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NX. STATE UNIVERSITY DH HILL LIBRARY
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APR i ^ ZOOS
200M/09-98-981815
THE
WOODS AND TIMBERS
OF
NORTH CAROLINA
By p. M. hale.
A Compilation from the Botanical and Geological Re-
ports of Drs. Curtis, Emmons and Kerr; to which
are added information obtained from the
Census Bureau r.nd Accurate
Reports fronn the sev-
eral Counties.
RALEIGH:
P. M. HALE, PUBLISHEK.
NEW YORK: E. J. HALE & SON.
1883.
Copyright, 1883.
PUBLISHER'S PREFACE.
So abundantly supplied were the older States with na-
tive timber growth, that questions relating to its perma-
nence appear not to have suggested investigation through
a long period. In new States and in the Territories the
absence of forests has been felt severely, and the supply
of their needs added to home waste has made the forestry
question prominent and of practical importance. Sup-
plies have been found scarce, and prices have advanced
to a degree that is sensibly felt by all classes of the
population.
The forest wealth of North Carolina, it is believed, ex-
ceeds that of any State. Little was known of it, except
to Botanists, until a very recent date. The exhibition of
woods at the Atlanta Exposition by the State Department
of Agriculture and by the Richmond and Danville Rail-
road Company attracted universal attention and admira-
tion, and made it plain that the time is at hand when the
forests of North Carolina, if properly worked, will yield
larger income than all her beds of gold. Frequent
inquiry from all sections of the country followed, and the
exhibition made by the Richmond and Danville Company
at the New England Manufacturers' and Mechanics'
Institute has stimulated the public desire for information.
The publisher hopes that this volume may supply it.
In 18G0, the State published as part of the Geological
Survey, then under the direction of the distinguished Dr.
m^'
4 PUBLISHER S PREFACE.
Emmons of New York, a small edition of a volume known
to Botanists in this country and in Europe as Dr. Curtis's
Woody Plants of North Carolhsta. The publication
placed North Carolina among the foremost of the States
in respect to the completeness as well as the scientific ac-
curacy of the knowledge of her singular botanical wealth,
which had engaged the interest and study of the most
famous European and American Botanists for nearly one
hundred years. Its circulation was confined to scientists,
and the volume has been long out of print. It is repro-
duced here in full.
To these Reports of Dr. Emmons and Dr. Curtis have
been added the later observations made by Dr. W. C.
Kerr, State Geologist since the death of Dr. Emmons,
and now Geologist in charge of the Southern Division of
the United States Geological Survey ; such information
as was obtained in 1880 by the Census Department for
publication in the Census Reports when printed ; and,
perhaps more satisfactory than these, reports from the sev-
eral counties of the State obtained during the present
year. These are entirely trustworthy. An exceptionally
large acquaintance throughout the State, and access for
this purpose to the lists of correspondents of the Depart-
ment of Agriculture, have made it comparativelj^- easy
for the publisher to obtain accurate information. The
initials at the end of each county letter will be readily
recognized as those of citizens well-informed and reliable,
and with no private ends to serve.
An accurate map of the State, on which are traced all
its railroad routes, will be of use to those whom business
or pleasure may attract to North Carolina.
Raleigh, Dec. 20, 1882.
CONTENTS.
PART I.— The Woody Plants.
Page.
Dr. Emmons's Report, 11
Index to Woody Plants, 15
Dr. Curtis's Preface, . . . . . . 19
Trees of North Carolina, ..... 35
Shrubs of North Carolina, .... 134
Vines of North Carolina, 178
Tabular View of Species, . . . . . 194
Minor Plants, 197
PART II.— Forest Statistics.
Forests of North Carolina, .... 201
Farms of North Carolina, ..... 255
Population of North Carolina, .... 258
PART III.— Facilities for Travel.
The Railroads of North Carolina, . . . .263
Map of North Carolina.
PART I.
THE WOODY PLANTS
OP
NORTH CAROLINA,
GEOLOGICAL
AND
NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY
OP
North Carolina
PART III.— BOTANY.
THE WOODY PLANTS OF THE STATE, WITH
DESCRIPTIONS OF THE TREES, SHRUBS,
AND WOODY VINES.
BY
Rev. M. a. CURTIS, D. D.
REPORT OF THE STATE GEOLOGIST,
RALEIGH, June 1st, 18G0.
To His Excellency^ John W. Ellis,
Governor of North Carolina :
Sir : I herewith transmit the Report of the Rev.
M. A. Curtis, D. D., upon the Woody Plants of
this State.
The value of this Report is greatly enhanced by
the fact that it embodies the labor of more tlian
twent}' years. Dr. Curtis, in reviewing the whole
subject with a view to a publication of the results of
his labor, has felt constrained to furnish descriptions
of only the most conspicuous and important plants
indigenous to the State ; and of the less important
ones a Catalogue simply, noticing, with each species,
its geographical range in the State, and, where desir-
able, its economical or medicinal uses.
' Notwithstanding the latter portion of his Report
may thus appear to consist chiefly of technical names,
and thus be of no general practical use, it will be
regarded by the scientific public as a contribution of
great value, not merely for its indication of tlie veg-
etable productions of this State, Init also as contain-
ing a large amount of information not elsewhere to
be found. The position of this State is such that it
jfgffgrr UBiAsr
12 DR. CUETIS TO. THE STATE GEOLOGIST.
forms the north and south limits of many interesting
productions in Natural History, belonging both to
the vegetable' and animal kingdoms ; and it has been
regarded an important Avork to fix definitely the true
north and south boundaries of species belonging to
these kingdoms.*
In view of these considerations, together with
many others which will, no doubt, be suggested on
reflection upon the whole subject, it is hoped that
your Excellency, with the Honorable Gentlemen
constituting the Literary Board, will give pub-
licity to the labors of Dr. Curtis, who has consented
to assist me in this part of the State Survey.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
E. EMMONS,
State Geologist.
Dr. Curtis to the State Geologist.
To Prof. E. Emmons, Geologist
of the State of Noi'tTi Carolina :
Dear Sir : In compliance with your request, that
I would furnish, in connection with your general
Survey of the natural resources of the State, an ac-
count of its vegetable productions, I have prepared
the following paper upon the Woody Plants of
DR. CURTIS TO THE STATE GEOLOGIST. 13
North Carolina. I have brought these together in
one view, because they are the most important, the
best known, and can be more intelligibly arranged
for general use, than upon a plan strictly scientific.
Botanists will of course find fault with it ; but as
my sole purpose herein is to make this essay of pop-
ular service, and as intelligible as possible to those
who know nothing of systems and would not take
the time or trouble to master a scientific treatise, I
have adopted the present course as the most likely
one that occurred to me to accomplish the end pro-
posed. It has its difficulties, as you will readily see,
but you will at the same time confess, I think, that,
though it might be better done, the end could not be
so well attained but by some such arrangement. I
must therefore crave your indulgence for this de-
parture from established usage in this first portion
of my Report.
I have felt somewhat hampered by the limits to
which I was restricted, and, as it is, have unavoid-
ably overrun them ; but I hope, nevertheless, that
nothing essential has been often omitted, either in
the descriptions, or in noticing the valuable uses, of
the various Trees, Shrubs, and Vines of the State.
In instances where the plant is well known and
needed no discrimination from similar or kindred
species, I have omitted all description, as being in
such cases superfluous. But whenever one is less
known, or may be easily confounded with others, I
have endeavored to present all the distinctive char-
14 DE. CURTIS TO THE STATE' GEOLOGIST.
acters by which it may be discriminated from them.
How far I have been successful must be left to the
proof by trial ; but I am pretty confident that a per-
son wholly unpracticed in this kind of investigation
can, by means of the Tabular View given at the end
of this Report, very soon learn to discriminate and
find the name of most of the Woody Plants of the
State.
I will state in conclusion, what you were not be-
fore aware of, that this Report is one of the fruits of
your long continued service in the field of Science.
My first knowledge of the elementary terms of Bot-
any was derived from yourself and your distinguished
Preceptor, Prof. Eaton, at the beginning of your
public career. Though I was then too young to be
admitted to your course of instruction, an impulse
was then given which never abated, and now, forty
years afterward, returns back to you with this hum-
ble offering. The contribution is, therefore, most
appropriately put into your hands by
Your friend and servant,
M. A. CURTIS.
INDEX.
[N. B. Names in Italics are synonymes of otliers in the Index.]
PAGE.
PAGE.
Alder, 174
Bursting Heart, . .
165
" Dwarf,
170
Butternut, ....
77
" White,
162
Button Bush, . . .
172
(Andromeda,)
155
Button Wood, . . .
126
Apple, Crab,
115
Cabbage Tree, . . .
. 108
Arbor Vitas,
175
Calico Bush, . . .
. 160
Arrow Wood,
147
Cane,
. 175
(Ascyrum,) .
176
Canoe Wood, . . .
128
Ash, . . .
89
(Cassandra,) . . .
157
" Mountain,
116
Catalpa,
84
" Prickly,
148,166
Cedar, Red
118
" Stinkhig,
89
" White, . . .
49
Aspen,. . ,
120
Cherry,
94
(Atragene,) .
193
Chestnut, ....
78
Balsam, . .
46
China Root, . . .
186
Bamboo, . .
186
China Tree, . . .
108
Barberry, .
137
Chinquapin, . . .
79
Bass Wood,
129
Choke Berry, ...
115
Bav, Loblolly,
132
(Cocculus,) ....
188
"■' Red, :
106
Coffee Tree, . . .
84
" Sweet,.
110
Coral Berry, . . .
142
Bearberry, .
140
(Cornus,) ....
101
Bear Grass, .
153
Cotton Tree, . . .
121
Beech, . .
79
Cranberry, ....
142
" Water,
126
Creeper, Virginia,
184
Birch, ...
122
Cross Vine, ....
190
Bittersweet,
191
Cucumber Tree, . .
111
Blackberry, .
143-144
Currant,
138-139
Bladder Nut,
173
Cypress,
51- 53
Box, . . .
172
(Darby a,) ....
170
Box Elder, .
. 89
(Deeumaria,) . . .
192
Box Wood, .
101
Deer Berry, . . .
141
Buckeye,
80
Devil's Slioe Strings, .
148
(Buckley a,)
169
Devil Wood, . . .
96
Buckthorn, .
109
Dew Berry, ....
144
Carolina,
150
Dog Wood, ....
101
Buffalo Tree, . .
154
" " Striped, .
88
Burning Bush,
.
165
Eglantine, ....
145
16
INDEX.
Elder, . . .
" Marsh,
Elm, . . .
Fern, Sweet,
Fetter Bush,
Fever Bush,
Fir, . . .
Fish Wood, .
Flowering Moss,
(Forsteronia,)
Fringe Tree,
Gall Berry,
Goose Berry,
Goose Berry,
Grapes, - . .
Groundsel, .
Gum, Black,
" Sweet,
Hackberry, .
Hardhack, .
Hazel Nut, .
Hazel, Witch,
Haw, Black,
" Bed, .
Heath, False,
Hemlock,
Hemlock Spruce,
Hickory, . .
Hobble Bush,
Holly, . . .
" Dahoon,
Honeysuckle,
Hop Tree, .
Hornbeam, .
Hop,
Huckleberry,
He,
(Hudsonia,)
Hydrangea,
(liex,) . .
Indian Physic,
Ink Berry, .
Iron Wood, .
(Itea,) . .
Ivy, ...
Jessamine, .
Jumper, . .
Laurel, . .
PAGE.
145
174
91
171
155
149
46
165
176
191
154
100
138
139
178-184
174
103
127
103
167
172
170
146
134
162
156
49
71
148
97
98
158-159
172-173
125
125
139-141
169
176
163
97-100
113
100
125
162
160
190
48
157
Laurel, Big,
" ^og, . .
" High Bush
" Sheep, .
Leather Wood,
(Leucothoe,)
Lime Tree, . .
Linden, . . .
Linn Tree, . .
Locust, . . .
" Honey, .
Loosestrife, . .
Magnolia, . .
Maple, . . .
Meadow Sweet,
Mistletoe, . .
Mock Orange, .
Moonseed, . .
Moose Wood, .
Mountain Tea,
Mulberry, . .
" Bermuda,
Myrtle, Sand, .
Wax, .
Nettle Tree, . .
Neic Jersey Tea,
Nine Bark, . .
Oak
Oil Nut, . . .
Old Man's Beard,
Palmetto, . .
Dwarf,
Papaw, . . .
Pellitory, . .
Pepper Bush, .
" Mountain,
" Sweet, .
Pepperidge, .
Persimmon,
Pines, . . . ,
Planer Tree,
Plane Tree, .
Plums, . .
Poison Oak,
Poison Vine,
(Polygonella,)
JPond Bush, .
Poplar, . .
PAGE.
110
156
109
161
149
156
129
129
129
82- 83
83
175
110
85- 89
167
143
96,164
189
152
117
143
161
171
103
168
167
53
154
154
107
108
152-153
167
155
162
162
104
116
35- 46
133
126
93- 94
152
71
189
177
149
128
INDEX.
17
PAGE.
PAGE.
Poplar, Carolina, . .
120
Sweet Brier 145
Pride of ludia, . .
108
Sweet Fern,
171
Privet,
149
Sweet Leaf,
109
Queeu of the Meadow,
167
Sweet Shrub,
173-174
Kaspberry, ....
144
Sycamore, .
126
Pattan,
188
Syriuga, . .
163
PedBud, ....
84
Tangle Legs,
148
Ped Poot, ....
168
Thorn Tree,
135-137
Peed,
176
Toothache Tree,
166
Pock Pose, ....
176
Trailing iArlutus,
176
Pose,
144-145
Trumpet Flower,
189
(Sageretia,) ....
188
Tulip Tree, . .
128
Sarsaparilla, . . .
186
Tupelo, . . .
104
Big, . .
192
Umbrella Tree,
111
Sassafras, ....
105
Virginia Creeper,
184
Service Tree, . . .
114
Virgin's Bower,
192-193
Sheep Berry, . . .
147
Wahoo, . . .
92
Sloe,
94
Walnut. . . .
76- 78
Snow Drop Tree,
132
Wax W^ork, .
191
Sorrel Tree, . . .
131
Wayfarer's Tree,
148
Sour Wood, . . .
131
Wfnte Wood, .
129
Spanish Bayonet,
. 153
Wicky, . . .
161
Sparkleberry, . . .
. 142
Wild Allspice,
. 149
Spice Bush, . . .
. 149
Wild Ginger, .
. 192
Spruce,
. 48- 49
Willow, . . .
. 123-124
Staffffer Bush, . . .
. 155
Wine Tree, . .
. 116
(Stillingia,) ....
. 165
Winterherry,
. 100
Strawberry Bush,
. 165
Wivtergreen, .
. 152
(Stuartia,) ....
. 166
Woodbine, . .
. 185
Sumach
. 150-151
Yellow Poot, .
. 168
" Mountain,
. 116
Yellow Wood, .
. 109
Supple Jack, . . .
. 188
Yopon, .
.
. 98
PREFACE.
The Plants of North Carolina have long been con-
sidered by Botanists as unsurpassed in variety and
beauty by those of any States of the Union, except-
ing a few of those which lie upon the Gulf of Mexico.
The Flora of this State should properly be regarded
as forming the transition between the Northern and
Southern Botanical Districts, as it is within our
boundaries that many of the Northern plants have
their Southern limits, and some of those which form
a peculiar feature of Southern vegetation commence.
Of the latter species are the Pond Pine^ several
Magnolias^ Palmetto^ &c. There is still another cir-
cumstance which gives a much greater variety to our
vegetation than could be derived from mere differ-
ence of 2 1 degrees of latitude between her Northern
and Southern boundaries. The Mountains on the
Western border of the State are several liundred feet
higher than any others in the Union, so that tlie dif-
ference of elevation between these and our sea-coast
occasions a difference of vegetation equal to that of
10 or 12 degrees of latitude. Thus upon tlie higher
summits are found species such as belong to the
White Mountains of New Hampshire, those in the
N. E. part of New York, and to Canada. The inter-
20 ' PREFACE.
vening ranges of Virginia and Pennsylvania partake
in part only of the same peculiarities, but the greater
elevation of some of our summits permits the growth
of some species which are unknown between them
and the Northern regions above mentioned.
