a curiosity it may please ; but as an
ornamental tree will never be popular. A
curled leaf will ever be associated with dis-
ease, or insects.

19

218 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

5. S. CAPREA, Linnceus. Stamens two.
Leaves roundish-ovate, pointed-serrate, waved,
veins much netted, pale and downy beneath.
— Goat- willow. Native of Britain.

There is a noble specimen of, I believe,
this species in the fine arboretum of Mr.
Pierce, which is five feet in circumference,
and probably forty feet high. Its head is
very regular, round, and spreading. Mr.
Evans has a variety with variegated leaves.
Its foliage is very dense, imparting a grateful
shade. It grows well in the driest soils, but
does best in those inclining to moisture.

6. S. CROWEANA, Smith. Leaves elliptical,
slightly serrated, glaucous beneath. Ovary
silky. Stamens united at the base. — Crowe's
willow.

This can scarcely be considered as a tree.
In very wet soils, in which it delights, it will
grow from ten to fifteen feet.

7. S. DAPHNOIDES, Villars. Leaves broadly
lanceolate and pointed, with glandular serra-
tures, smooth and glaucous beneath. Catkins
appearing before the leaves. — Daphne willow.
Native of Switzerland.

A fine species, growing from thirty to forty

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 219

feet high. Its dark, mealy-looking bark
gives it a very unique appearance.

8. S. DECIPIENS, Smith. Stamens two.
Leaves lanceolate, pointed, serrate, very
smooth. Branches smooth and highly po-
lished. — "White Welsh- willow. Native of
Britain, but said to be naturalized in Ame-
rica.

A tree of upright growth, and often ex-
ceeding forty feet. Its young shoots are
stained with red, and those of the preceding
season have a yellowish cast. It will thrive
well in a dry soil.

9. S. FORBYANA, Smith. Stamen one.
Leaves lanceolate-oblong, serrated, glabrous,
with small downy stipules. — Forby's willow.
Native of England.

This is a small tree, not over twelve feet
high, with very twiggy, slender, pale-green,
and glossy stems. It thrives best in a wet
soil.

10. S. FORSTERIANA, Smith. Leaves elliptic-
obovate, acute, crenate, slightly downy, glau-
cous beneath. Catkins long, narrow. Germen
awl-shaped, silky. Branches slightly downy. —

220 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

Forster's mountain willow. Native of Scot-
land.

Growing to about fifteen feet high, or pro-
bably higher in a deep rich loam, not liable
to become too wet.

11. S. FKAGILIS, Linnceus. Stamens two.
Leaves ovate-lanceolate, pointed, serrate, very
glabrous. — Crack willow. Native of Britain.

In moist places this will frequently grow
to eighty or ninety feet high. Its chief
beauty consists in its silky catkins.

12. S. F. KUSSELLIANA, Carey. Leaves
lanceolate, acuminate, serrate -dent ate with the
teeth incurved, subglaucous beneath, and
slightly silky while young. Stipules semi-
cordate. Styles conspicuous. — Bedford wil-
low. Native of Britain, and naturalized in
the United States.

Very nearly resembling the preceding,
and, for ornamental purposes, superior to it.
It will thrive well in drier ground.

13. S. HIRTA, Smith. Leaves elliptic
heart-shaped, pointed, finely crenate, downy
on both sides. Stipules half heart-shaped,
nearly glabrous. Branches densely hairy. —
Hairy willow. Native of Britain.

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 221

Growing twenty or thirty feet high, with
a very erect habit of growth. It thrives best
in a deep rich loam, inclining to moisture.

14. S. NIGRA, Marshall. Stamens 3-4, or
6. Styles short. Leaves narrow-lanceolate,
tapering and acute at each end, smooth and
green on both sides, with the petiole and
midrib pubescent. — Black willow. Native
of the United States.

A small tree from fifteen to twenty feet
high, with a dark-colored rough bark, and
with the young branches dark purple. It
grows naturally in low grounds contiguous
to moisture.

15. S. PENTANDRA, Lmnceus. Stamens five.
Leaves ovate, pointed, crenate, glandular,
broad, shining, having a fragrance when
slightly dried. — Shining willow. Native of
Europe and the United States.

This grows about twenty feet high, and is
the most ornamental of the tribe. It delights
in a moist situation. Its flowers appear later
in the season than most other species. Our
S. lucida, Muhlenberg; and S. Meyeriana,
Willdenow, of Germany, are probably in-
cluded in this.

19*

222 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

16. S. POMERANICA, Willdenow. Leaves
lanceolate, tapering to both extremities,
about four inches long, smooth and shining
above, glaucous beneath. Catkins about one
inch long. Branches copiously covered with
small yellow dots. — Pomeranian willow.

Somewhat allied to S. daphnoides, growing
about the same height, and equally as orna-
mental.

17. S. ROTUND ATA, Forbes. Leaves round-
ish, bluntly serrate, glabrous and shining
above, glaucous, netted, and slightly hairy
beneath. Stipules rounded, serrate, and
glandular. — Eound-leaved willow. Native of
Switzerland.

One of the most distinct-looking species
known to me, growing about fifteen or
twenty feet high.