In the distribution of Plants over the State we
have three distinctly marked Districts, as well char-
acterized by their Flora as by their Geological feat-
ures. As in the Geology of the State the peculiar
formation of one District may penetrate, overlie, or
underlie that of another, yet the predominating char-
acters of each be sufficiently marked and striking to
arrest the notice of the most casual observer; so it
is with the vegetation of these Districts. The anal-
ogy of distribution between the objects of these sci-
ences may be extended still further. For as, in the
one case, we often meet with misplaced Rocks, so, in
the other, the Botanist is sometimes surprised by
meeting with species of Plants quite out of tlieir
proper range, and for whose location it is not always
easy to account. Thus the Cranberry^ an inhabitant
of elevated regions and not uncommon in our Moun-
tain Marshes, is also found, to a limited extent, in
the low lands of the Northeastern part of the State.
The beautiful Calico Bush^ or Ivy^ rarely found but
in rocky regions, as in the mountains or along the
rocky banks of watercourses, occurs abundantly in
the Dismal Swamp, especially along the line of the
Canal. The pretty Roanoke Bell (Mertensia Virgin-
ica), a native of the Mountains, is scattered along
PREFACE. 21
the banks of the river from which, in this State, it
derives its name, as far down as Halifax County. In
this last case, and perhaps in some others, we may
suppose that seeds have been carried down by
streams which head in the mountains. But in regard
to some species, as the fragrant Wintergreen or Moun-
tain Tea (Gaultheria procumbens), they sometimes
attain such a Avide distribution in their new (?) posi-
tion, and at such a distance from the larger streams,
as to suggest a doubt whether they are not truly in-
digenous ^to the spots they occupy. Still, as above
remarked, the general aspect of the vegetation of
either region is no more affected by these rare excep-
tions, than is that of the geological features of a dis-
trict by a few scattering bowlders. The most care-
less observer cannot fail to observe how essentially
the vegetation changes, as he passes from our sandy
low country into the red clay region of the middle
country. The difference is as remarkable as that of
the soils. The absence of the Long-leaf Pine marks
the transition to the Middle Botanical District. A
line drawn from Blakely on the Roanoke, in the
direction of Cheraw on the Pee Dee, will very nearly
indicate the Western termination of the Lower Dis-
trict ; although the actual boundary limit between
these two is as irregular as a line of sea-coast, which,
very probably, this once was. Occasionally, as before
hinted, the vegetation of the LoAver District is found
considerably overlapping that of the Middle, and the
Long-leaf Pine to occur some miles within the red
22 PREFACE.
clay region. Thus a patch of this tree may be seen
on the gravelly hills eight miles west of Wadesboro,
which is probably the most western limit of its ap-
pearance within the State. Not unfrequently also
there are found small portions of land in the Middle
District, very much resembling the savannas and low
pine woods of the Lower, the soil being sandy, turfed
with coarse grasses, and shaded with Short-leaved
Pines. In these situations, which are met with as
far west as Henderson County, will alwaj^s be found
some species of plants which, except in such places,
are peculiar to the Lower District.
The Lower District might easily be divided into
three Botanical regions, each characterized by certain
species of plants of well defined range. These will
be only indicated, as details are unnecessary to the
purpose in view. The first region includes only the
line of sea-coast which produces maritime species, or
those which grow only within the influence of a
saline atmosphere. These are not numerous, and the
only ones of much note are the Live Oak and Pal-
metto. The second region extends inland as far as
the Long Moss is produced. The third, from thence
to the Middle District.
The Middle District reaches westward to the base
of the Blue Ridge. In this the forests are character-
ized by a predominance of Oahs., as the Lower is by
the presence of Pines. It is far less productive of
rare and peculiar plants than either of the others.
Though it furnishes some that do not belong to the
PREFACE. 23
others, the great majority of them are common over
a kirge portion of the Southern and IMiddle States.
I cannot recall any one species which can be con-
sidered as giving a character to this district distinct
from that of the States lying north or south of it.
There are, indeed, a few of the smaller plants whicn
are not found elsewhere, but these are so rare and
inconspicuous as not to form a noticeable feature in
the vegetation of this district.
The Upper or Mountain District is as peculiar and
interesting in its vegetable products as it is attractive
in its scenery. The ascent of every hundred feet
presents new and varying species, until we reach the
region of the dark and sombre Firs^ where we have
a vegetation almost entirely Northern. There is also
a striking peculiarity in the vegetation of these
higher regions, which can rarely fail to arrest the
eye of a visitor from the Lower or Middle Districts,
in the profusion of graceful Ferns and delicate Mosses
that cover the earth, and of numerous and various
colored Lichens that clothe the rocks and trees.
These, for the most part, are identical Avith species
found in the mountains of the Northern States, and
many are common to similar situations in the Old
World ; though there are some which seem to be
confined to our own mountains. In these orders of
Plants this district abounds much beyond the product
of all the rest of the State, and he Avho delights in
their study could scarcely find elsewhere a more lux-
uriant field for observation or collection. But not
24 PREFACE.
less peculiar, and what is still more likely to attract
the attention of the common observer, are the variety
and beauty of stately trees and ornamental shrubs,
whicli are found in no other part of the State. In-
deed, in all the elements which render forest scenery
attractive, we may safely say that no portion of the
Eastern United States presents them in happier com-
bination, in greater perfection, or in larger extent,
than do the mountains of North Carolina, especially
in the counties of Yancey, Buncombe, Burke, and
Haywood.
From the great elevation and extent of our Moun-
tains, supplying many forms of plants proper to much
higher latitudes, besides a large number peculiar to
the Sor^thern ranges, it is not surprising that these
Mountains attracted the early attention of Botanists,
and that they have continued to be visited by a
larger number of them than has any other portion
of our country. A brief account of these Botanists,
and of those who have examined other parts of the
State, will be an appropriate introduction to the
accompanying list and description of the objects by
them first brought to public notice.
William Bap.tram, of Philadelphia, visited the
Mountains of Cherokee in 1776. He also passed
through the lower section of the State. An interest-
ing volume of his " Travels " was published in Lon-
don, but the book has been long out of print.
Andre Michaux, under the patronage of the
French government, visited the same region in 1787.
ft i.ii**^AiO'
PREFACE. 25
In the following 3-ear he explored twice the IMoun-
tains of Burke and Yancey counties, carrying away
in the Fall 2,500 specimens of trees, shrubs, and
plants. In 1794 he again visited the same region,
ascending Linville, Black, Yellow, Roan, Grandfather,
and Table Mountains. In the following year he
twice passed over portions of the same. Traditions
of this indefatigable and eccentric traveler are cur-
rent in the western counties, and persons are prob-
ably yet living wdio remember him. The late Col.
Davenport, of the Yadkin Valley, was his guide on
several occasions, A very large and interesting por-
tion of our mountain species w^as first discovered by
Michaux, and published in his " Flora Boreali-Ame-
ricana," which is yet a standard and classical work
in Botanical literature. With rare exceptions his
species have been since identified by other explorers.
Mr. Fkasee,, a Scotchman, made botanical collec-
tions in our mountains between the years 1787 and
1789. Under the patronage of the Russian govern-
ment he explored them again in 1799, accompanied
by his eldest son. It was on this journey that the
splendid Laurel^ or Rhododendron Catawbiense of
Botanists, was discovered, which, with tlie varieties
obtained by skillful cultivation, was for long the
pride of the English ilorists. Both revisited the
country in 1807. After the decease of the father in
1811, the younger Fraser returned hither and passed
several years in diligent examination of the Moun-
tains, annually sending large quantities of ornamental
26 PREFACE.
plants and seeds to Great Britain. He is well and
respectfully remembered by tliose who made his
acquaintance, especially in Burke County.
Mons. Delile, French Consul at Wihnington, in
the early part of this century, sent valuable collec-
tions of plants from the Cape Fear region to Paris,
which are acknowledged in the writings of several
European authors.
Mr. John Lyon, of Great Britain, was an assidu-
ous collector of our plants, and contributed very
largely of our most interesting species to the English
gardens. He probably was in our#nountain region
previous to 1802, but of this I have no positive in-
formation. He, however, spent several 3^ears there
at a subsequent period, and died at Asheville in Sep-
tember, 1814, aged forty-nine years. A plain marble
stone marks his last resting-place in the graveyard
at Asheville. A manuscript Flora, which he seems
to have compiled, for convenient use as a manual,
from such works as had then been published on
American plants, is now in my possession.
F. A. MiCHAUX, son of the Michaux mentioned
above, and who accompanied his father in some of
his visits to this country, traversed a portion of our
mountain district in 1802. The result of his explo-
rations in various parts of the country is contained
in his large work on the " Forest Trees of North
America," * illustrated with beautiful colored plates.
* An exquisitely beautiful edition of this work was published in
1857, by Rice and Hart of Philadelphia, in five volumes.
PREFACE. 27
I am much indebted to this valuable work for infor-
mation upon the economical value of our timber
trees given in the following description of our
Woody Plants.
FiiEDERic PuPiSH, a German, author of a valuable
" Flora of North America," and who traveled exten-
sively in the Northern and Middle States, pretends
to have extended his journeyings to North Carolina,
but his statement is deemed rather more than doubt-
ful.
Mr. Kin, a German nurseryman living at Philadel-
phia, visited our State in the early part of the present
century. He was a man of little cultivation, not
properly a Botanist, and his discoveries were pub-
lished by others.
Thomas Nuttall, an Englishman, but long a
resident in this country, a most accomplished Bota-
nist, who has contributed as much as any one man
to the discovery and elucidation of the floral treas-
ures of North America, examined portions of our
mountain and lower districts. He is the author of
" Genera of North American Plants," and of many
important botanical papers in the scientific journals
of tliis country. He died in 1859.
H. B. Groom, Esq., and Dr. PI. Loomts, made a
pretty careful exploration of the vicinity of Newbern,
and their observations were published, in 1833, in a
Catalogue of Plants of Newbern and vicinity. A
second and enlarged Catalogue was printed in 1837
by Mr. Groom. In this the services of Mr. Geo.
28 PREFACE.
WiLSOX are acknowledged for valuable contributions
to the knowledge of plants around Newbern.
In 1833, I published, in the " Boston Journal of
Natural History," an Enumeration of the Plants
growing around Wilmington, the fruit of diligent
examination made during a residence there of two
years and a half. Occasional visits since made have
increased the number of species known in that most
interesting locality, the Flowering Plants and Ferns
of which exceed one thousand.
Dr. James F. McRee, of Wilmington, has devoted
much time to a study of the Plants of that neighbor-
hood, and the completeness of the above Enumeration
is not a little due to his observation and assistance.
The late Rev. Dr. L. D. von Schweinitz, of Sa-
lem, has contributed very largely to a knowledge of
the Botany of this State, particularly in its lower
orders, or those having no proper flowers, as Mosses,
Fungi, &c. In these departments he was the most
expert and accomplished Botanist that our country
has produced. In 1821 he printed at Raleigh a small
tract of twenty-seven pages upon the Hepatic Mosses
or Livenvorts, most of which he had observed near
Salem. In 1820 he published in a scientific journal
at Leipsic a paper upon the Fungi of North Carolina,
containing descriptions of a large number of species
previously unknown, some of which are illustrated
by very good figures. A similar paper upon the
Fungi of the United States, printed in 1831 in the
Journal of the Philosophical Society of Philadelphia,
PREFACE. 29
contains a large amount of North Carolina species
not included in the former paper. These were the
first treatises of the kind produced in this country,
and the list of species given in the following report
will embrace a large number derived from them.
This learned and most estimable^gentleman, a worthy
descendant of the celebrated Count Zinzendorf, de-
parted this life, February, 1834, at the age of fifty-
four years.
The Rev. Dr. Mitchell, during one period of his
Professorship at our University, was an assiduous cul-
tivator of botanical science, and had made a consid-
erable collection of specimens, which he generously
shared with Dr. Schweinitz and myself. I am in-
debted to him for several species which had other-
wise been yet unknown to our North Carolina Flora.
A species of Carex, named after him, commemorates
his devotion to the beautiful science. This is a petty
tribute to his name ; but others have honored it in
better proportion to its worth. Mt. Mitchell, the
loftiest summit of the Black Mountain range, the
witness of his laudable triumph when he first ascer-
tained its surpassing height, and which alone saw the
sad catastrophe of liis death in the darkness of night
and storm, is his noble monument and his tomb.
Dr. Cyrus L. Hunter, of Lincoln County, has
devoted considerable attention to the study of plants
in his vicinity, and I am indebted to him for infor-
mation which will be acknowledged in another place.
He publislied in the Charlotte Journal (for 1834 ?)
30 PREFACE.
a list of such plants as he had observed in his neigh-
borhood.
Prof. A. Gray, of the University of Cambridge,
and John Carey, Esq., of New York, examined the
principal mountains of Ashe and Yancey in 1841,
and detected several species of plants which had
escaped the notice of previous investigators. An in-
teresting account of this expedition may be found in
an article by Prof. Gray in the American Journal of
Science, vol. xlii, to which I am indebted for much
of the information here given of the early explorers
of our alpine district.
The same distinguished Botanist, with Mr. Sulli-
VANT of Ohio, in 1843, entered our mountains from
Virginia, the former continuing along the range to
Georgia ; the latter leaving the State by the French
Broad River. The results of this tour have not been
formally published. Large collections, however,
were made b}^ Prof. Gray for the Botanic Garden at
Cambridge ; and two beautiful volumes of specimens
of 3Iosses and Liverivorts were prepared by Mr. Sulli-
vant, which were gratuitously distributed among
Naturalists in this country and Europe. In a subse-
quent 3^ear Mr. Sullivant made a botanical recon-
noissance in the low country of North Carolina.
Mr. S. B. Buckley has also made valuable contri-
butions to our knowledge of the Flora of Western
Carolina. In 1842 he entered the State by the Hi-
wassee River, spending the summer in a careful ex-
amination of the principal summits and watercourses
PEEFACE. 31
as far as Yancey County. Several new species were
detected by this gentleman and j^ublislied in vol. xlv
of Silliman's Journal. Since the above date he has
made several visits to the same region.
Mr. RuGEL, a German collector of plants, spent
some time in our mountains in 1842. His discov-
eries were published by Shuttleworth and others.
Mr. Dow, a young Botanist, traversed the whole
length of our mountain range in 1844, but I have
never learned if his observations and discoveries
have been made public.
The writer of this, during a residence near the
mountains in 1835-36, had occasional opportunities
of visiting the high ranges in Burke and Yancey, as
also the counties of Lincoln, Mecklenburg, and Cald-
well. In 1839 he spent the summer in traversing
the mountains from Ashe to Georgia. A visit of a
few weeks was again made to Ashe and Yancey in
1845 ; and another in 1854 to Buncombe and Hen-
derson. Besides these, a residence of some 3-ears in
various portions of the middle and lower sections of
the State, comprising in all about twenty years, has
given him opportunities of becoming acquainted with
the vegetable productions of the State, of Avhich he
has assiduousl}'- availed himself, and the results have
been published in various journals in tliis country
and England. The accompanying list of species con-
tains all that is known of the plants of North Caro-
lina,— a longer list than has yet been published of
any State in the Union.
32 PREFACE.
It may be expected, perhaps, that in enumerating
those who have contributed to a knowledge of the
natural productions of our State, I should not omit
a notice of Lawson's " History of North Carolina,"
the first printed work devoted to this subject. But,
besides that this book is now nearly inaccessible,
there being but a single copy in the State, Ave cannot
always recognize the objects described in it, the ap-
plication of Indian names being lost, and that of
English names rather variable and uncertain. So
far as I have been able to authenticate species no-
ticed by Lawson and other old journalists quoted in
Dr. Hawks's " History of North Carolina," I have
done so in the April number (1860) of the North
Carolina University Magazine. The information
upon the natural history of the State contained in
their works is now of no scientific or economical
value, and their errors in statement are not few.
In the following arrangement of our Woody Plants,
I shall not be governed by established scientific
rules, but shall adapt it, as well as I can, to the com-
prehension of those who know nothing at all of
Botany as a science. I hope, in this manner, so to
present our Trees, Shrubs, and Climbers, that the
most, if not all of them, shall be easily recognized
with very small expenditure of patience and study.
The well-known popular names applied to most of
the species and genera will greatly facilitate the suc-
cess of this arrangement.
The above-mentioned Divisions will be subdivided
PREFACE. 33
according to the nature of the fruit in each, some
groups having coiieSy like the Pines ; some, mits^ like
Oaks and Hickories ; others, flesh?/ or i^'^^lpu fruity
like the Apple and Plum. A tabular view of this
classification will be given at the end of this Report.
*^* The scientific names will in all cases corre-
spond with those in Dr. Chapman's "Flora of the
Southern United States."
THE
Trees of North Carolina,
TREES BEARING CONES.
PINES. — These have their fruit in large scaly
cones^ popularly called Z>wrs, and have evergreen nee-
dle-shaped leaves, two to five enclosed in a sheath at
their base.
1. Yellow Pine. (Pinus mitis, Michx.) — This,
with us, is called Short-leaved Pine and Spruce Pine.
The first is objectionable, because we have at least
two species with shorter leaves ; and the second, be-
cause another is more appropriately called by that
name. I have, therefore, adopted the name by which
it is known in the Middle States, and recommend its
use here, as it is much to be desired that there be a
greater uniformity in the popular designations of our
forest trees. In the great confusion now prevalent,
it is often quite impossible to ascertain what is meant
by the names of our most common trees and other
plants. This is, perhaps, the most widely diftused of
all our Pines, it being common from New England to
Florida, mostly in light clay soils. With us it is
found from the coast to the mountains, but more
rarely in the Lower District, and it enters into the
composition of most of our upland forests. It is
36 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
from 40 to 60 feet high, with a circumference of 4 or
5 and even 6 feet. The limbs on the upper part of
the tree are more inclined towards the trunk than
those of our other species, so as to give somewhat of
a pyramidal form to the top. The leaves are 2 to 5
inches long, generally two, but sometimes three, in a
sheath. The cone or bur is the smallest of all our
species, rarely attaining a length of 2 inches, the tips
of the scales armed with slender short prickles. The
heart-w^ood is fine grained and but moderatel}^ resin-
ous ; but the sap-wood soon decays. The timber is
extensively used in house and ship building, though
not deemed so valuable as that of the Long-leaf,
When grown in very rich soils, I believe its timber is
coarser than when raised in less fertile land.
2. Jersey Pine. (P. inops, Ait.) — This tree is
generally confounded in this State with the preced-
ing, and also called Sliort-leaved Pine and Spruce
Pine. In some parts of the country it is known also
under the names of Cedar ^ River and Scrub Pine.
The name which I have adopted, after Michaux,
seems to have originated from its being a prevalent
tree in New Jersey, where it has its northern limit,
and from whence it is found, on barren and gravelly
hills, to the upper part of Georgia. In such situa-
tions it is found in the Middle and Upper Districts
of this State, but nowhere very abundant. It is from
20 to 40 feet high, and 12 to 15 inches in diameter,
with rather distant, spreading and drooping branches.
The voune branches are smoother in this than in
I
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 37
other species. The leaves are two in a sheatli, 1 to
2 inches long, about half the length of those of the
preceding species, while the cones are considerably
larger than in that, being 2 to 2^ inches long, and
armed with longer and stouter sharp prickles. This
tree is too small, often crooked, and generally Avith
too much sap-wood, to be of any value.
3. Prickly Pine. (P. pungens, Michx.) — The
name here given is but a translation of the scientific
one, as I could never learn that it was distinguished
from the Yelloio Pine by the inhabitants of the region
where it grows. In some books it is called Table
Mou7itain Pine^ because it was originally supposed to
be pretty much confined to that mountain and its
immediate neighborhood. But as I have seen it from
the mountains of Virginia and Georgia, and from
Pilot Mountain in this State, far east of the Blue
Ridge, and have found it common on all the eastern
spurs of the Blue Ridge (never west of it), in the
northern portion of our mountain range, such a name
is too local to be at all appropriate. This species is,
however, the least widely diffused of any North
American Pine. The tree is not very symmetrical,
is from 30 to 50 feet high, and 12 to 20 inches in
diameter. The leaves are in pair^^ as in the two pre-
ceding species, but much thicker and stiller than in
those, and about 2^ inches long. But the cones give
the chief peculiarity and interest to this Pine. They
are of a light yellow color, very compact, 3 inches
long and 2 inches broad at the base, the scales armed
38 THE TEEES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
with very broad strong sharp spines, which are one-
sixth of an inch long and bent toward the top of the
cone. In the strength and sharpness of these spines
we have no otlier species with which we can compare
this. I have never learned that the timber of this
tree is of any special value.
4. Pitch Pine. (P. rigida, Mill.) — Generally
known by this name, but, according to Michaux,
sometimes called Black Pine in Virginia. I think it
is, in North Carolina, confounded with the Yellow
Pine, as I have not heard any distinctive name for it,
though its leaves are in threes (rarely in fours), 3 to
5 inches long, and more rigid than in the latter. The
tree is 30 to 50 feet high, with a rough blackish bark,
the branches numerous and occupying two-thirds of
the trunk, thus rendering the wood very knotty.
The cones are 2 or 3 inches long, of a light brown
color, often growing in clusters of 3 to 5, and the
scales having sharp reflexed prickles. The wood is
compact and heavy, filled with resin, though when
grown in low grounds it is much lighter and has
much more sap-wood. It is a good deal used in some
parts of the country, but being inferior to the Yellow
Pine, and much less common with us, it is not deserv-
ing of much consideration. It is nowhere common
in this State, and I have not observed it anywhere
east of Lincoln county, though it is probably scat-
tered sparingly through the Middle District. It is
found northward as far as New England, and south-
ward, I think, to Georgia.
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 39
5. Pond Pine. ( P. serotina, Miclix.) — This has
considerable resemblance to the Pitch Pine, but is
as remarkable for its scattered branches as that is for
its crowded ones. They are, however, in no danger
of being confounded in this State, as I do not think
they are found in the same sections. But it is very
frequently confounded in the low country with the
Loblolly Pine, though very readily distinguished from
that by its cones. It is common in the small swamps
or bays of the Lower District, in company with
Sweet Bay, Sour Gum, &c., and occasionally in simi-
lar situations in the Middle. It sometimes covers
pretty large tracts of rich swampy and peaty lands,
but never, I think, constitutes any extensive forest.
In some localities it is called Savanna Pine. The
leaves of this species are in threes, and 5 to 7 inches
long. The cones are remarkable for their short form,
compared with their size, being about 2^ inches long
and 5 in circumference at their base, armed with very
short fragile prickles. They grow in clusters, often
surrounding the branch, are of shining light brown
color, and remain closed until the second year. They
are deemed ornamental enough to grace the mantel
in some houses. This tree is generally about 40 or
50 feet in height, but in favorable soils rises as high
as 60 and even 80 feet. The wood is of better and
more durable qualities than that of the Loblolly, and
is occasionally used for the masts of small vessels.
It is not known to exist north of tliis State.
6. Loblolly or Old Field Pine. (P. Tiuda.) —
40 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
This tree has its northern limit in or near the District
of Columbia, gradually becoming more abundant to
the southward, until, in this State, it is the most
common Pine, next to the Long-leaf^ in the Lower
District. It is there found wherever the soil is dry
and sandy, as well as in some of the smaller swamps ;
but is replaced by the Yellow Pine on clayey and
gravelly soils. In exhausted fields out of cultivation
it almost invariably springs up, which gives the origin
of one, and in this State the most common, of its
names. Its leaves are from 6 to 10 inches long,
clustered by threes (very rarely 2 or 4), in a sheath.
The cones are 3 to 5 inches long, the scales armed
with rather strong sharp prickles. The trunk rises
to the height of 50 and 70 feet, with a diameter of 2
and 3 feet, and has a spreading top. The wood is
sappy and coarse-grained, liable to warp and shrink,
and soon decaj^s on exposure. It is among the least
valuable of our Pines, but is sometimes applied to
inferior uses. It affords a good deal of Turpentine,
which is less fluid than that from the Long-leaf. This
tree extends somewhat into the Middle District.
I am indebted for the knowledge of an important
variety of this tree, known as the Swamp or Slash
Pine^ and about Wilmington as Rosemary Pine., to
some articles in Russell's Magazine, written by Mr.
Edmund Ruflin, of Virginia, who has made a careful
examination of the characters and habits of our
southern Pines. He says : '' This [Slash Pine] tree
grows only on low and moist land, and is the better
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 41
for timber, and grows larger in proportion to the
greater richness of the hind. It is the principal and
largest timber Pine in the original forests of all the
low, flat and firm but moist lands bordering on Albe-
marle Sound, and also farther South ; and I have
seen it growing as well, but much more sparsely, on
the rich swampy borders of the Roanoke and in the
best Gum lands bordering on the Dismal Swamp,
and some on the low bottom lands of Tar River.
Among the other gigantic forest trees on the rich
and wet Roanoke Swamps (on the land of Henry
Burgwyn, Esq.), mostly of Oak, Gum, Poplar, &c.,
the few of these Pines which yet remain, tower far
above all others (20 feet or more) so as to be seen
and distinguished at some miles' distance. I have
visited several standing trees and the stumps of
others which had been cut down, which measured
nearly or quite five feet in diameter, and were sup-
posed to have been from 150 to 170 feet in height.
But the sizes and heights of the trees may best be
inferred from the list below of hewn (or squared)
stocks, which was furnished to me from ]\Ir. Herbert's*
timber accounts. These stocks were cut in Bertie
count}^, made the whole of one raft which was tlien
(May, 1856,) on its passage through the Dismal
Swamp Canal to New York. The stocks were thence
to be shipped to Amsterdam for naval construction,
under a contract with the Dutch government.
* Of Vir-xinia; a large contractor for the supply of timl)er to tlie
Navy Yards.
42
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Length.
Inches Square.
No. of Cubic Feet.
1
47
25
204
2
66
19
165
3
86
30
537
4
79
31
527
5
88
23
337
6
65
20
181
7
74
26
347
8
80
26
376
9
68
24
272
10
58
22
195
11
86
30
537
12
58
30
363
13
74
26
347
14
74
26
347
15
70
28
381
16
70
27
368
" But even the longest of these stocks do not ap-
proach the magnitude of one which was cut at a pre-
vious time in Bertie and sold in New York by Mr.
Herbert. This Avas 80 feet in length and 36 inches
square at the lower end. He sold it to a dealer for
$500, and the buyer resold it for |600. This stock
did not retain its stated diameter (at the butt) to
its upper extremity, but there was from 28 to 30
inches square. All of these stocks were nearly all of
heart-wood. Of course this condition permits but
little sap-wood, and that only in the angles of the
squared stocks. Thence, also, it follows that the
proportion of heart-wood in these trees must be very
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 43
large. The timber must be resinous, or it would not
be good ; and it must be durable, or it would not
serve for the masts and otlier great spars of sliips of
war, exposed to alternations of wetting and drying,
and for which the best materials only are permitted
to be used. The grain of this heart-wood is not gen-
erally very coarse, but more so than the Long-leaf^
and still more than the Short-leaf [or] Yelloiv Pine.'''
7. Long-leaf Pine. (P. australis, Michx.) — The
invaluable tree by which tlie country, and this State
especially, have so largely profited, is generally
known among us by the name here given, though it
sometimes is called Yellotv Pine. In the navy and
dock yards of the country it bears the latter name,
though this designation there includes also the Swamp
or Rosemary Pine^ as well as the species lirst de-
scribed in this list. It begins to appear in the south-
eastern part of Virginia, and from thence to Florida
it is eminently the tree of the lower districts of the
Southern States, occupying nearly all tlie dry sandy
soil for many hundred miles. It is from 60 to 70
feet liigh, in favorable situations still higher, and 15
to 20 inches in diameter. The leaves are 10 to 15
in dies long, on young stocks sometimes much longer,
and clustered on the ends of the branches like a
broom. The cones are 6 to 8 inches long. The wood
contains very little sap. The resinous matter is dis-
tributed ver}^ uniforml}' through it, and hence the
wood is more durable, stronger, and more compact ;
which qualities, in addition to its being of fine grain,
44 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
give it the preference over all our Pines. The qual-
ity of the wood, however, depends upon the kind of
soil in which it is grown, as in a richer mould it is
less resinous. This inferior kind is, in some places,
distinguished as YeUoiv Pine, — another case in point,
illustrating the vague and indiscriminate apjDlication
of the popular names of our forest trees. In some
soils the wood is of a reddish hue ; and this, in the
Northern dock-yards, is denominated Red Pine, and
considered better than the others. I am informed
that trees Avliich have a small top indicate a stock
with the best heart-wood.
The great value of this tree in both civil and naval
architecture is too well known to justify a full enu-
meration of its uses, and statistics of trade in it be-
long rather to a gazetteer than to an essay like this.
But it is not the wood only that gives value to this
tree. The resinous matter, in various forms, is
shipped from our ports in large quantities to all parts
of the United States and to foreign countries. Turpen-
tine is the sap in its natural state as it flows from the
tree. When it hardens upon the trunk, and is gotten
off by proper implements, it is called scrapings, of
very inferior value to the virgin article. Tar is made
by burning the dead limbs and wood in kilns. Pitch
is tar reduced about one half by evaporation. Spirits
of Turpentine is obtained by distillation from turpen-
tine, including scrapings. Rosin is the residuum left
by distillation. The greater part of these articles in
the markets is derived, I believe, from this State.
THE TllEES OF XOKTil CAROLINA. 45
Large tracts of tliis Pine are sometimes suddenly
destroj'ed, as b}^ a bliglit, to the irreparable injury of
the owners, as the forests cannot be reproduced in
a lifetime. From the great value of the tree its de-
struction has attracted more especial notice ; but our
Yellozv Pine (P. mitis) is subject to the same casual-
ty. In Europe the same kind of fatality happens to
the Firs. The mischief is caused by swarms of a
small insect penetrating through the bark into va-
rious portions of the stock, and against whicli there
is no remedy yet discovered. Other species of insect
sometimes attack the Oaks, and effect a simiUir de-
struction.
8. White Pine. (P. Strobus, Linn.)— This beau-
tiful tree, of such immense value to Canada and New
England, extends along the Alleghanies to our own
mountains, where it is found in considerable quanti-
ties, forming peculiar and handsome forests in the
rich elevated valleys, especially of Ashe and Yancey.
It is found as far south as Georgia. Though at the
North this tree is as important, and its timber as ex-
tensively used, as our own Lovij-lcavcd Pine, yet
from its inaccessibility in our mountains it lias no
marketable value with us, and does not seem to be
much used in the ree^ion where it erows.
There are peculiarities about this tree which dis-
tinguish it at first sight, and at any distance, from
all our Pines, in the pale green color of its foliage,
the smooth, light bark of the trunk, and the circular
disposition of the limbs, which gradually diminish in
46 THE TKEES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
length toward the summit, so as to give this the sym-
metry of a Fir more than of a Pine. The leaves are
also jive in a sheath^ which is the case with'no other
of our Pines. In favorable situations at the North,
this tree has been known to reach a height of 180
feet, with a diameter of 7 feet. In our mountains it
is found from 60 to 70 feet high, with a proportional
diameter. The wood is light, soft, free from knots,
very easily worked, and durable, though not very
strong, and is applied to a far greater variety of eco-
nomical uses than that of any other Pine.
FIRS AND SPRUCES.— These are distinguished
from the Pines by their leaves growing singly upon
the branches, (not included by twos, threes, &c., in
a common sheath,) and by their cones, which are
composed of thin scales without prickles, somewhat
like Hops. They are all possessed of singular beauty,
and are indispensable to the perfection of artificial
groves and parks. It is only in cool and moist situ-
ations, however, that they can be fully develoj)ed ;
though they thrive and are very ornamental in pri-
vate grounds through the Middle District of the
State. They are impatient of the heat in the Lower
District, and unless well shaded there, are apt to re-
main dwarfed, or to die out.