18. S. RUBRA, Hudson. Stamens two, com-
bined at the base. Leaves linear-lanceolate,
acuminate, serrate, glabrous, green on both
sides. Capsules sessile, very pubescent. —
Ked willow. Native of Britain.

A small tree of ten or twelve feet high,
with long narrow leaves, and twiggy branches.
It does best in moist situations.

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 223

19. S. VIMINALIS, Linnceus. Stamens two.
Leaves linear, inclining to lanceolate, long,
but not more than half an inch, wide ; mar-
gins entire, wavy, snow white and silky
beneath. — Twiggy, or osier willow. Native '
of Britain, but I believe naturalized in the
States.

Generally grows about twenty feet high ;
its long, narrow leaves render it highly orna-
mental. It will grow very well in the driest
soils, but prefers the neighborhood of water.

SOPHORA, Linnceus. — Nat. Ord. Fabaceae.
Decandria, Monogynia, Linn. Calyx 5 -tooth-
ed. Corolla butterfly-shaped, with the wings
of the same length as the upper petal (vexil-
lum). Legume bearded; many-seeded.

1. S. JAPONIC A, Linnceus. Leaves pinnate,
leaflets many, ovate, smooth. — Japan sophora.
Flowers in August.

A most beautiful tree, somewhat resem-
bling the locust in its appearance, whether
considered in its outline, flower, or foliage.
Its average growth is about forty feet, thriv-
ing best in a deep rich loam, moderately dry.
It is readily propagated by seeds, when they

224 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

can be obtained, which are best sown as soon
as ripe. The most common mode is by
layers, which may be put down as soon as
the wood is ripe, protecting them from frost
in winter ; they will be mostly rooted suffi-
ciently to take up in spring. Cuttings, se-
lected with care, will also root pretty well if
put in as soon as the wood is ripe, and pro-
tected from severe frost, carefully guarding
against damp.

S. J. pendula, a fine weeping variety, is
also in our collections.

STYRAX, Linnceus. — Nat. Ord. Styracese.
Decandria, Monogynia, Linn. Corolla twisted
to the left, funnel-form. Fruit a two-seeded
drupe.

1. S. GRANDIFOLIUM, Aiton. Leaves large,
obovate, silky beneath. Lower peduncles
axillary, solitary, one-flowered. — Large-leaved
storax. Native of the Southern States.
Flowers in July.

In cultivation this becomes a tree fifteen
or twenty feet high, and is one of the most
ornamental of its class, whether we consider
its large leathery leaves, or numerous snow-

OF ORNAMENTAL TEEES. 225

white flowers. It delights in a light gravelly
loam, where the roots are contiguous to
moisture, and in a slightly shaded situation.
It is best propagated by layers put down just
before the bursting of the buds, notched like
a carnation; they will root before fall. A
specimen at Bartram is about twenty-five
feet high and fifteen inches in circumference.

TAXODIUM, Richard. — Nat. Ord. Pinaceae.
Monoecia, Monadelphia, Linn. Male catkins
disposed in a pyramidal round spike. Pollen
of each flower borne in five cases, attached
to the scale on its inner face. Female catkins
two or three together, near the base of the
spike of male catkins. Strobile globose.
Scales peltate, angled.

T. DISTICHUM, Richard. Branches distich-
ous. Leaves linear. — Deciduous or bald
cypress. Native of the Southern States.

This is a noble deciduous tree, sometimes
attaining one hundred and fifty feet high
with a circumference of thirty. When
young it has a very regular pyramidal form,
becoming round-headed with age, and ulti-
mately rather flat and spreading. The fine-

226 AMEKICAN HANDBOOK

ness of its foliage contrasts strikingly with
its strong rugged appearance, and the pale-
green hue of its leaves with the cedar-like
tint of its branches. When growing luxuri-
antly, it is lined with deep ribs, as if the one
trunk were made up of a number of small
ones; add to this the numerous "knees," like
large beehives, which it throws up for many
feet around, and we have a specimen of
arborial picturesque beauty not easily sur-
passed. The Bartram specimen is one hun-
dred and twenty-five feet high and twenty
feet in circumference. It grows best in
moist swampy places ; or, if in dry soil, near
a spring or contiguous to moisture. It is
readily propagated from seeds sown early in
spring in sandy loam, in a rather moist and
shaded situation. The following spring they
may be put into nursery rows. They trans-
plant pretty well at all times with care.

T. D. pendulum is a fine variety with droop-
ing leaves. In other respects much the same
as the preceding.

TAXUS, Linnceus. — Nat. Ord. TaxaceaB.
Dioecia, Monadelphia, Linn. Staminate flowers

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 227

bursting from several opposite, imbricated,
adjoining, bud-like scales. Column of stamens
surmounted by many peltate 8 -cleft anthers.
Pistillate flower solitary, with imbricated
scales at the base. Fruit a single nut em-
bedded in a succulent cup, the calyx.

1. T. BACCATA, Linnceus. Leaves linear,
approximating dark-green. — English yew.

Opinion is divided with regard to the
merits of this tyree in ornamental gardening.
Some deem that its long association with
English churchyards and cemeteries, suggests
ideas too funereal for the life-enjoying plea-
sures of a garden. Others look on the well-
known degree of abuse it will submit to, as
a subject of pleasing reflection, suggestive of
the victorious nature of meek, uncomplaining,
persevering effort in overcoming all obstacles.

But for the once setting aside both poetry
and association, our collections are too scarce
of evergreens to allow us to dispense with
one, and for my part I admire the yew.
There is a very fine specimen planted by
Young, before mentioned as "the king's Bo-
tanist," in friend Longstreth's garden in King-
sessing, probably thirty feet high, and with

228 AMEKICAN HANDBOOK

its branches extending nearly as far horizon-
tally. It loves a deep rich loam, but will un-
dergo any soil or treatment. It may be propa-
gated by seeds, layers, or cuttings. The former
rarely germinate the first year, and are seldom
employed. Cuttings are best of two year old
wood, put in sand in July or August, slightly
shaded and kept moist, with some protection
through winter. There are several fine va-
rieties, the commonest being the Irish yew
(T. B. fastigiata, Lindley); the weeping yew
(T. B. Dovastoni), with very fine broad foliage
and pendulous branches ; the silver variegated
(T. B. elegantissima) • the gold variegated, and
the erect branching (T. B. erecta, London).

2. T. CANADENSIS, Willdenow. Leaves
linear, revolute on the margins. Eeceptacle
of the staminate flower subglobose.

This is a much smaller tree than the pre-
ceding, readily distinguished by the paler
foliage and reddish wood.

Soil and propagation as No. 1.

3.* T. NUCIFERA, Linnceus. Seeds inclosed

* The kinds with seed inclosed in the disk, are now, I
believe, referred to Torreya of Siebold.

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 229

by the fleshy disk. Leaves linear, distant. —
Acorn yew. Native of Japan, where it grows
about twenty feet high, with a diffuse and ir-
regular habit. It is in the collection of John
Evans. It is often propagated by grafting
on the English yew.

THUJA, Tournefort. — Nat. Ord. Pinacese.
Monoecia, Monadelphia, Linn. Male catkin
terminal, solitary. Pollen of each flower con-
tained in four cases attached to the inner face
of the scale towards the base. Female cat-
kin terminal. Ovary joined with the bractea,
thus forming a receptacle. Ovules two to
each receptacle.*

1. T. OCCIDENTALS, Linnceus. Cones obo-
vate, scaly ; seeds winged; branches horizontal,
recurved. — American arbor vitae. Native of
the Northern States.

* In accordance with my plan I adhere to the nomen-
clature in common use, though I cannot help observing
that the separation of No. 2 and No. 3 from the genus
under the name of BIOTA, Don, is very judicious, as all
who are familiar with the dissimilarity of their fruits will
admit. The species not having winged seeds are now
referred to Biota.

20

230 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

An evergreen essential in all collections.
It is handsomer than the Chinese kind, though
not so generally cultivated. When young, it
has a rather slender appearance, but, on be-
coming older, branches out into a head very
similar to the red cedar. The finest Bar tram
specimen is about fifty-two feet high and
three feet ten inches in circumference. It is
raised from seed sown in the fall or spring
in boxes of light, sandy soil, kept cool and
moderately moist till they appear. If 'sown
thinly, they are best left two years in the seed
bed, and then removed to nursery rows one
foot apart. A cool, rather moist soil, on a
dry bottom, seems best adapted for it, but it
will do well in any soil not too Wet or too stiff.

2. T. ORIENTALIS, LinncBus. Cones ellip-
tic, scales mucronate beneath the fleshy apex.
Branches ascending, branchlets mostly verti-
cal.— Chinese arbor vite.

When young, this is handsomer than the
last, but can bear no comparison with it when
it becomes old. The best Bartram specimen is
about twenty -five feet high and three feet in
circumference. It is propagated as the last,
and also by cuttings of the well ripened wood

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 231

put in sandy soil early in the fall, and slightly
protected through winter. It is sometimes
raised from layers.

3. T. PENDULA, Lambert. Leaves like
small scales, opposite, imbricate, ovate-lance-
olate, mucronate, decurrent. Cones ovate-ob-
long, produced in clusters at the ends of the
branches. Seeds wingless. — Weeping arbor
vitae. Native of Japan and China.

A very peculiar looking small tree of about
fifteen feet high. Its slender, apparently leaf-
less branchlets, hang down very gracefully.
It is one of the prettiest evergreens yet intro-
duced for planting by the sides of walks in
the pleasure-ground.

4. T. PLICATA, Don. Allied to No. 1.
The branchlets are compressed and flattened,
shining on the upper surface, and the lower
of a dull green, dotted with stomata. — Plicate
arbor vitae. Native of the north-west coast.

A considerable improvement on No. 1,
growing more compact, and with a fuller
habit of growth, though, I believe, never
reaching the same height.

232 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

TILIA, Linnceus. — Nat. Ord. Tiliaceae. Po-
lyandria, Monogynia, Linn. Calyx 5-parted,
deciduous. Corolla 5-petalled. Capsules
globose, downy, 5-celled, opening at the base.

1. T. AMERICANA, Linnceus. Leaves deeply
cordate, nearly round, abruptly acuminate,
sharply serrate, smooth. Petals with a scale
on the inside at the base, notched at the apex.
Fruit ovate, ribbed. — American linden. Na-
tive of Canada and the Northern States.
Flowers in July.