1. Balsam Fir. (Abies Fraseri, Pursh.) — This
is the handsomest of our Firs, and is very similar to
the Silver Fir of Europe, though every way smaller ;
the latter sometimes attaining the height of 150 feet.
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 47
wliile ours seldom readies 40, witli a diameter of 12
to 15 inches. It is an inliabitant of the higher moun-
tains from Pennsylvania southward as far as this
State. Farther north it is replaced by a larger but
very similar species known as the Canada Balsam
(A. balsamea). It is not uncommon on our highest
summits, but I think is not found upon any which
do not exceed 4,000 feet above the sea. Some of
these summits appear to be occupied almost exclu-
sively with forests of this tree, and the dark color of
these and of masses of the next species has probably
given its name to the Black Mountain. Several
knobs and ranges south of the French Broad River
are called Balsam Mountain from the prevalence' of
this tree upon them. When not too much crowded,
this has a close pyramidal top. The leaves are of a
bright green above, and silvery white beneath. When
the branches are loaded with cones, (which in this
species only stand erect,) the tree is very beautiful.
The cones are from 1 to 2 inches Ion or. The timber
is of little value, though sometimes sawed or hewed
out for mountain cabins ; yet if valuable, it could
not, from its location, be available. The turpentine
or balsam is a clear thin liquid, obtained from small
blisters on the bark of the trunk by means of sliarp
horn spoons or scoops inserted into their lower side.
It is of an acrid taste, and is much used by the in-
habitants on cuts and sores ; but the application is
painful, and as likely to promote inllammation as to
allay it.
48 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
2. Black Spruce. (A. nigra, Poir.) — Common in
our mountains, especially on the Black, but at a
lower elevation than the preceding species. It ex-
tends from this State along the AUeghanies to New
England and Canada. In our mountains it is some-
times very improperly called Juniper^ and it is, I be-
lieve, what is most commonly and absurdly called He
Balsam. With us it is a small tree of darker green
foliage than the preceding, but of similar form. In
higher latitudes it has a height of 70 or 80 feet, and
is there an elegant tree. The wood has strength,
lightness and elasticity, and is much used both in
the Northern States and abroad, for the yards and
topmasts of vessels. The drink so popular at the
North, and known as Spruce Beer., gets its name from
the use of the small branches, chiefly of this species,
which are steeped in the brew.
3. White Spruce. (A. alba, Michx.)— This has
about the same range in the United States as the
Black Spruce^ but does not extend quite so far to the
northward. It is rather rare in our mountainSj but
is occasionally met with in similar situations with
the other, and with which it is generally confounded
by the inhabitants. In one instance I heard it called
Lavender^ a name belonging to a garden herb. It is
very distinct from the preceding, and its whole aspect
is lighter ; the summit of a similar pyramidal form,
but less compact, is of less size, with slender and
more drooping branchlets, the pale green leaves of
more delicate form, and the cones narrower. The
THE TIIEES OF NORTH CAIIOLINA. 49
wood is employed for the same purposes as that of
the Black Spruce.
4. Hemlock Spruce. (A. Canadensis, IMiclix.)
— Universally known in our mountains as Spruce
Phu\ though the name here preferred is not unknown.
The hitter is a very common appellation of the Yel-
low Fine in this State. The Hemlock is found as far
north as Hudson's Bay; whether south of North
Carolina I have not learned. It is almost entirely
confined, in the mountains, to the borders of torrents
and cold swamps, but extends down to their very base.
This is a larger tree than the preceding Spruces, but
does not attain here, as in higher latitudes, the stature
of 70 or 80 feet, and a diameter of 2 or 3 feet. In
its light spreading spray and delicate foliage it is a
more graceful tree than the others. The leaves are
light green above and silvery beneath. They spread
two ways upon the branches, while in all the other
Spruces they spread from every part of them. The
cones are i to 1 inch long, and gracefully depend from
the ends of the branchlets. The timber is used to
some extent at the North, but is of inferior imj)or-
tance. The bark, however, is extensively and almost
exclusively used for tanning in some parts of New
England. Though inferior to Oak bark, it is said
that the two united are preferable to either alone.
White Cedar. (Cupressus thyoides, Linn.) — In
North Carolina, and some other portions of the
South, this seems to be known only under the name
of Juniper. But as it is not Juniper, I do not hesi-
50 THE TEEES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
tate to reject the name. The one above given is in
common use in the Middle and Northern States
wherever the tree is found. The true Juniper (^Ju-
niperus communis) of Europe and the Northern
States is related to our Cedm\ and its fruit is an aro-
matic berry ; while that of the present species is a
small, dry, woody cone, composed of scales which
spread open in maturity after the manner of a Pine
or Cypress bur. This tree is found from Florida to
New England. In our State it is confined to swamps
in the Lower District, where, in some places, it is very
abundant. It is 70 or 80 feet high, with a diameter
of 2 or 3 feet. The various uses to which its wood
is applied make it one of the most valuable trees in
the country. It is fine grained, soft, light and easily
worked, and after seasoning acquires a light rosy tint.
It has a strong aromatic odor, and the flavor given
to water kept in buckets or piggins of this material
is generally esteemed. From the little effect pro-
duced upon it by moisture or dryness, as well as for
its lightness and freedom from splitting, the shingles
made of it are, in . some places, preferred over all
others, and last from 30 to 35 years. Where it
abounds, it is used in the frames of buildings, it be-
ing durable and mostly free from worms. In cooper-
work it is extensively used, and has been found very
serviceable for vessels in which to preserve oils.
Charcoal for gunpowder is made from the young
stocks — lampblack, lighter and more deeply colored
than that from Pine, is made from the seasoned wood
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 51
— rails for fencintT^, made of tlie young stocks deprived
of their outer bark, will last from 50 to GO years.
N. B. The Red Cedm\ according to its natural
affinit}', should be placed in this Group ; but as its
fruit is what is popularly called a herry^ the present
mode of arrangement reipiires its transfer to the
Group having that kind of fruit. The Arbor Vitce,
also belonging here, may be found among the Shrubs.
Cypress. (Taxodium distichum. Rich.) — This
tree, so well known under this name only, needs no
specific description, and I will only remark that it is
the only one in this group of trees that has not ever-
green leaves. Its range is along the lower region of
the Atlantic and Gulf States, from Delaware to Texas.
In this State it has about the same range as the White
Cedar and Long-leaf Pine^ but is alwaj^s confined to
swamps. It is remarkable for its large dimensions as
well as for its various uses. Its lieight with us is
from GO to 100 feet, with a circumference above the
swollen base of 20 to 36 feet, though in the original
forests of the country it has still lai-ger dimensions.
The wood has much strength and elasticity, is fine
grained, lighter and less resinous than that of the
Pines. Heat and moisture affect it much less than
most of our timbers, and it is therefore particularly
valuable in those parts of the State where both these
agents have peculiar force. The timber has been
much used in some places for the frame and wood-
work of liouses, and is said to ])e twice as durable as
White Oak or Pine. The shinirles made of it are of
52 THE TKEES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
the most valuable kind, and will last 40 years. The
business of making these is a very profitable branch
of industry in the lower parts of the State. For
fencing and for water-pipes the wood is of high value.
There are three varieties of this tree recognized
by those who deal in its timber — the Red^ Black and
White Cypress, characterized by the different color of
their heart-wood. The Red Gyijre%%' has its heart of
a reddish tint, is preferable to the others for timber,
and cannot be split. This variety is easily recognized
by its straight trunk (not always having a swollen
base), generally with a small top, and by the wounded
bark having a reddish tinge. The Black and JVhite
Cypress cannot, so far as I know, be discriminated
without the aid of the axe. The Black has its wood
duskier and heavier than the Wfiite^ which is less
resinous. According to Michaux, the latter grows
in land constantly inundated, and the former in drier
situations ; but I am assured by others, that all three
varieties may be found in precisely similar situations.
The foliage of this tree usually spreads in only two
directions from the branchlets, like that of the Hem-
lock Spruce; but there is a variety, not uncommon in
some localities, especially upon the wet savannas near
Wilmington, on which the leaves are very small,
growing upon four sides of the branchlets and pressed
down upon them, much like those of the Cedar.
Cypress Knees, growing from the roots of the tree
to a height corresponding with the usual 'depth of
the water, and constituting a singular peculiarity in
THE TllEES OF NOllTir CAHOLIXA. 63
Cypress swainps, are, I suppose, tlie result of liyper-
tropliy. Wluitever be the economy or final purpose
of these excrescences, there are probably few of the
present day who will endorse the theory of St. Pierre,
that they were designed to j)rotect the trunk against
damage from icebergs !
The Cypress has not ordinarily a very attractive
form in our swamps; but when standing alone in fa-
vorable situations, it has a regular pyramidal top and
is of imposing beauty. In the Bartram Garden, near
Philadelphia, I have seen a stock (over 100 years old)
of such exquisite symmetry, that I could not be per-
suaded it was a Cypress, until I had satisfied myself
by a close inspection.
NUT TREES.
Tlie next GROur to be noticed is the most impor-
tant, whether considered in reference to its numbers
or its economical value, in the whole circle of Forest
Trees. There will be included in it all those which
bear a fruit popularly called Nuts, without reference
to the more restricted scientific meaning of the word.
This Group will thus include the Oak, Beech, Chest-
nut, Hickory, Walnut, and Buckeye.
OAKS. — This genus of trees contains more species
than any other in our country ; and of these there is
a larger number in Nortli Carolina than in all the
54 THE TREES OF NOKTH CAROLINA.
States north of us, and only one less than in all the
Southern States east of the Mississippi. Some of the
species, however, hardly rise to the dignity of trees,
though I shall bring them all together in this place,
where they will most naturally be looked for.
For the better understanding of the species, they
are divided into two Sections. The first is that of
the White Oaks — characterized by the acorns being
annual,, the foliage of a pale or grayish aspect, and
without bristles at the ends of the leaf divisions ; the
bark of an ashy hue, and the wood generally lighter
colored and of more compact texture than in the
other Section. The second Section has acorns hien-
nially^ and the leaves (except in the Live Oak) are
pointed with a bristle at the end of each division.
Section I. is again arranged in two Divisions : — the
jirst having for its type the common White Oak,,
characterized by the leaves being deeply cut from
the margin toward the central nerve. The second
has for its type the Sivamp White Oak^ in which Di-
vision the leaves are generally larger than in the
first, and only scalloped or round-toothed on the
edge. The species of the White Oak Section are,
then, as follows :
Division 1st. Division 2d.
White Oak, (Querciis alba.) Swamp White Oak, (Q. Prinus.)
Post Oak, (Q. obtusiloba.) Chestnut Oak, (Q. Castauea.)
Over-cup Oak, (Q. Ijrata.) Chinquapin Oak, (Q. prinoides.)
1. White Oak. (Quercus alba, Linn.) — This is
found from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, and ap-
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 55
pears to be universally known by the name here
given, — one of the few instances among the Oaks, in
which there is not more or less confusion of popular
names, so that there is no need of offering a specific
description of it. It is found in this State from the
coast to the mountains, but is most abundant in the
Middle District. In the Lower it avoids the barrens,
and is found chiefly on or near the borders of swamps.
It is only in the most favorable situations that this
tree rises to the height of 70 or 80 feet, with a diam-
eter of four or five. It is then, with its light foliage,
compact and even head, and straight shaft, one of
the most imposing trees in our forests. It is, how-
ever, seldom met with in our State having a diam-
eter of more than 2 feet, though I have seen stocks
here with a diameter of 3 feet. This is probaldy of
more general use, and more extensively serviceable,
than any other of our Oaks, it being valuable for
house frames, for mills and dams, vehicles, agricultu-
ral implements, coopers' ware, ship-building, and for
all purposes where strength and durability are re-
quired. The bark has been deemed bj- some tanners
as the best kind for preparing leather for saddles and
similar objects. It is sometimes used medicinally as
a tonic and astringent.
The variety of this species known as tlie Scaly
Bark Whlfe Oak is distinguished by the thin plates
of bark that scale off from the trunk. I have not
learned if its timber differs essentially from that of
the other.
56 THE TKEES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
2. Post Oak. (Q. obtusiloba, Miclix.) — Tlie
northern limit of this is in New Jersey, but it is not
abundant and flourishing north of Maryland. From
thence southward it enters largely into the composi-
tion of the forests which cover the dry and poorer
soils of the Middle Districts of the South. In the
Lower Districts it is less common, being mostly con-
fined to the region of swamps and lands that have
gone out of cultivation. With us it does not appear
to be know^n under any other name than the one
given above, and by which it is most generally desig-
nated ; but it is elsewhere sometimes called l7'07i Oak
and Box White Oak. The leaves are more coarsely
cut than those of the White Oak^ their divisions often
enlarged at their outer ends, rather rough on the
upper side, and with a gray down underneath. The
acorns being very sweet and much eaten by wild
turkeys, it is in some localities called Turkey Oak.
This tree is rarely found as high as 50 feet, and with
a diameter of 18 inches, but I have seen it with a
diameter of 26 inches. Hence it cannot be employed
for all the purposes for which the Wliite Oak is used,
although in fineness of grain, strength and elasticity,
it is superior to it. It is serviceable for fence-posts,
(hence its name,) for the work of wheelwrights and
coopers, and is used advantageously for the knees in
ship-building. For the staves of liquor-casks, this
and the White Oak supply material far superior to
any other of our Oaks.
3. Over-cup Oak. (Q. lyrata, Walt.) — This is
THE TREES OF NORTH CAliOLTXA. 57
unknown north of tliis State, and does not seem to
be common anywliere. In this State I know of its
existence only in the rich swampy lands of the Neuse
and Cape Fear and their tributaries as far up the
country as Chatham and Orange. The foliage has
more resemblance to that of the Post Oak than of
any other, for which reason it is, farther south, called
/Swamp Post Oak. It is also sometimes called Water
White Oak. The acorn is almost wholly enclosed in
its cup, (whence its name,) by which character this
tree nu\y easily be distinguished from all others. It
sometimes attains the lieight of 80 feet and a diam-
eter of 2 and 3 feet, and is then a majestic tree. The
wood is inferior to that of the two preceding species,
yet is sufiiciently compact to be serviceable, if it was
more accessible and more extensively diffused.
4. Swamp Chestnut Oak. (Q. Prinus, Linn.) —
Not known north of Pennsjdvania, but is pretty com-
mon in the maritime parts of tlie Southern States,
where it is met with in the rich soils of tlie river
swamps. With a height of 80 or 90 feet and propor-
tional diameter, a straight truidv and expansive
tufted summit, it forms a beautiful and majestic tree.
The leaves are 6 to 8 inches long, broader toward
the outer end, with coarse rounded teetli on tlie
edges, and pale down underneath, and of that ashy
hue which distinguishes all the species of this section
of Oaks. The acorns are about 1 inch long, nearly
hcilf covered by the cup, and with a stem al)out ^
inch long. In economical value this can hold but a
58 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
second or third rank among the White Oaks. The
timber has strength and durability, and is therefore
employed for various purposes ; but it is more porous
than that of White or Post Oak. It has a straight
split and shreds easily, and is therefore employed,
especially by the negroes, in the making of baskets
and brooms. Rails from this tree will last 12 or 15
years, and the fuel is considered valuable.
We have two varieties of this tree, so well marked
that some botanists have regarded them as distinct
species. But our best living botanists now consider
them as variations from one type caused by difference
of soil and situation. They are as follows :
Swamp White OaJc. (Van discolor, Michx.) — It is
generally known throughout the United States by
this name, and takes the place of the S^vamp Chestnut
Oak as we proceed inland from the range of the
latter, and is found on the edges of swamps and in-
undated banks of rivers, not in the open and drier
forests. It is a handsome tree of 70 or 80 feet high,
with luxuriant foliage, the silvery whiteness of the
underside of the leaves beautifully contrasting with
the bright green of the upper surface, when they are
stirred by a gentle wind. The leaves are 5 or 6
inches long, in form like the preceding, but with the
marginal teeth more unequal. The acorns are sup-
ported on a stem 1 to 3 inches long, by which char-
acter this variety may be easily distinguished from
every other Oak in this section. The wood is strong
and elastic, and heavier than IVliite Oak, to which it
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 59
nearly approaches in value ; though, not being com-
mon, it is much less used in the arts.