In the Middle States, both this and the fol-
lowing species have been very popular as a
shade tree. Its yellowish fragrant flowers
are so grateful to insects, that the tree be-
comes disagreeable on their account while it
is in flower. It is also very liable to the at-
tacks of a borer. When full grown, it has a
rather irregular round head, and to most tastes
has a very pleasing effect. It is easily dis-
tinguished from the following, when old, by
its round head, and when in fruit by its ribbed
fruit, and Mr. Emerson remarks, in his ex-
cellent " Trees and Shrubs of Massachusetts,"
by the young shoots being of a dark-brown
or blackish color. In the autumn, the leaves

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 233

turn to a pale lemon yellow, and are amongst
the earliest to mark the progress of the season.

The best soil for it is a deep cool loam,
though it will grow pretty well in any not
liable to extremes of wet or dry. It may be
propagated by seed sown as soon as ripe,
which will mostly appear the following
spring. The most usual plan is by layers
put down as soon as the wood is ripe, some-
where about the month of June. Sometimes
these layers are tongued and pegged down,
at other times merely twisted a little near
the base of the stool, which is then moulded
up with earth to just above the twisted parts.

The best Bartram specimen on dry soil is
eighty-two feet high and five feet ten inches
in circumference.

2. T. EUROPOBA, Linnaeus. Leaves twice
the length of the footstalks, glabrous beneath.
Petals without nectaries. Flowers appearing
a month earlier than the last. Fruit nearly
or quite globose. — European linden.

This species grows more regular and coni-
cal than the last, and when growing by itself,
its branches sweep the ground. In such
cases it forms one of the most beautiful ob-
20*

234 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

jects a single tree can afford. It is apt to lose
its leaves very early, unless growing in a
deep rich loam. It may be propagated as
the last. There are many varieties'* in our
nurseries. The rubra with red shoots, aurea
with yellow, platypliylla with broad leaves,
parvifolia with small leaves, and the pendula
with drooping branches.

3. T. HETEROPHYLLA, VentenciL May be but
a variety of No. 1, but is considered by many
as distinct. It is the T. alba of Michaux.
The leaves are ovate, white and downy be-
neath, sometimes cordate at the base ; oftener
obliquely cordate and truncate. It does not
grow so high as No. 1, and will thrive in
heavier soils, especially if near a stream or
contiguous to moisture. The commonest
weeping linden of the nurseries is of this
species, and when grafted standard high on
some other kind will form a pretty object.
It has a striking peculiarity in the change of
the color of the leaves in the fall. A portion

* The nomenclature of the genus is confused. It is
difficult to pronounce what is a species and what but a
variety.

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 235

will be quite green while the rest are of a
bright-yellow. The white linden should be in
every collection.

ULMUS, Linnceus. — Nat. Ord. Ulmaceae.
Pentandria, Digynia, Linn. Calyx 5-8- cleft,
permanent. Corolla none. Stamens equal
to the divisions of the calyx. Fruit a one-
celled, one-seeded samara.

1. U. AMERICANA, Linn&us. Leaves smooth
above, oblong ovate, unequal at the base,
equally and sharply serrate. Flowers pedi-
cellate. Fruit oval, downy at the margin. — •
American elm.

This fine tree is very popular in many of
the Northern States, and deservedly so, for
few trees can compare with it in the easy
gracefulness of its appearance. It likes not
to be crowded by other trees, always in that
case losing considerable of it beauty. It is
essentially a round-headed tree, and, when
old, frequently becomes quite pendulous. It
is not at home in wet situations, thriving only
in light loose loams. In our district it is so
very liable to be preyed upon by insects, that
it has lost much of its interest. It will some-

236 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

times reach, eighty feet high; but its most
usual figure is sixty.

The seed ripens in May, and should be
sown at once in a bed of light sandy loam,
taking care to keep the bed regularly moist
and partially shaded through the season.
The most usual mode of propagation is by
layers. A " stool" being used for that pur-
pose, the shoots are twisted and moulded up
as before described, and in that manner they
soon form roots.

There is a weeping variety, U. pendula of
Pursh, in our collections, as well as one? with
purple leaves.

2. U. CAMPESTRIS, Linnceus. Leaves rhom-
boid ovate, acuminate, wedge-shaped, oblique
at the base, scabrous above, doubly and ir-
regularly serrate, downy beneath, serratures
incurved. Fruit oblong, deeply cloven,
naked. — English elm.

This is a finer tree than the last, growing
larger, and having a stiffer head, and general
habit of growth. Mr. Emerson notices that
the leaves stay green a much longer period
in the fall, than in our kind.

OF ORNAMENTAL TEEES. 237

There is a very fine specimen in Mr. Pierce's
arboretum, measuring six feet seven inches
in circumference, and is probably ninety feet
high. The Cornish elm, U. stricta of Lindley,
now considered a variety of this, is also in
our collections.

3. U. FULVA, Michaux. Leaves scabrous
above. Buds clothed with a brown down.
Flowers in dense bundles. Fruit nearly
round, naked on the margin. — Slippery
elm.