Rock Chestnut Oak. (Var : monticola, Michx.) —
This is sometimes called Rock Oak and Chestnut Oak^
and is found as far north as New England. It is an
inhabitant only of high rocky or gravelly situations,
and hence occurs only in the Middle and Upper Dis-
tricts of this State. It is a showy, symmetrical tree
in favorable situations, with a luxuriant foliage,
sometimes attaining a height of 50 or 60 feet, and a
diameter of 3 feet ; but, from the usual barrenness
of the soil where it grows, it is seldom seen of these
dimensions, and is commonly not more than 30 or 40
feet high. In the leaves and fruit it differs very
slightly from the Sivamp Chestnut Oak. The timber
is valuable but not equal to White Oak^ its pores
being more open. In ship-building it is used, in
some places, for the lower part of the frame, for knees
and ribs. It has a reddish tinge like that of Wiite
Oak. For fuel it is inferior only to Hickory. The
bark is among the best for tanning.
5. Chestnut Oak. (Q. Castanea, Willd.) — Not
uncommon in the Middle and Western States, but it
occurs very scatteringly in the Southern. I have not
noticed it in North Carolina, but Michaux mentions
a single tree seen by him on the Cape Fear, a mile
from Fayetteville. He also found it on the Holston
and Nolachucky rivers in East Tennessee, and it
ma}^ perhaps be found on those streams in the west-
ern part of our State. The tree rises to a height of
60 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
70 and 80 feet, with a diameter of 2 feet, the branches
rather erect than spreading. It is so sparingly dif-
fused, that the value of the wood has never been
tested ; but its excessive porousness promises poorly.
It has a yellowish tinge, and is therefore known in
some localities under the name of Yelloiv Oak. This
species is often confounded with the Sivamp Oaks
described above, which it certainly resembles ; but
its leaves are narrower, shaped more like those of
the Chestnut, (whence its popular name,) with the
teeth nearly sharp ; and its acorns are only about
two-thirds of an inch long. With its fine form and
handsome foliage, this would be very ornamental in
private grounds.
6. Chinquapin Oak. (Q. prinoides, Willd.) —
Sometimes called Dwarf Chestnut Oak. Its foliage is
somewhat like that of the Rock Chestnut Oak., and
also has some likeness to that of the Chinquapin.,
which gives it its common name. It is a mere shrub,
2 to 4 feet high, of no value, and is here mentioned
only to give a complete view of the genus. It is
found very sparingly in the Lower District, but is
not uncommon upon poor soils in the upper parts of
the State.
Section II. contains three distinct Divisions ; the
■first., with leaves narrow and entire ; — the seco7id, with
leaves broad, generally entire, and pear-shaped ; the
third, with leaves broad and cut into several seg-
ments.
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 61
Division 1st. Division 3d.
Live Oak, (Quercus virens.) Spanish Oak, (Q. falcata.)
Willow Oak, (Q. Phellos.) Black Oak, (Q. tinctoria.)
Shingle Oak, (Q. inibricaria.) Scarlet Oak, (Q. coccinea.)
Laurel Oak, (Q. laurifolia ) Red Oak, (Q. rubra.)
Upland Willow Oak, (Q. cinerea.) Scrub Oak, (Q. Catesbrei.)
Bear Oak, (Q. ilicifolia.)
Division 2d.
Water Oak, (Q. aquatica.)
y Black Jack, (Q. nigra.)
7. Live Oak. (Q. virens, Ait.)— Well known
under this name wherever it exists, and needing no
description. It is found along the sea-shore from
near Norfolk, Va., to the coast of Texas. It is com-
monly 40 or 50 feet high, and 1 or 2 feet through the
trunk. Of all the Oaks this is the most highly
prized for ship-building, the timber hardening with
age, and being closer grained and more durable than
any other. The bark also is excellent for tanning.
8. Willow Oak. (Q. Phellos, Linn.) — This
beautiful tree, remarkable for the narrowness of its
leaves, which gives the foliage much the appearance
of that of a Willotv^ and by which it is easily recog-
nized at considerable distance, extends north as far
as New Jersey. It aifects cool moist situations, and
is not uncommon on the borders of swamps in the
Lower District, where it rises to the height of 50 to
60 feet, with a diameter of 2 feet. In the Middle
District it is more scatteringly found in similar situ-
ations. It is more to be admired for its beauty than
its use, as the wood is very coarse grained, and ill
62 THE TEEES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
adapted to purposes requiring much strength and du-
rability ; though it is said to answer tolerably well,
if thoroughly seasoned, for the felloes of wheels.
9. Laurel Oak. (Q. laurifolia, Michx.) — This
is a stately tree, of similar dimensions to the preced-
ing, which it somewhat resembles, though the leaves
are neither so long nor narrow, and are not always
entire. It holds a middle place, in its general appear-
ance and qualities, between the Willow Oak and nar-
row leaved Water Oak. The acorn resembles those
of the latter. I am not aware that it has any dis-
tinctive name in this State, as it seems to be gener-
ally confounded with one or other of the species just
mentioned. In South Carolina along a portion of the
Pee Dee, it has a local name of Darlington Oak. The
English name which I have chosen is only a transla-
tion of the botanical name. I believe this tree is not
found north of this State, but it is common south-
ward to Florida. It is an inhabitant of our Lower
and Middle Districts in similar localities with the
preceding, but flourishes well in higher and drier
grounds, and is a common and much admired shade
tree in towns and villages, especially in the lower
parts of the State.
10. Shingle Oak. (Q. imbricaria, Michx.) —
This takes the place of the preceding Oak in the
Upper District, not being found east of Burke and
Wilkes. From thence westward it becomes more
abundant along the larger water-courses, especially
those which flow to the west, as the Pigeon and Hi-
THE TEEES OF KOETH CAROLINA. 63
wassee. Its northern limit is in western Pennsyl-
vania. It is more common in the Western States, as
far north as Illinois, and is there known by the names
of Jack Odk^ Black Jack Oak^ Laurel Oak and Shin-
gle Oak. In those parts of our State where it occurs,
I have heard it called only Water Oak^ a name very
generally applied elsewhere to a very different species.
This is from 40 to 50 feet high and 12 to 15 inches in
diameter, branches low, and casts a thick shade with
its dark crowded foliage. The leaves are 3 or 4
inches long, about 1 inch broad, and of a light shin-
ing green. The wood is hard and heavy, but porous,
and inferior to that of Willoiv Oak, which it resem-
bles. In Illinois it has been used for shingles, prob-
ably for want of a better material. On the Pigeon
River I have noticed a few trees with the leaves more
or less cut or lobed, which are probably a cross be-
tween the Shmgle Oak and one of the Red Oaks,
though their whole appearance and habit were, in
other respects, those of the former. This is Q. Leana,
•Nutt.
11. Upland Willow^ Oak. (Q. cinerea, Michx.)
— Found only in the Pine barrens of the Lower Dis-
trict, where it is very generally diffused. It rarely
exceeds 20 feet in height and 6 inches in diameter,
though I have seen it, when standing alone and in
favorable situations, quite a large tree with a circum-
ference of 3 feet. As a general thing it may be con-
sidered too insignificant to merit more than a passing
notice. Its foliage is of an ashy hue. The bark af-
64 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
fords a fine yellow dye ; but the tree is too small and
too little multiplied to furnish material for extensive
use. In the vicinity of the Pee Dee River this Oak
is called Blue Jack.
There is a dwarf variety of this, called Running
Oak and White Oak Runners (var : pumila, Michx.),
which is, I believe, the smallest Oak known. It
rarely reaches a height of 3 feet, and bears a profu-
sion of acorns at the height of 15 and 20 inches. The
foliage is very similar to that of the preceding, but is
smaller and becomes smoother in age. It abounds in
creeping roots from which its small stocks spring. It
is found only in the Lower District, especially near
Wilmington, from whence it is sparingly found in the
Barrens as far to the south as Florida.
12. Water Oak. (Q. aquatica. Gates.) — This is
not found beyond Maryland. It is abundant in our
Lower District, and in some parts of the Middle, on
the borders of swamps and in the river bottoms, and
extends somewhat into the Upper. It is 40 or 50
feet high, and 12 to 20 inches in diameter. The
leaves are pear-shaped, as in the Black Jack., being
much the broadest at the upper end, but are smaller,
smoother and j)aler green than in that species. The
bark is seldom used for tanning. The wood, though
very tough, is not much employed for economical
purposes, being inferior to other kinds of Oak. On
the Roanoke I have heard this called Turkey Oak^
a name also given to the Spanish and Post Oaks.
The foliage of this tree varies very much in differ-
THE TREES OF NOIITII CAROLINA. G5
ent situations, it being sometimes narrow and very
little, if at all, broader at the upper than at the lower
end, so as to resemble very much that of the Sldnrjle
Oak. But any one who is familiar with the common
form and habit of the Water Oak will not be easily
deceived in its varieties.
13. Black Jack. (Q. nigra, Linn.) — This small
and generally unsightly tree, easily recognized at a
distance, when it is of much size, by its lower limbs
hanging downwards, sometimes to the very ground,
is found as far north as New Jersey and extends into
the Western States, as well as southward to Florida.
In this State we meet with it in various soils and sit-
uations from the coast to the mountains, seldom ex-
ceeding 30 feet in height and 12 inches in diameter.
In the largest stocks the wood is heavy and compact,
l)ut coarse grained and porous in the smaller ones.
When exposed to the weather it is subject to rapid
decay, and is not of any value in the arts. For fuel
it is among the best woods we have. The leaves are
large (6 to 9 inches long), of a dark green above,
and of a rusty color beneath. On young shoots, as
is frequent on other trees, tlie leaves are often twice
their ordimiry size, and divided into several segments,
as in the Red Oaks. ■
We now come to a Division of the Oaks known as
that of the Red Oaks^ in which there is such a confu-
sion of popular names that they will be of little ser-
vice in designating the species. There is no uni-
formity in their application in different parts of the
66 THE TREES OF JS^ORTH CAROLINA.
State, and within the same neighborhood the same
name may be given to different species, or different
names to the same species. This is not very surpris-
ing, since there is so much resemblance among them,
and as there is apparently a tendency to crosses
among the members of this Division. It is indeed
sometimes rather difficult to determine whether a par-
ticular tree belongs to one or other of two or three
pretty well marked species. I shall therefore be
obliged to describe the following more minutely
than I have the preceding, though I shall only notice
the most common or typical forms. The names
given below are those by which the species are most
commonly known in different parts of the United
States.
14. Spanish Oak. (Q. falcata, Michx.) — This is
generally known in this State, I think, by the name
of Red OaJc, though sometimes called as above. It
is also, in some parts, denominated Turkey Oak, from
a vague resemblance between the form of the leaf
(when it has but three divisions) and the track of a
turkey. It is to be distinguished, even at some dis-
tance, from other species of this section by the gray-
ish down on the underside of the leaves and on the
young shoots upon which they grow, giving the tree
a very different hue from that of the others. The
leaves, too, have narrower divisions (3 to 7 in num-
ber) than the others, generally entire, and slightly
curved backwards. The manner in which the clus-
ters of leaves hang down from the ends of the
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 67
branches gives them a phimc-like aspect very unlike
those of the other species.
The Spanisli Oak is found as far north as New
Jersey, and southward to the Gulf of Mexico. In
this State it is one of the most common forest trees
from tlie coast to the mountains, but diminishes in
quantity as we approach the latter. It is often over
80 feet in height, with a diameter of 4 to 5 feet. The
bark of the trunk is dark-colored, its outer portion
(cellular integument) being of moderate thickness.
The wood is reddish and coarse-grained, with empty
pores. The staves made of it are only adapted to
contain coarse articles, but are said to be more es-
teemed in the West Indies than those made from the
other Red Oaks. The wood is less durable than that
of the White Oaks, and is not much used in building,
etc. The bark is held in high estimation for tanning
hides, which it renders whiter and more supple than
other species.
A variety of this species (var : pagodrefolia, Ell.)
ha^ larger leaves, cut into 11 to 13 divisions, gradu-
ally diminishing in length from the lower to the
upper divisions. Another variety (var: triloba,
i\Iichx.) has leaves with two or three short and
rounded divisions at the outer end, but may always
be recognized by the gray down on the underside
and its accordance in other respects with the common
form.
15. Black Oak. (Q. tinctoria, P)artr.) — A tree
80 to 90 feet high and 4 to 5 feet in diameter. Tlie
68 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
trunlv has a deeply furrowed, dark brown bark, from
whence the tree prgbably gets its name. The leaves
are cut rather deeply into 5 or 7 divisions, the divis-
ions being also somewhat toothed, and each part
tipped with a bristle. They have also a thin, rusty
down on the underside. The leaf-stem is from 1 to
2 inches long. During the Spring and part of Sum-
mer their upper surface is roughened with small
glands which are perceptible to the sight and touch.
On young stocks they turn dull red in the Fall ; those
on old stocks, yellow. When the leaves have fallen,
this species may be distinguished from the iSjjajiish
Oak by the longer, more acute and more scaly buds,
and also by chewing a bit of the bark, which gives a
yellow color to the saliva. The wood is reddish and
coarse-grained, with empty pores, but is stronger and
more durable than any other of the Bed Oaks ; and
where White Oak cannot be obtained, is a good sub-
stitute for it in buildings. Staves are largely made
of it for containing coarse articles. The bark is very
rich in tannin, and is in much request. From this
bark is obtained the Quercitron^ which is extensively
used in dyeing wool, calico, silk, and paper-hangings.
The decoction is brownish j^ellow, and is made deeper
by an alkali, lighter by acids, and brighter by a solu-
tion of tin.
This tree is common in the United States east and
west of the Alleghanies, reaching north to New Eng-
land, and is said to indicate a good soil for agri-
culture. It is most abundant in the upper part of
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 69
the State. If it exists in tlie Lower District, it must
be sparingly.
IG. Scarlet Oak. (Q. coccinea, Wang.) — This
is generally confounded with the preceding species,
and called Spanish and Red Oak in this State. It
can be distinguished from the Black Oak by the
leaves being more deejily cut, the divisions narrower
and more widely separated, but especially by their
being quite smooth on both sides and of a brighter
shining green, turning bright scarlet after frost. The
leaf-stem is als(3 more slender and twice as long as in
tlie Black Oak. The kernel of the acorn seems also
to supi)ly a uniform character of distinction, — that
of the Scarlet Oak being white, and of the Black Oak,
yellowish. Tlie bark, when chewed, does* not, like
that of the Black Oak, impart a 3^ellowish tinge to
the saliva. The wood is very similar to that of the
preceding species, but is not very durable, and is not
used for building, etc., when better material can be
had. What is known as Bed Oak staves are made
from this as well as from the two j)re(.*ediug species.
The bark is much inferior for tanning to that of the
Black Oak.
This tree ranges from New England to Georgia
and Florida. In this State it abounds chielly in the
Middle and Upper Districts, it not being generall}^
diffused in the Lower.
17. Red Oak. (Q. rul)ra, Linn.)— This, like the
preceding species, is sometimes called Spanish Oak,
though it is as strongly marked a tree as can be found
70 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
in our forests. The leaves are larger (6 to 9 inches
long), than any others in this Division, not so deeply
cut, smooth and green on both sides, changing in the
Fall to dull red, then to yellow. The acorns in par-
ticular furnish a character which at once discrimi-
nates this from all the Red Oaks, they being of
larger size (1 inch long), and having yevj flat shaUoiv
cups. The wood is reddish and coarse grained, and
the pores very large. It is strong but not durable,
and is much inferior to the other Bed Oaks, though
staves are sometimes made of it. The bark is infe-
rior for tanning to that of the Black or Scarlet Oak.