A handsome tree, with magnificent foliage,
but without - the ample proportions which
characterize the other species. It seldom
exceeds fifty feet high, and has often a pendu-
lous appearance. It has the advantage of
thriving in a low wet soil, where the other
kinds will not. The bark is frequently corky.
The Bartram specimen is fifty feet high and
five and a half feet in circumference, but is
nearly dead, owing to the bark having been
almost entirely stolen off for medicinal pur-
poses.

4. U. GLABRA, Miller. Leaves ovate, lan-
ceolate, acuminate, doubly serrate, obliquely

238 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

wedge-shaped at the base, smooth above,
smooth or glandular below. Fruit obovate,
naked, deeply cloven. — Smooth-leaved elm.
Native of Britain.

In its native country this grows from sixty
to eighty feet high, but the specimens I have
fallen in with here are all small. It thrives
in similar situations to No. 2.

The Huntingdon, U. Gr. Qegeta of Loudon,
is also in our collections, as well as the varie-
gated leaved.

5. U. MONTANA, Bauhin. Leaves obovate,
cuspidate, wedge-shaped at the base, coarsely
and doubly serrate, very scabrous above,
downy beneath. Fruit rhomboid oblong,
naked, scarcely cloven. — Mountain or wych
elm. Native of Britain.

This has not been extensively cultivated
here, but will probably prove one of the most
desirable of trees. Its dark, ample foliage,
and vigorous growth, are amongst the traits
of character which commend it. It thrives
best in a cool, deep, and rich loam, and is
propagated like the rest. The Exeter elm, a
variety with very upright growing branches

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 289

and compact habit, is also in our collections,
and a very desirable kind, on account of the
strong contrasts which can be made with the
pendulous varieties.

VIRGILIA, Lamarck. — Nat. Ord. Fabacese.
Corolla butterfly-shaped. Fruit a flat, many
seeded legume.

V. LUTEA, Michaux. Leaves pinnate, leaf-
lets alternate. — Yellow wood. Native of the
"Western States. Flowers in July.

A middle-sized round-headed tree, which
• when in flower is particiilarly ornamental.
These are in clusters larger than the locust,
though less odoriferous ; pendulous, and of a
whitish-yellow color. It is late in putting
forth in spring, and one of the first to shed
its leaves, which turn to a deep orange yellow
in the fall.

It thrives best in a rich light loam, in a
cool situation, not exposed to the heat and
drought of summer.

It is propagated by seeds sown as soon as
they are ripe, in boxes protected from mice
and severe frosts. They will appear in spring.

240 AMERICAN HANDBOOK

It also succeeds very well if budded on the
sophora in July.

The finest Bartram specimen is fifty feet
high and four feet in circumference at the
base.

XANTHOXYLON, Kuntli. — Nat. Ord. Xan-
thoxylaceaB. Dicecia, Tri-pentandria, Linn.
Calyx 3-5-parted. Stamens and petals equal
to the divisions of the calyx. Carpels 1-5,
with an equal number of styles connected at
the apex ; 2-valved ; 1-2-seeded. Fruit mostly
berried. Seeds globose, dark, and shining.

X. FKAXINEUM, Willclenoiv . Leaves with
four to five pairs of ovate leaflets. Sterns
prickly, prickles stipitate. Petioles unarmed.
— Toothache tree; prickly ash. Canada to
Kentucky.

A small tree of about fifteen feet high, the
which whoever plants will wish he had never
seen, on account of its rambling, brambly
appearance, and determination to throw up
suckers in spite of all opposition.

It is a fit companion for the elder bush
which John Bartram, in his correspondence,

OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 241

says lie rooted out of Ms garden every year
for half his life, but which continued to come
up notwithstanding. A specimen at Bartram
is about fifteen feet high and six inches in
circumference.

21

INDEX

ENGLISH OR COMMON NAMES.

Acacia, rose. Robinia hispida.

Ailantlius. Ailantus glandulosus.

Althea. Hibiscus syriacus.

Angelica tree. Aralia spinosa.

Apple, cherry. Pyrus baccata.

Apple, double-flowered. Pyrus spectabilis.

Arbor vitas, American. Thuja occidentalis.

Arbor vitas, Chinese. Thuja orientalis.

Arbor vitas, weeping. Thuja pendula.

Ash, black. Fraxinus sambucifolia.

Ash, blue. Fraxinus quadrangulata.

Ash, downy. Fraxinus pubescens.

Ash, European. Fraxinus excelsior.

AsJi, mountain. Pyrus aucuparia.

Ash, poison. Rhus venenata.

Ash, prickly. Xanthoxylon fraxineum.

Ash, red. Fraxinus pubescens.

244 INDEX OF ENGLISH NAMES.

Ashy various-leaved. Fraxinus excelsior lietero-

phylla.

Ash, walnut. Fraxinus juglandifolia.
Ash, weeping. Fraxinus excelsior pendula.
Ash} white. Fraxinus americana.
Beam,, white. Pyrus aria.
Beech, American. Fagus ferruginea.
Beech, Uoody. Fagus sylvatica, sanguinea.
Beech, crested. Fagus sylvatica, cristata.
Beech, cut. Fagus sylvatica, laciniata.
Beech, copper. Fagus sylvatica, cuprea.
Beech, European. Fagus sylvatica.
Beech, water. Carpi nus americanus.
Birch, American white. Betula populifolia.
Birch, black. Betula nigra.
Birch, poplar-leaved. Betula populifolia.
Birch, red. Betula nigra.
Birch, sweet black. Betula lenta.
Birch, white. Betula alba.
Bitternut. Carya amara.
Box. Buxus.

Box, Minorca. Buxus balearica.
Buckeye, yellow. Pavia flava.
Buckthorn. Rhamnus catbartica.
Buckthorn, alder. Rhamnus frangula.
Buckthorn, Carolina. Rhamnus caroliniensis.
Buckthorn, sea. Hippophae rbamnoides.
Bumelia. Bumelia lycioides.

INDEX OF ENGLISH NAMES. 245

Butternut. Juglans cinerea.

Buttonwood, American. Platanus occidentalis.

Buttonwood, English. Platanus orientalis.

Catalpa. Catalpa bignonoides.

Cedar, African. Cedrus africana.

Cedar, deodar. Cedrus deodara.

Cedar, Japan. Cryptomeria japonica.

Cedar, Lebanon. Cedrus libani.

Cedar, twisted. Cupressus torulosa.

Cedar, white. Cupressus thuyoides.

Cherry, Chickasaw. Cerasus chicasa.

Cherry, cornelian. Cornus mas.

Cherry, double-flowered wood. Cerasus sylvestris

fl. pleno.

Cherry, English bird. Cerasus padus.
Cherry, mahaleb. Cerasus mahaleb,
Cherry, wild. Cerasus serotina.
Chestnut, chinquapin. Castanea pumila.
Chestnut, common. Castanea vesca.
Chestnut, marrone. Castanea vesca.
Christ's thorn. Paliurus aculeatus.
Club of Hercules. Aralia spinosa.
Crab, plum-leaved. Pyrus prunifolia.
Crab, sweet-scented. Pyrus coronaria.
Cucumber tree. Magnolia acuminata.
Cyrilla. Cyrilla racemiflora.
Cypress, bald. Taxodium distichum.
Cypress, deciduous. Taxodium distichum.
21*

24:6 INDEX OF ENGLISH NAMES.

weeping-leaved. Taxodium distichum

pendulum.

Dogwood, alternate-leaved. Cornus alternifolia.
Dogwood, American. Cornus florida.
Dogwood, English red. Cornus san guinea.
Dogivood, flowery. Cornus florida.
Dogwood^ white-berried. Cornus alba.
Elder, box. Negundo aceroides.
Elm, American. Ulmus americana.
Elm, Cornish. Ulmus campestris var.
Elm, English. Ulinus campestris.
Elm, Exeter. Ulmus montana var.
Elm, Huntingdon. Ulmus glabra var.
Elm, slippery. Ulmus fulva.
Elm, smooth. Ulmus glabra.
Elm, wi/ch. Ulmus montana.
Fir, balsam. Picea balsamea.
Fir, Cephalonian silver. Picea cephalonica.
Fir, double balsam. Picea Frazeri.
Fir, noble. Picea nobilis.
Fir, silver. Picea pectinata.
Franklinia. Gordonia pubescens.
Fringe tree. Chionanthus virginica.
Ginko. Salisburia adiantifolia.
Hackberry . Celtis crassifolia.
Halesia, two-winged. Halesia diptera.
Hackmatack. Larix americana.
Hawthorn, cockspur. Crataegus crus-galli.

INDEX OF ENGLISH NAMES. 247

Hawthorn, English. Crataegus oxyacantha.
Hawthorn, maple-leaved. Crataegus cordata.
Hawthorn, pear-fruited. Crataegus flava.
Hawthorn, pear-leaved. Crataegus pyrifolia.
Hawthorn, scarlet-fruited. Crataegus coccinea.
Hawthorn, Washington. Crataegus cordata.
Hawthorn, yellow-fruited. Crataegus flava.
flemlock. Abies canadensis.
Hickory, common. Carya tomentosa.
Hickory, Illinois. Carya olivasformis.
Hickory, mockernut. Carya tomentosa.
Hickory, peccan-nut. Carya olivaeformis.
Hickory, pignut. Carya porcina.
Hickory, shellbark. Carya alba.
Holly, American. Ilex opaca.
Holly, emetic. Ilex vomitoria.
Holly, English. Ilex aquifolium.
Honey locust. Grleditschia triacanthos.
Horn beam, American. Carpinus americana.
Horn beam, European. Carpinus betulus.
Horn beam, hop. Ostrya virginica.
Horse-chestnut, American. jEsculus ohiense.
Horse-chestnut, British. .ZEsculus hippocastanurn.
Horse-chestnut, red. ^Isculus rubicunda.
Iron wood. Ostrya virginica.
Judas, American. Cercis canadensis.
Judas, European. Cercis siliquastrum.
Julibrissin. Acacia julibrissin.