This tree extends farther north than any other of
our Oaks, reaching into Canada. It is tall and wide
spreading, sometimes over 80 feet high, and 3 to 4
feet in diameter. For its full development it re-
quires a cool arid fertile situation, and hence abounds
more in the interior parts of the State. In the
Lower District it is found but sparingly.
18. Scrub Oak. (Q. Catesbsei, Michx.) — This
grows onl}^ in the sandy barrens of the Lower Dis-
trict, but may be found from the coast westward to
the counties of Richmond and Moore. I am not
aware of its existence north of this State, but it is
found southward to Florida. It seldom exceeds a
height of 25 feet, and is most commonly from 10 to
15 feet high. Among the Bed Oaks this species is
easily recognized, not only by its situation and hum-
ble size, but by the very short leaf-stem. In this last
particular, as well as in its habit, and in the color,
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 71
texture aiitl weight of tlie wood, it luis a close rela-
tion to the Black Jack; and in South Carolina is
called Forked-leaf Black Jack. Indeed, when the
leaves are fallen, the two are rather difficult to be
distinguished. For fuel they hold about the same
rank. The bark is said to be valuable for tanning,
but is too scanty to be much used.
19. Bear Oak. (Q. ilicifolia, Wang.) — A shrub,
ordinarily about 3 to 5 feet high, extending from
New York southward through the mountains of
Virginia (where it is common) and North Carolina
(very rare), to Georgia. The leaves are 2 to 3
inches long, cut about half way to the middle nerve
into two divisions on each side, and with a white
down on the underside. AVorthless in itself, Init a
good indicator of barren soil.
HICKORIES. — The general qualities of the wood
of these species are so similar, that, to avoid repe-
tition, they may as well be indicated here, so far as
they belong to the whole genus or to any of its Divis-
ions. For weight, strength, and tenacity of fil)re, we
have no wood superior ; but its value is impaired by
a tendency to rapid decay on ex})0sure, and its pecu-
liar liability to injury from worms. Ilcnee it cannot
be used in ])uildings. But the wood of the diflerent
species is indiscriminately used for axle trees, axe-
handles, carpenters' tools, screws, cogs of mill wheels,
the frames of chairs, whip handles, musket stocks,
rake teeth, flails, etc., etc. For hoops we have noth-
72 THE TPvEES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
ing equal to it. These are made from young stocks.
For fuel, there is no wood which gives such intense
heat and heavy long-lived coals. For this use,
although discrimination is seldom made, the Common
Hickory is said to be the best, and the Bitter-nut
Hickory the poorest. For timber, Shell-Bark and
Pig-nut Hickories are reputed the best.
It is to be observed upon this genus of trees, that the
species are subject to considerable variation both in
foliage and fruit, — sometimes apparently from crosses,
as well as from difference of situation, — and hence are
very difficult of discrimination without long and pa-
tient attention. This I have not given them, and am
therefore unable to indicate anything like an accurate
range of the species enumerated below, which have
been carefully examined only in particular localities.
The Hickories are peculiar to North America, of
which Ave have nine species. In this State I have seen
but six, thaugh I give seven in tlie following list.
The species are very naturally arranged in three
Divisions. The first Division is characterized by
the husk falling away from the Nut in four entire
pieces, and the bark of the old trunk peeling off in
long flakes or plates. These are the Shell-Barks or
Shag-Barks. The second has a husk which does not
divide dow^n to its base, and the bark of the trunk is
not shaggy. These two, especially the first, have
Nuts with a sweet eatable kernel. The third Divis-
ion has Nuts with a thin shell and husk, and an
astringent bitter kernel.
THE TREES OF NOUTH CAROLINA. i6
Din'sion l.s7.
Sliell-biii-k Hickory, (Carya alha.)
Thick Shell-bark Hickory, (C. sulcata.)
Division 2d.
Common Hickory, (C. tomentosa.)
ri<;-mit Hickory, (C. glabra.)
Small-nut Hickory, (C. microcarpa.)
Division 3d.
Bitter-nut Hickory, (C. amara.)
Water Bitter-nut Hickory, (C. aquatica.)
1. Shell-Babk Hickory. (Caiya alba, Nutt.) —
Tliis is not abundant in any part of the State, and
least of all in the Lower District. It grows upon
the rich lands on and near watercourses. It is much
more common in the Northern States than in the
Southern. It is GO to 80 feet higli, with a dispropor-
tionate diameter of 15 to 20 inches for three fourths
of its length. The narrow strips of outer bark loos-
ened from the trunk, attached only l)y tlie middle,
while the two ends are bowed outwards, wliich char-
acterize this and the next s})ecies, are observable
only on stocks that exceed 10 inches in diameter and
are 8 to 10 years old. But the leaflets are almost
uniformly in two pairs, (rarely three,) witli an odd
one at the end of the common leaf-stem. Tlie nuts
are nearly pointless, and witli a tliin wliite shell.
They are the finest nuts we have, excepting perhaps
the Pecan Nut (C. oliva'formis), of the Soutliwestern
States.
2. Thick Shell-Bakk Hkkoky. {Q,. sulcata,
74 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Nutt.) — Most common in the Middle and Western
States. I have not met with it in this State, and it
is introduced here on the authority of others. It
may be looked for only in the extreme western part
of the State, especially along the rivers flowing west-
ward.
This ma}^ be distinguished from the preceding spe-
cies by its three pairs (sometimes four) of leaflets on
the common leaf-stem, and by the thick yelloivish
shell of the nut, which is also ribbed on its upper
half, and has a strong point. The kernel is smaller,
and hardly so sweet as in the preceding.
3. Common Hickory. (C. tomentosa, Nutt.) —
Found in all the States, and common in our own for-
ests from the coast to the mountains, the only one
which occurs in the barrens. All the Hickories are
generally characteristic of a good soil, and this is no
exception only when it grows in the barrens, as it is
most vigorous in rich soils. It is about 60 feet high
and 18 to 20 inches in diameter. This species is
white to the heart, for which reason, probably, it is
called White Hickory in some parts of the State. The
other species have their wood more or less reddish.
The leaflets are from 7 to 9 (generally 7). The fruit
has a thick husk, splitting nearly to the base. The
nut is of various forms, but is somewhat six-angled,
of a light browo color, with a very thick shell and
small kernel.
4. Pig-Nut Hickory. (C. glabra, Torr.)— Found
in most of the States. It is 70 to 80 feet high, scat-
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 75
teringly disseminated among the other Hickories
throughout North Carolina. It can be distinguished
in Winter by the shoots of the preceding Summer,
whicli are brown, and not half the size of those of
the preceding species. These are exceedingly tough
and of the best quality for Hickory withes. The leaf-
lets are smooth on both sides, 5 to 7 in number. The
fruit is generally pear-shaped, the husk thin and
green, the shell of the nut very hard and smooth,
and the kernel small and sweetish.
5. Small-Nut Hickory. (C. microcarpa, Nutt.)
— This is more common in the Northern States than
with us. I'have observed it only in Caldwell County,
though it probably exists in most of the western
counties, intermingled with the Common Hickory. It
is of similar dimensions with the latter, but the 'bark
of the trunk is much more even. The foliage is
much like that of tlie Pig-nut. The nut is roundish,
not much larger than a nutmeg, with a thin shell.
6. Bitter-Nut Hickory. (C. amara, Nutt.) —
Not uncommon from the coast to the mountains, pre-
ferring rich and cool soils, where it rises to the height
of 70 to 80 feet, with a diameter of two or more. It
is sometimes called Stvamp Hickory. The foliage ap-
pears later than that of the other species. The leaf-
lets are 7 to 11 and smooth. It can be recognized in
winter by its small, yellow buds. The fruit has a
thin husk which has prominent seams opening about
half-way to the base, and a nut with a thin shell that
can be crushed with the fingers. The kernel is ex-
76 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
cessively bitter and astringent, not likely to be for-
gotten by any who liave eaten it. The timber is
inferior to that of the others.
7. Water Bitter-Nut Hickory. (C. aquatica,
Nutt.) — This is 40 to 50 feet high, found only in the
swamps and river bottoms from North Carolina south-
ward. It is generally confounded with the preced-
ing, from which it can be distinguished at some dis-
tance by the more numerous (9 to 13) and more
slender leaflets, which are shaped very much like the
leaves of the Peach, though larger. Fruit with a
thin husk parted nearly to the base ; a nut with thin
shell and of a reddish color, and the kernels bitter
as in the preceding. The timber is rather inferior,
even to that of No. 6.
WALNUTS.— 1. Black Walnut. (Juglans ni-
gra, Linn.) — This tree is well known throughout the
State by this name, and needs no particular descrip-
tion. With us it is 40 to 50 feet high; but in the
richer lands of the Western States it is often 70 feet,
with a diameter of 6 and 7. It is most abundant in
our Middle District. The timber is much used in
cabinet work, is of a dark brown color, strong and
tenacious, the grain fine and compact enough for
receiving a polish, and when well seasoned does not
warp and split. It is also exempt from attacks of
worms. The Nut is globular, and its kernel sweet
and agreeable to most persons, though inferior to the
European Walnut (J. regia.) The young fruit is
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 77
highly esteemed for pickles and catsup. The hnsk
is employed in domestic use for dyeing woollens.
This is a pleasant shade-tree, and mingles well with
others about a residence.
2. White Walnut. (J. cinerea, Linn.) — This is
the common name of the tree in the section of State
where it grows, though that of Butternut^ applied to
it in the Northern States, is not unknown. It is
found upon bottom lands and river banks in the
valleys of the Mountains. I have not met with it
east of Wilkes, but am informed that it is occasion-
ally found as far down the country as Orange and
Randolph. Its general aspect is very much that of
the Black Walnut^ but it is a smaller tree, and when
in fruit can be at once recognized by the Nuts, which
are about twice as long as broad. When not in
fruit, the pitchy clamminess of the leaf-stems and
young branchlets, together with the smooth gray
bark of the branches, will readily distinguish it. In
favorable localities at the North, this tree attains the
height of 50 feet, with a diameter of 3 or more ; but
with us it is rather smaller. The timber is of a red-
dish hue, not of much strength, but durable and
free from attacks of worms. It is used in lioht cabi-
net work and in the panels of carriages, as it is light,
not liable to split, and receives paint remarkably
well. It is also used somewhat in the lower frame-
work of buildings and for the various purposes in
rural economy which require material not easily
affected by heat and moisture. The bark is some-
78 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
times used for dyeing woollens a dark brown, though
not equal for this purpose to that of Black Walnut.
It is also a domestic remedy for cases where a sure
but safe and gentle cathartic is needed. The kernel
of the Nut is more oily than in the Black Walnut^
but is palatable. The young fruit is used for Pickles.
The sap of the tree is slightly saccharine, and sugar
has been made from it, but not equal to that from
the Maple.
CHESTNUTS.— 1. Chestnut. (Castanea vesca,
Linn.) — This is an inhabitant of all the cooler parts
of the United States. With us i^ is chiefly confined
to the mountains from Ashe to Cherokee, and is
found but sparingly on hills in the Middle District
as low down as Guilford and Randolph. It finds its
proper soil and temperature on the sides of our high
mountains, where it probably acquires as large dimen-
sions as anywhere in the Union ; stocks being some-
times met with which, at 6 feet from the ground,
measure 15 to 16 feet in circumference. Its usual
height is from 50 to 70 feet, but is sometimes 90,
with a capacious and well formed top. The wood is
light, tolerably strong, elastic, and capable of resist-
ing the effects of atmospheric changes. Its dura-
bility gives it great value for fencing, and the rails,
which are split out straight and easily, are said to
last 50 years. For shingles it is superior to the Oaks,
but is liable to warp. It is sometimes used for
cooperage, but is too porous for anything but dry
THE TKEES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 79
wares. For fuel it is little esteemed, as it snaps
most intolerably, almost as much as Hemlock Spruce.
But for charcoal it is well adapted, and in this form
is extensively used in forges and smithies.
Botanists deem our Chestnut to be onl}^ a variety
of the European. The wood is not quite so fine
grained, and the nuts are only about half the size of
the European, but they are much sweeter and more
palatable. On Mt. ^tna is a Chestnut tree (but
apparently of five united trunks), 53 feet in diameter,
and with a spread of branches sufficient to shelter
100 men on horseback ! There are several, trunks
near this which are 75 feet in circumference.
2. Chinquapin. (C. pumila, Michx.) — This ex-
tends from the Delaware throughout the South. In
this State it is known from the seaboard to Cherokee,
and in great varieties of soil. It is usually a shrub
from 6 to 12 feet high, but in cool fertile situations it
is sometimes 30 or 40, and 12 or 18 inches in diame-
ter. The wood is finer grained than the Chestnut
and equally durable; but the stock is too small for
extensive use.
There is a distinct variety of this (var : nana) in
our poor forests with slender shoots and extensive
runners, bearing fruit at the height of a foot.
BEECH. (Fagus ferruginea. Ait.) — Common
throughout the United States, and the .only species
in the country. It is a very handsome tree, though
rarely seen in cultivation. In the Lower District of
80 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
the State it occurs rather sparingly and of no great
size. In the Middle District it is more common and
luxuriant ; but it is in the Mountains that it is found
in greatest abundance and of proper dimensions, be-
ing there from 50 to 80 and even 100 feet high, with
a diameter of 2 to 3 feet. The wood is compact
and tough, and of very uniform texture, by which it
is well adapted for plane-stocks, shoe-lasts, and the
handles of mechanical implements. When perfectly
seasoned it is not liable to warp. " It is easily affected
by variations of moisture and dryness, but is very
durable, when kej)t constantly dry, or when perma-
nently immersed in water. The bark is sometimes
used for tanning, but is not equal to that of Oak,
The nuts are a fine mast for hogs, and a valuable oil
can be expressed from them.
The old Saxon word for Beech is BucJi or Buck,
and hence our' word Buckwheat (i. e. Beechwheat)
from the similarity of their triangular fruit.
BUCKEYES. — These handsome productions, ad-
mired both for their foliage and blossoms, as well as
for general elegance of form, are of the same genus
with the Asiatic Horse Chestmit {M. Hippo castanum),
so much prized as an ornamental tree in Europe and
parts of this country. The leaves are what is called
digitate; i. e. the leaflets spread, like the fingers
of a hand, from the end of a common leaf-stem, a
character which belongs to no other of our forest
trees. There are four species in the United States,
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 81
of which two are native witliin our limits. Possibly
a third species (^JE. parviflora) exists in the upper
part of the State adjoining South Carolina and
Georgia.
1. Yellow Buckeye, (^sculus flava, Ait.) —
More abundant in the Western than in the Atlantic
States ; in the latter it is not found north of Virginia.
In this State it is most abundant upon the sides of
our high mountains, and is nowhere of larger size.
It here reaches a height of 60 to 80 feet, with a
diameter of 3 to 4, and with its tapering straight
trunk is a very imposing tree. There is no better
indicator than this of a deep, rich, fertile soil. The
flowers are in large clusters, yellow (or occasionally
with a reddish tinge), and very showy. In the Mid-
dle District this species is found along streams and in
river bottoms as far down as Orange, but is here a
mere shrub 3 to 6 feet hiofh.
2. Red Buckeye. (^. Pavia, Linn.) — This grows
only in the Southern and Western States. It is dis-
tinguished by its dull red flowers, and is what is chiefly
known in our Lower and Middle Districts under the
name of Buckeye. It is usually 8 to 12 feet high, but
sometimes becomes a small tree. The root of this
species is sometimes used as a substitute for soap in
washing woollen cloths. The powdered seeds and
bruised branches, if thrown into small ponds and
stirred a while, will so intoxicate fish that they rise
to the surface and may be taken b}^ hand.
82 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
POD-BEAEING TREES.
The next Group of trees is that whose fruit is con-
tained in Pods, or seed-vessels, which are longer than
broad, like those of the Bean and Pea. It includes
the Locust^ Red Bud, etc.
1. Locust. (Robinia Pseudacacia, Linn.) — Li the
Atlantic States this well known ornamental tree
first appears in southern Pennsylvania, and extends
thence along the Alleghanies to their southern ter-
minus. It is more common in the Western States.