248 INDEX OF ENGLISH NAMES.

June-berry. Amelanchier botryapium.
Juniper, common. Juniperus communis.
Juniper, Swedish. Juniperus suecica.
Jumper, tall. Juniperus excelsa.
Kentucky coffee. Gymnocladus canadensis.
Kolreuteria. Kblreuteria paniculata.
Laburnum. Cytisus laburnum.
Lagerstroemia. Lagerstroemia reginae.
Larch, American. Larix americana.
Larch, European. Larix europcea.
Linden, American. Tilia americana.
Linden, European. Tilia europcea.
Linden, golden. Tilia europoea aurea.
Linden, broad-leaved. Tilia europoea platyphylla.
Linden, small-leaved. Tilia europoea parvifolia.
Linden, Weeping. Tilia europoea pendula.
Linden, white. Tilia alba.
Loblolly, lay. Gordonia Lasianthus.
Locust, honey. Gleditschia triacanthus.
Locust, yellow. Robinia pseud-acacia.
Locust, clammy. Robinia viscosa.
Locust, yellow large-leaved. Robinia macrophylla.
Locust, yellow twisted. Robinia tortuosa.
Magnolia, Hue. Magnolia acuminata.
Magnolia, Chinese. Magnolia conspicua.
Magnolia, early. Magnolia grandiflora praecox.
Magnolia, heart-leaved. Magnolia cordata.
Magnolia, large-flowered. Magnolia grandiflora.

INDEX OF ENGLISH NAMES. 249

Magnolia, long ear-leaved. Magnolia auriculata.
Magnolia, long-leaved swamp. Magnolia glauca

longifolia.

Magnolia, large-leaved. Magnolia macrophylla.
Magnolia, Soulange's. Magnolia Soulangeana.
Magnolia, swamp. Magnolia glauca.
Magnolia, Thompson's. Magnolia grandiflora

Thompsoniana.

Magnolia, umbrella. Magnolia tripetala.
Magnolia, Yulan. Magnolia conspicua.
Maiden hair tree. Salisburia adiantifolia.
Maple, ash-leaved. Negundo aceroides.
Maple, black sugar. Acer nigrum.
Maple, English. Acer campestre.
Maple, moozewood. Acer striatum.
Maple, mountain. Acer montanum.
Maple, Norway. Acer platanoides.
Maple, red. Acer rubrum.
Maple, silver. Acer dasycarpum.
Maple, striped bark. Acer striatum.
Maple, sugar. Acer saccharinum.
Maple, swamp. Acer rubrum.
Maple, sycamore. Acer pseudo-platanus.
Mist tree. Rhus cotinus.
Mulberry, black. Morus nigra.
Mulberry, paper. Broussonetia papyrifera.
Mulberry, red. Morus rubra.
Mulberry, white. Morus alba.

250 INDEX OF ENGLISH NAMES.

Nettle tree. Celtis occidentalis.

Nettle tree, thick-leaved. Celtis crassifolia.

Oak, Barbary. Quercus ballota.

Oa^ Bartram. Quercus heterophylla.

Oak, black. Quercus tinctoria.

Oaky blackjack. Quercus nigra.

Oak, British. Quercus robur.

Oak, burr. Quercus macrocarpa.

Oak, chestnut. Quercus castanea.

Oak, chestnut white. Quercus prinus.

Oak, cork tree. Quercus suber.

Oak, ly rate-leaved. Quercus lyrata.

Oak, olive fruited. Quercus olivaeformis.

Oak, overcup white. Quercus macrocarpa.

Oak, pine. Quercus palustris.

Oak, post. Quercus obtusiloba.

Oak, quercitron. Quercus tinctoria.

Oak, red. Quercus rubra.

Oak, scarlet. Quercus coccinea.

Oak, sessile- fruited, British. Quercus sessiliflora.

Oak, Spanish. Quercus falcata.

Oak, swamp white. Quercus bicolor.

Oak, Turkey. Quercus cerris.

Oak, water. Quercus aquatica.

Oak, water white. Quercus lyrata.

Oak, white. Quercus alba.

Oak, willow. Quercus pliellos.

Oleaster. Elseagnus hortensis.

INDEX OF ENGLISH NAMES. 251

Osage orange. Maclura aurantiaca.

Papaw. Anon a triloba.

Paulownia. Paulownia imperialis.

Pavia, dwarf. Pavia macrostachya.

Peachy double-blossom. Amygdalus persica, fl. pi.

Persimmon. Diospyros virginiana.

Pine, Aleppo. Pinus halapensis.

Pine, Chili. Araucaria imbricata.

Pine, dwarf. Pinus pumilio.

Pine, frankincense. Pinus taeda.

Pine, gigantic. Pinus Lambertiana.

Pine, heavy -icooded. Pinus ponder osa.

Pine, Italian stone. Pinus pinea.

Pine, Jersey. Pinus in ops.

Pine, loblolly. Pinus taeda.

Pine, lofty or Bhotan. Pinus excelsa.

Pine, pinaster. Pinus pinaster.

Pine, pitch. Pinus rigida.

Pine, Scotch. Pinus sylvestris.

Pine, sea. Pinus maritima.

Pine, Southern swamp. Pinus palustris.

Pine, Siviss stone. Pinus cembra.

Pine, white. Pinus strobus.

Pine, yellow. Pinus mitis.

Plum, American red. Prunus americana,

Plum, seaside. Prunus maritima.

Poplar, abele. ' Populus alba.

Poplar, American aspen. Populus tremuloides.