In North Carolina I have met with it in a wild state
only on the lower ridges of the mountains, but prob-
ably it is, or was, native for some distance east of
the Blue Ridge. The w^ood is hard, compact, and
takes a high polish. It resists decay longer than al-
most any other, and hence is exceedingly valuable
for posts and fences. There are differences, however,
in the quality of the trees which it is important to
keep in mind. Those with a 7^ed heart are deemed
the best; those with ^greenish-yellow heart^ihe next;
and those with a white heart, the least valuable. In
civil architecture the timber is not extensively used
in buildings, but is employed for railroad ties and
sleepers, whenever it can be had. In naval archi-
tecture it is used to as great an extent as the supply
will permit. For trunnels (the wooden pins that
fasten the planks to the frame of vessels) it is of the
highest value, as, instead of decaying, it grows harder
with age. The wood is also used by turners instead
THE TPtEES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 83
of Box^ for the manufacture of small articles, such as
bowls, salad spoons, etc., for which it is well adapted
by its hardness, durability, and capability of polish.
2. Clammy Locust. (R. viscosa. Vent.) — A very
ornamental tree, smaller than the foregoing and
much less known, it being chiefly confined to the
southern range of our mountains and the adjoining
ones in South Carolina and Georgia. It does not
exceed 40 feet in height. The young branches are
covered with a clammy matter, and the flowers are
of a beautiful rose color, — characters which will al-
ways distinguish it from the preceding. The wood
is similar.
3. Rose Locust. (R. hispida, Linn.) — A well-
known ornamental shrub of our gardens, (sometimes
known by the singular misnomer of Rose of Sharofi,)
with large, deep rose - colored blossoms, bristly
branches, flower-stems, and pods. It is indigenous
to the rocky summits of mountains and hills in the
Upper and Middle Districts ; and a dwarf variety, in
the Pine barrens of the Lower.
Honey Locust. (Gleditschia triacanthos, Linn.)
— Found in all the States from Pennsylvania and
Illinois southward. It is diffused over this State,
but is nowhere very abundant. It is from 30 to 50
feet high, and 2 or 3 feet through. The heart much
resembles that of Locust, but is coarser, and the pores
are quite open like those of Ited Oak. It is there-
fore used only wliere other material cannot be con-
veniently had. The large pods, 12 or 18 inches long,
84 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
contain a sweet pulp from which a very palatable
beer is made. This thorny tree has been occasionally
employed for hedges, but, in all the cases I have
seen, without success, the stocks having all run up
into trees, possibly from not having been kept down
by persevering attention to cutting in.
Red Bud. (Cercis Canadensis, Linn.) — Common
over the United States, and found in the Lower and
Middle Districts of this, most abundantly in the
latter. It is from 15 to 25 feet high, but when the
main stock is cut generally shoots up into a cluster
of shrubs. As it blossoms early, before the develop-
ment of its leaves, and is covered with a profusion
of bright purplish-red flowers, it is a very striking
object in the forests in early Spring.
Catalpa. (Catalpa bignonioides, Walt.) — This is
so common around settlements as to merit a passing
notice, though it is nowhere native in the Atlantic
States north of the Savannah River. Further south,
and at the West, it is not an uncommon forest tree
near rivers, especially those that empty into, the
Mississippi.
Kentucky Coffee Tree. (Gymnocladus Cana-
densis, Lam.) — A native of the Western States, but
occasionally cultivated about houses as a handsome
shade-tree in our Middle District, and spontaneously
multiplying from the seeds. It has a general aspect
like that of Locust^ for which it is often mistaken.
The pods are thick-shelled, 6 to 10 inches long and
2 broad, containing seeds i inch broad.
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 85
FLAT-WINGED FRUIT TREES.
The next Group coinjDrises trees with a flat-winged-
fruit, as the Maple, Ash, and Elm.
MAPLES. — These are stately and beautifal trees,
as much prized for ornament as for their value in
art. We have five species of Maple, all that are
known in the United States, two of which are mere
shrubs.
1. Red Maple. (Acer rubrum, Linn.) — Well
known throughout the State, being found in swamps
and low grounds from the coast to the mountains.
It is among the first trees to throw out its blossoms
in early spring, (as early as February in the Lower
District,) and with its bright scarlet flowers then
gives a peculiarly pleasing aspect to the otherwise
naked forest. In autumn, the brilliant crimson of
its dying foliage again makes it a conspicuous object,
though accompanied by others which vie with it in
contributing to the splendor of our autumnal scen-
ery. It does not appear to be so large here as farther
north, where it is sometimes 70 feet higli and 3 to 4
feet through. The wood is of close and fine grain,
and susceptible of brilliant polish. It is extensively
used in the manufacture of chairs, saddle-trees, yokes,
and various articles of wooden ware. It is not suffi-
ciently solid, however, for heavy work, and speedily
decays if subjected to variations of heat and moist-
ure. When the grain of this wood has a winding
86 THE TPvEES OF XORTH CAEOLINA.
direction, it furnishes the material called Curly Maple ^
which is much used for cabinet work and sometimes
for the mouldings of houses. Bedsteads and gun-
stocks of much beauty are made of it, and it is some-
times employed for inlaying mahogany. The varied
effects of light and shade upon the tortuous veins
can be much enhanced by rubbing with sulphuric
acid, and afterwards with linseed oil. The bark of
this tree is said to afford a dark blue dye, and a good
black" ink. The sap is somewhat saccharine, but is
rarely nsed for making sugar. Tliis tree in some
situations has yellowish flowers and fruit, and is then
called Yellow Maple.
2. White or Silver Maple. (A. dasycarpum,
Ehrh.) — This is generally confounded with the fore-
going, but is a much rarer tree, in this State. I do
not remember to have seen it except in the Moun-
tains. It is 30 to 50 feet high and 1 to 2 in diame-
ter ; though in the Western States sometimes 8 or 9
feet through. The top is more spreading than in the
Red Maple. The leaves are bright green above, and
of a silvery whiteness beneath, which gives a pleas-
ing effect to their play in the sunlight, and helps to
render the tree a desirable addition to ornamented
grounds. The flowers are greenish-yellow, and the
fruit (woolly when young) has large spreading
wings. The Avood is very white and fine grained,
but much softer than in the other Maples; and
hence is little used in cabinet work where the others
can be had. The sap is sometimes converted into
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 87
sugar, which is of superior whiteness aud flavor to
that of the Sugar Maple; but twice the quantity of
sap is required to give an equal quantity of sugar.
3. Sugar Maple. (A. saccharinum, Wang.) —
This is found from Canada to Georgia, and is the
most interesting and valuable of our Maples. It has
a height of 50 to 80 feet, a diameter of 2 to 3, and
a very symmetrical oval top of compact branches,
which make it one of the most desirable trees for
streets and avenues. It is very abundant in our
mountains, and occurs also in the Middle and Lower
Districts. The wood is wdiite when freshly cut, but
becomes of a faint rosy hue on exposure. It has a
fine close grain, takes a fine polish, and is heavy and
strong. It is not as durable as Oak, and is not much
used in Civil or Naval Architecture. When well
seasoned, it serves for axles and spokes of wheels,
chairs, &c. This tree produces a curled variety of
wood like the Red 3Iaj)le. But there is yet another
and more beautiful variety, called Bird's Eye^ which
is much used for ornamental wood work. The wood
makes excellent fuel. The ashes abound in alkali,
and they furnish the largest part of the potash
shipped from Northern ports.
It is the production of sugar from tlie sap of this
tree, which gives it its highest value. In some of
the Northern States, particularly in Vermont, it is
made to an extent that constitutes them almost as
much a sugar producing country as Louisiana. In
our Mountains, which are too remote from a markiet
88 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
to permit any effort to produce this article in suffi-
cient quantity, and of suitable quality, for purposes
of commerce, it is annually made to some extent for
home use, but not enough for the " sweetening "
required even in the Mountains. It is only in the
colder regions that the tree can be used for this pur-
pose. In our low country sugar cannot be made
from it.
4. Striped Maple. (A. Pennsylvanicum, Linn.)
— This grows in the colder parts of the country from
Canada to Georgia, and is known under the names,
besides the one already given, of Mooseivood and
Striped Dogwood. In North Carolina it is confined
to the Mountains. It is but a shrub, rarely over 10
feet high. The bark is smooth and green, with
longitudinal dark stripes, which distinguishes it at all
seasons, and makes it an object of some curiosity and
interest in shrubberies. The fruit is like that of
other Maples, and of greenish color.
5. Mountain Maple. (A. spicatum. Lam.) —
This has nearly the same range in the country with
the preceding one. In this State it is found only in
the Mountains, and is also a shrub 6 to 10 feet high.
From its insignificance it does not seem to have
attracted sufficient attention to acquire a popular
name; but is known farther north by the above, and
also as Loiv Maple. Europeans, who have paid far
more attention than ourselves to the uses and capaci-
ties of our forest productions, have ascertained that
this and the Striped Maple acquire double their
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 89
natural size when engrafted on other species of
Maple. Its leaves and fruit have the common charac-
ters of a Maple, the latter being rather small.
Ash-leaved Maple. (Negundoaceroides,M(Bnch.)
— I have not learned the name by which this is
known in North Carolina, and have adopted the one
very appropriately used in other parts of the United
States. In the Western States, where it is more
common, it is called Box Elder. In South Carolina
I have heard it called Stinking Ash. It has the
leaves of an Ash., and the fruit of a 3Iaple. It is rare
in the Lower District, but is common on the borders
of streams in the Middle District to the IMoun tains.
Its ordinary height is from 15 to 25 feet, a rather
handsome tree, of light green- branches and trunk,
and the bark of rather disagreeable odor. Tlie wood,
though fine-grained, is not much used, as it is liable
to rapid decay. In the West it is sometimes em-
ployed for inlaying furniture made of mahogany and
cherry.
ASHES. — This is a genus of handsome trees, and
next to the Oaks, furnishes the most valuable timber
of our forests. The distinguishing properties of the
wood are strength and elasticity. The species have
a great similarity of general aspect, and are subject
to considerable variation in different soils, so that
their discrimination requires some attention and ex-
perience. In this State they are all called simply
Ash.) without any discriminating adjuncts, and I have
90 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
not the advantage of names, therefore, to assist me
in pointing out the species. None of them are very
abundant.
1. Water Ash. (Fraxinus platycarpa, Michx.)
— This is a Southern species, peculiar to the marshy
borders of creeks and rivers in the Lower Districts,
and where, so far as I have learned, there is no other
species. It is the only one in the State in which the
wings of the fruit extend down to the bottom of the
seed, and is sometimes even three-winged. The lo-
cality and the fruit will therefore readily determine
this species. The tree is 30 to 40 feet high, its tim-
ber probably less valuable than some of the others,
though partaking of the same general qualities.
2. Green Ash. (F. viridis, Michx.) — I have
seen this only in the Middle and Upper Districts,
upon the banks of rivers. The fruit is gradually
dilated from the base- upward. The leaflets (5 to 9)
are more or less toothed, smooth and green on both
sides. This is a middle-sized tree, with greenish
branchlets. The timber is much like that of the
others, but hardly equal to White Ash.
3. Red Ash. (F. pubescens. Lam.) — I have seen
this only in Lincoln, but it is doubtless an inhabitant
of rich swampy grounds in other counties of the
Middle District. It is 50 to 60 feet high, the under-
side of the leaves, and also the young shoots, clothed
with a thick whitish down, which changes, in the Fall,
to a reddish tint, from whence is probably derived
its common name. The leaflets (7 to 9) are but
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 91
slightly notched. The fruit is very much like that
of the Green Ash. The wood is redder than in the
White Ash, is harder and less elastic, but used for
the same purposes.
4. White Ash. (F. Americana, Linn.)— Diffused
through the United States. With us it is not very
abundant, but occurs along streams and the borders
of low grounds in the Middle and Upper Districts.
It is 50 to 70 or 80 feet high, and 2 to 3 feet through.
It has a straight trunk, with grayish furrowed bark,
and smooth bluish-gray branchlets and shoots. The
leaflets, in Summer, are very smooth, of a light green
above and whitish beneath, very slightly toothed on
the edges. The fruit is about li inch long, narrow,
and with a long slender base, the Aving springing
from near the summit of the seed. The heart-wood
is reddish, and is considered superior to the other
Ashes in strength and elasticity. For all the pur-
poses which require these properties, it is employed
by carriage-makers, wheelwrights, shipwrights, turn-
ers, and coopers. There are but few trees of the
American forests more valuable and more extensively
used than this. It is withal a very showy tree in
private grounds.
ELMS.— A genus of trees too well known to need
a particular specification of their characters. The
fruit is small, flat, and with a thin wino-ed maririn.
1. Elm. (Ulmus Americana, Linn.) — This mag-
nificent shade tree is well known throughout the
92 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
country. In the most favorable situations with us,
it is not often seen above 60 or 70 feet high ; but in
some sections, as in the Middle States, it reaches the
height of 100 feet, and a diameter of 4 or 5 feet.
The timber of this tree is not in much demand, but
is occasionally used by wheelwrights for the naves
of wheels, where other material cannot be obtained.
There is a difference in the spread of this tree, the
form with drooping branches being much more grace-
ful and showy than the one with more erect branches.
It is much to be regretted that this is generally so
crowded in our streets as to prevent its attaining its
widest spread, and its most natural and attractive
form.
2. Small-Leaved Elm. (U. alata, Michx.) — Gen-
erally known in this State by this name, but more
commonly known elsewhere, perhaps, as Wahoo. It
is not uncommon with us, except on the higher
mountains. Its Northern limit is in lower Virginia.
It is only 30 to 45 feet high, not only smaller, but of
much less graceful form than the preceding, though
often seen as a shade tree in our streets. It is readily
distinguished by its much smaller leaves, and by the
corky excrescences which, as in the Sweet Gum^
wing the smaller branches.
The wood is more compact and finer grained than
in the former species, and is used for the naves of
wheels, for which some prefer it to Black Gum.
A variety of this occurs, in which the excrescences
are wanting, and the branches more slender and
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 93
flowing. The small leaves, however, determine the
species.
3. Slippery Elm. (U. fulva, Michx.)— Widely
diffused over North America, but in no localities so
abundant as either of the preceding. It is occasion-
ally met w^ith in our Lower District, but more fre-
quently in the Middle, and to some extent in the
Upper. It is from 30 to 50 feet high, and 12 to 18
inches through. The wood is coarser than that of
the other species, but is stronger and more durable,
when exposed to the weather, than the common Elm,
and is sometimes used in the Western States in build-
ings and vessels. For ship blocks it is said to be of
the highest value. As the trunk splits well, it is
convenient for the making of rails, which are very
durable. The inner bark of this tree, es]3ecially of
the branches, contains a large amount of mucilage
which is serviceable in colds and bronchial affections,
and for emollient plasters.
TREES BEARING FLESHY FRUIT.
The next Group comprises those trees which have
a fruit more or less fleshy^ whether sto7ie fruit like
Plums and Cherries, or those which contain seeds
like the Crab Apple, and those smaller forms which
would popularly be called Berries.
1. Red Plum. (Prunus Americana, Marsli.) — A
small tree or shrub not uncommon from Canada to
94 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Louisiana ; and in this State from the coast to Chero-
kee, especially in the Upper District, along streams
and on the border of woods. The leaves are quite
veiny and coarsely toothed. The fruit is red, orange
or yellow, with a rather tough skin, generally acerb
and uneatable, but occasionally of good flavor and
then makes an excellent preserve. Some very good
varieties have been produced by cultivation.
2. Chickasaw Plum. (P. Chicasa, Michx.) — A
shrub very common in old fields and about settle-
ments throughout the State, sometimes becoming a
small tree. It has every appearance of being ^n
introduced plant, and it was a tradition of the
Indians tliat they brought this fruit from beyond the
Mississippi, where it is now known to be indigenous.
The leaves are smooth, not very veiny, and finely
toothed. The fruit varies very much both in color
and flavor, but generally quite pleasant, and is
much improved by cultivation.
3. Sloe. (P. spinosa, Linn.?) — I have seen this
only in Lincoln County, where it was pointed out to
me by Dr. Hunter, and called by the above name.