252 INDEX OF ENGLISH NAMES.

Poplar , Athenian. Populus grseca.

Poplar, balsam. Populus balsamifera.

Poplar, Canadian. Populus canadensis.

Poplar, cottonwood. Populus angulata.

Poplar, gray. Populus canescens.

Poplar, large American aspen. Populus grandi-

dentata.

Poplar, Lombardy. Populus dilatata.
Poplar, Ontario. Populus candicans.
Ptelea. Ptelea trifoliata.
Pyrus, snow-leaved. Pyrus nivalis.
Rowan. Pyrus aucuparia.
Sassafras. Lauras sassafras.
Service-tree, wild. Pyrus torminalis.
Shad flower. Amelanchier botryapium.
Snowdrop tree. Halesia tetraptera.
Sophora, Japan. Sophora japonica.
Sophora, weeping. Sophora japonica pendula.
Sorbus or service tree. Pyrus domestica.
Sorrel tree. Andromeda arborea.
Sour gum. Myssa multiflora.
Spindle tree, broad-leaved. Euonymus latifolius.
Spindle tree, dark purple. E. atro-purpureus.
Spindle tree, European. E. europseus.
Spruce, black. Abies tfigra.
Spruce, Douglass's. Abies Douglassii.
Spruce, hemlock. Abies canadensis.
Spruce, morinda. Abies Smithiana.

INDEX OF ENGLISH NAMES. 253

Spruce, Norway. Abies excelsa.
Spruce, Smith's Himalayan. Abies Smithiana.
Storax, large-leaved. Sty rax grandifolium.
Sumach, poison. Rhiis venenata.
Sumach, Stag's horn. Rhus typhina.
Sweet gum. Liquidambar styraciflua.
Toothache tree. Xanthoxylon fraxineum.
Tree of Heaven. Ailantus glandulosa.
Tulip tree. Liriodendron tulipifera.
Tupelo. Nyssa multiflora.
Walnut, Hack. Juglans nigra.
Walnut, English. Juglans regia.
Walnut, white. Juglans cinerea.
Willow, Bedford. Salix Russelliana.
Willow, black. Salix nigra.
Willow, crack. Salix fragilis.
Willow, Crowe's. Salix Croweana.
Willow, curled. Salix babylonica annularis.
Willow, daphne. Salix daphnoides.
Willow, Forty's. Salix Forbyana.
Willow, Forsters. Salix Forsteriana.
Willow, goat. Salix caprea.
Willow, hairy. Salix hirta.
Willow, large-leaved. Salix acuminata.
Willow, osier or twiggy. Salix viminalis.
Willow, Pomeranian. Salix pomeranica.
Willow, red. Salix rubra.
Willow, round-leaved. Salix rotundata.
22

25-i INDEX OF ENGLISH NAMES.

Willow, shining. Salix pentandra.

Willow j weeping. Salix babylonica.

Willow, white. Salix alba.

Willow, white Welsh. Salix decipiens.

Witch hazel. Hamamelis virginica.

Yellow wood. Virgilia lutea.

Yew, acorn. Taxus nucifera.

Yeiv, Canadian. Taxus canadensis.

Yew, English. Taxus baccata.

Yew, Irish. Taxus baccata fastigiata.

Yew, silver variegated. Taxus baccata elegantis-

sima.

Yew, weeping. Taxus baccata pendula, or Taxus
Dovastoni.

APPENDIX.

PLANTS recently introduced into cultivation, or which
have not come under the personal observation of the
author.

Abies alba.

Abies dumosa.

Abies gigantea.

Abies Menziesii. %

Abies obovata.

Acer circinatum.

Acer obtusatum.

Acer opalus.

JEsculus hippocastanum, double-flowered.

jEsculus laciniatum.

Alnus glutinosa.

Alnus laciniata.

Alnus serrulata.

Amelanchier florida.

Betula excelsa.

Betula papyracea.

Castanea vesca asplenifolia.

Castanea vesca laciniata.

Chionanthus maritima.

Cornus paniculata.

Crataegus Layi.

256 APPENDIX.

Cratsegus orientalis.

Cryptomeria Lobbiana.

El-aeagnus fiava.

Elaeagnus parviflora.

Fagus sylvatica macropliylla.

Fraxinus excelsior argentea.

Juglans regia laciniata.

Juniperus phoenicia.

Larix Griffithii.

Larix Tyrolosa.

Ornus Europseus.

Ornus latifolius.

Picea Pindrow.

Picea pinsapo.

Picea Webbiana.

Pinus Austriaca.

Pinus Coulterii.

Pinus Gerardiana.

Pinus Hartwegii.

Pinus insignis.

Pinus Laricio.

Pinus Massoni.

Pinus monticola.

Planera Richardii.

Platanus acerifolia.

Platanus palmata.

Platanus pyramidalis.

Populus acerifolia.

Populus cordifolia.

Populus lieterophylla.

Populus lieterophylla pendula.

Pterocarya caucasica.

APPENDIX. 257

Pyrus lanuginosa.
Pyrus orientalis.
Pyrus rivularis.
Pyrus salicifolia.
Pyrus variolosa.
Pyrus vestita.
Salix Candida.
Salix fusca (grafted).
Torreya taxifolia.

THE END.

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