As I have no notes upon this small tree, I am now in
uncertainty whether it be identical with the English
Sloe or Blackthorn^ which is naturalized in some
parts of the country, and is considered by the best
Botanists to be the parent of the common cultivated
Plum (P. domestica, Linn.).
4. Wild Cherry. (P. serotina, Ehrh.) — This
ranks among the largest and finest trees of the
THE TEEES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 95
American forest, and is very widely diffused through
the United States. In this State it is found through
all the Districts, but is less common in the Lower,
where the soil and climate are not so favorable to its
growth. It is on the rich and cool declivities of our
mountains that it acquires its full dimensions and
attains a height of 60 to 80 feet, and a diameter of 2
to 3 feet. The smooth straight shaft, symmetrical
summit, bright green leaves and profuse spikes of
white flowers, give it a character of much beauty.
The fruit is nearly black (from which the tree is
often called Black Cherry)^ slightly bitter, but with
a pleasant vinous flavor, and was formerly much used
as a cordial in spiritous infusion. The wood is of a
light red tint which deepens wdth age, is compact
and fine grained, and not liable to Avarp when prop-
erly seasoned. If selected from the part of the
trunk near the branches, it is almost equal to Mahog-
any in appearance. It was once extensively used in
nearly all kinds of cabinet Avork, but has been pretty
much superseded by Mahogany and Rosewood. The
bark of this tree is a valuable tonic, and forms the
basis of some quack medicines.
5. Wild Red Cherry. (P. Pennsylvanica, Linn.)
— Chiefly found at the North, but within our limits
grows sparingly upon Black, Grandfather, and a few
others of our highest mountains. I have but once
heard it designated by au}^ distinctive name, viz.,
Macnoly^ which may possibly be a corruption of
Magnolia^ and so a misapplication. It is 20 to 30
96 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
feet high. The flowers grow in clusters from lat-
eral buds, and not in racemes from the end of the
branchlets, as in the preceding. The fruit is small
and red, with a thin, sour flesh. The bark of the
trunk is a light red. The wood is reddish and fine-
grained, but the tree is too small to admit of much
use.
6. Mock Orange. (P. Caroliniana, Ait.) — This
much admired species is confined to the neighbor-
hood of the Ocean, and is not native, I think, much,
if any, north of the Cape Fear. From thence south-
ward it is rather common along the Atlantic and
Gulf coasts. It is 20 to 30 feet high, in proper soil
farther south becoming 40 to 50, with thick oval
summit, clothed with evergreen leaves and casting a
deep shade. The racemes of white flowers (growing
from the fork of the leaves) are numerous and showy.
The fruit is black, globular, not eatable, and remains
all Winter on the tree. The wood is rose-colored and
fine-grained, rather brittle, I think, but is not abun-
dant enough to be of use in the arts, and is not supe-
rior to others more easily obtained. The chief value
of the tree is as an ornament, for which it is very
extensively cultivated about houses, either singly or
as borders and hedges to private grounds throughout
the Lower Districts of the Southern States, thriving
very well in sandy soils.
Devil Wood. (Olea Americana, Linn.) — This
has about the same range with the Live Oak^ and,
like that, is found but a short distance from the coast.
THE TREES OF NOETH CAKOLINA. 97
I am not informed of any popular name by which it
is designated in this State, and have above given the
one appropriated to it farther south. As it is an
Olive, it might properly be called American Olive,
It is commonly about 10 to 15 feet high, but is some-
times 30 and more. The leaves are evergreen, entire,
thick and very smooth, and give the tree a very
pleasing aspect. The fruit is rather larger than a
buckshot, of a bluish-purple color, presenting a pleas-
ant contrast to the foliage. The flesh is rather thin
over a hard stone, and not eatable. The bark is of
a whitish green. The wood has a fine grain, and
when dry is exceedingly hard, and very difficult to
cut or split, which may furnish a clue, perhaps, to
the origin of its name. Tliis tree is well worthy of
culture. I have seen it in private grounds under the
name of Dahoon Holly ; but the latter is a very dif-
ferent thing, being a true Holly or Ilex.
The remainder of this Group, with the exception
of the Crab Apple and Persimmon, have fruit which
would popularly be called Berries, and I therefore
bring them together, though the first eiyU succeed-
ing genera would not be so called by Botanists.
1. Holly. (Ilex opaca, Ait.)— Common south of
New York, and well known through the whole of our
State. It is 30 to 40 jfeet high, and 12 to 15 inches
in diameter. The wood is heavy, with a fine, com-
pact grain, and takes a brilliant polish. When dry
it is very hard, anci serves well for pulleys, screws,
98 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
etc. The black lines inlaid in mahogany furniture
are often the dyed wood of this tree, intended to
simulate ebony. The berries are purgative, and 15
or 20 of them will produce vomiting. The fine form
of this tree, with its evergreen leaves and scarlet ber-
ries, gives it much beauty, especially in Winter ; but
it is said to be less attractive than the European
Holly. For avenues and hedgerows we have few
trees superior to it.
2. Dahoon Holly. (I. Dahoon, Walt.") — A shrub
or small tree from 6 to 25 feet high, growing on the
borders of the Pine-barren ponds and sAvamps of our
Low Country, from Virginia to Florida. The leaves
are 1 to 2 inches long, ^ to i inch wide, entire, or
with a few sharp teeth near the upper end, evergreen.
The berries are red, as in the Holly and Yopon, and
the plant is well worthy of cultivation.
3. Yopon. (I. Cassine, Linn.) — An elegant shrub,
10 to 15 feet high, but sometimes rising into a small
tree of 20 to 25 feet. Its native place is near salt
water, and it is found from Virginia southward, but
never far in the interior. Its dark evergreen leaves
and bright red berries make it very ornamental in
yards and shrubberies. The leaves are small, i to 1
inch long, very smooth, and evenly scalloped on the
edges Avith small rounded teeth. In some sections
of the Lower District, especially in the region of the
Dismal Swamp, these are annually dried and used
for tea, which is, however, oppressively sudorific, —
at least to one not accustomed to it. The Mate, or
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 99
Paraguay Tea, of South America, is of the same
genus as this, (the I. Paraguayensis,) but a very dif-
ferent species. Our Yopon is the article from which
the famous Black Drink of the Southern Indians was
made. "At a certain time of the year they come
down in droves from a distance of some hundred
miles to the coast for the leaves of this tree. They
make a fire on the ground, and putting a great kettle
of water on it, they throw in a large quantity of
these leaves, and setting themselves around the fire,
from a bowl that holds about a pint they begin
drinking large draughts, which in a short time occa-
sions them to vomit freely and easily. Thus they
continue drinking and vomiting for the space of two
or three days, until they have sufficiently cleansed
themselves ; and then every one taking a bundle of
the tree, they all retire to their habitations."
4. (I. decidua, Walt.) — This and the next three
have deciduous leaves, and have not been honored in
this State, as far as I know, with popular names.
This is common along shaded ravines and branches
throughout the Middle District, and is from 6 to 15
feet high. The leaves are 1 to 2 inches long, with
rounded teeth on the edges, narrow and tapering
down into a short stem, somewhat hairy on the veins
of the underside, otherwise smooth. Berries red, in
clusters, each containing 4 to 6 bony seeds, that are
ribbed on the back.
5. (I. ambigua, Chapm.) — A shrub or small tree
confined to our mountain region in this State, though
100 THE TEEES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
found elsewhere to the North and South, and from 8
to 20 feet high. The leaves are 3 to 5 and sometimes
6 inches long, about half as broad, with fine sharp
teeth on the edges, smooth on both sides, and taper-
ing at the upper end. The berries are red, not in
clusters, and with seeds as in No. 4.
6. (I. verticillata, Gray.) — This occurs in all the
Districts, and in various soils, 2 to 10 feet high, and has
clusters of bright scarlet berries which hang on through
the Winter. In some States it is called Winterherry.
The leaves are about 2 inches long, of varying width,
but generally broader toward the upper end, coarselj^
toothed, paler and somewhat downy on the underside.
The seeds are smooth and even. A decoction of the
bark is a popular application to old sores.
T. Gallberry. (I. glabra, Gray.) — This and the
next species are evergreen shrubs, indiscriminately
called by the above name, sometimes Galls, more
rarely LMerries, names apparently derived from
their black bitter berries. This is from 3 to 5 feet
high, very ^common in the Branch sw^amps of the
Lower District, and giving its name of Galls or Gall-
bays to the low places chiefly occupied by it. The
leaves are very smooth and green, sparingly toothed,
1 to li inch long, and about half that Avidth.
8. Tall Gallberey. (I. coriacea, Chapm.) —
This grows in similar situations with the preceding,
having the same habit and appearance, but full
twice as large, the leaves also much larger, and either
entire or with scattered sharp teeth.
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. lOl
1. Dogwood. (Cornus florida, Linn.) — Common
tliroiighoiit the United States, and mostly known by
this name, but sometimes called Boxwood. From the
showiness of its flowers, and the value of its wood
and bark, it possesses considerable interest. Its
usual height is from 12 to 20 feet, but is sometimes
30 and 35. The wood ._is heavy, hard, and fine
grained, and takes a fine polish. Pieces cannot be
had of sufficient size for large work; but for the
smaller sorts of mechanical and agricultural imple-
ments, such as cogs of mill wheels, harrow teeth,
mallets, wedges, hames, etc., the well seasoned wood
is well adapted and much used. The young shoots
are used for light hoops. The inner bark is an excel-
lent substitute for Peruvian Bark in intermittent
fevers. The fresh article is apt to produce pain,
which can be prevented, however, by mixing it with
Virginia Snake Root. After being dried for a year,
this precaution is unnecessary. A very good Ink
can be made of this bark in place of Galls. A pretty
variety of this tree with reddish flowers is occasion-
ally met with.
2. Swamp Dogwood. (C. sericea, Linn-) — This
and the remaining species of the genus are only
shrubs, but are placed here for the purpose of having
all the species of a genus together, as I liave done in
other genera. With the exception of the last species,
they all have their leaves opposite^ as in the Dogwood.
This is the only one of them which has received
notice enough in this State, so far as I have discov-
102 THE TREES OF XORTII CAROLIXA.
erecl, to get a name. It is found in low woods in tlie
Middle and Upper Districts, has purplish branches,
is from 6 to 10 feet high, and having rather broad,
pointed leaves, which are smooth above and with a
silky down beneath. The flowers are white, in flat-
topped clusters, succeeded by pale-blue berries.
3. (C. stricta, Linn.) — This is 6 to 15 feet high,
with brownish or reddish branches, found only in the
wet lands of the Lower District. The leaves are
about 3 inches long and 1 inch wide, tapering to a
point at the upper end, the edges slightly uneven,
smooth on both sides, paler and with prominent
veins on the underside. The flowers and pale-blue
berries are much as in No. 2.
4. (C. paniculata, L'Her.) — A branching shrub, 4
to 8 feet high, with gray branches, found in this
State onl}^ in our mountain counties. The leaves
are only 2 to 3 inches long, with a tapering point,
smooth, whitish on the underside. The white flow-
ers are in longer and looser clusters than in the two
preceding, and the berries white.
5. (C. alternifolia, L'Her.) — I have met with this
only on the higher mountains. It is the only one of
this genus of Cornels — this being the common name
of the shrubby Dogwoods — which has the leaves
alternating on the branches, instead of being oppo-
site to each other in pairs. It is 10 to 15 and 20 feet
high, the branches also alternate, greenish, streaked
with white. The leaves are about 3 inches long,
hoary and slightly hairy beneath, and pointed at the
THE TllEES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 103
end. The flowers are whitisli, in a loose flat topped
cluster ; the berries dark blue or bluish black.
Hackberry. (Celtis occidentalis, Linn.) — Com-
mon over the United States, sometimes called Nettle
Tree^ and scatteringly found in all parts of North
Carolina. It is occasionally seen as a shade tree in
our streets, and is admired by some for its dark green
foliage, deep shade and rather graceful branches.
The bark of the trunk and larger branches is rough-
ened by small, ridged excrescences. The leaves are
about 2 inches long, and rather peculiar in having
one side perceptibly smaller than the other. The
berries are about 4 or J of an inch in diameter, of a
mahogany color, with a sweetish but thin flesh,
enclosing a globular nut. This tree is from 50 to 70
feet high, and 18 to 20 inches in diameter. The
wood does not appear to be used for any important
purpose.
There is a shrubby form of this (var : pumila)
occasionally met with in the Lower and Middle Dis-
tricts, 3 to 10 feet high, and with smaller, thinner
leaves, but easily recognized by those who are famil-
iar with the larger form.
1. Black Gum. (Nyssa aquatica, Linn.) — Com-
mon in swamps and shallow ponds of the Lower and
Middle Districts, often called Sour Gum or Gum
Tree. It is from 30 to 45 feet high, 12 to 18 inches
in diameter. The leaves are 1 to 2 inches long, of a
dark green and shining above, and somewliat downy
underneath when young. The fruit is commonly in
104 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
pairs, of a dark blue color, borne on a common stem
from i to 1 inch long. The \yooc1 of this tree has its
fibres so interwoven in various directions as to make
it nearly impossible to be split, and it is therefore
used (especially the yellow variety, known as the
Yellow Gum) for the hubs of wheels. It is also
employed for making hatters' blocks, the cogged
cylinders in mills for beating rice, and for caps to
masts. The roots are in domestic use for large
corks, for which, on account of their compressibility
and lightness, they answer very well. The crimson
hue of the foliage, after frost, of this and the next
species, contributes much, with that of the Red
Maple^ Sassafras^ etc., to give that peculiar brilliancy
to our autumnal scenery so often noticed by for-
eigners.
2. (N. multiflora, Wang.) — With us this tree
seems to be entirely confounded with the preceding,
and is also called Black or Sour Gum, In some of
the States it is also called Tupelo or Pepijeridge.
This tree, however, grows mostly in the uplands in
rich, generally moist, soils, and is larger every way.
It is from 30 to 60 feet liigli, and 1 to 2 feet in diame-
ter. The leaves are 2 to 6 inches long, with a white
down underneath, especially when young, rather
thick, and shining. The berry is about \ inch long.
The wood is like that of No. 1.
3. Cotton Gum. (N. uniflora, Walt.) — This is a
Southern tree, having its Northern limit in South-
eastern Virginia, and confined to the deep swamps of
THE TREES OF NOllTH CAKOLINA. 105
the Lower Districts. It is GO to 80 feet high. The
leaves are 5 to 8 inches long, with a few large teeth
on the edges, and a soft whitish clown underneath.
The fruit is an inch or more long, and of a deep blue
color. The Avood is like that of the two preceding,
but is softer, and is indeed the softest wood we have.
As it does not split and is very easily worked, it is
manufactured into light bowls and trays. The roots
are used for making floats to buoy seines, and are a
very fair substitute for cork where elasticity is not
important.
Sassafras. (Sassafras officinale, Nees.) — No
plant in the United States is perhaps more exten-
sively diffused than this. In favorable soils it is 40
to 50 feet high, while in poor ground and in the bor-
ders of old fields it flowers at the height of 4 to 6
feet. It is common in the Lower and Middle Dis-
tricts, but is rare in the more elevated parts of
the Upper. It is found of largest dimensions in
the Middle District. What is known as the White
Sassafras prevails in the Lower District, the Med
Sassafras in the others, their differences depending
apparently upon a difference of soil. The wood is
said to be durable, and is used for fence posts as
well as for the rafters and joists of buildings. It is
said also to be free from attacks of worms, and that
bedsteads made of it are never infested by insects.
The roots, and also the flowers, are the basis of some
diet drinks which are thought by some to be service-
able to the Imman system in Spring and Summer.
106 THE TREES OF NOETH CAROLINA.
The reputed virtues of the root caused it to become
one of the first of our native products introduced
into Europe, and ship loads were carried thither in
the earlier settlement of this country. The bark of
the root is a powerful aromatic stimulant, and has
been used in medicine more than 200 years. The
young buds and ends of branches contain a good deal
of mucilage, and are sometimes used as a substitute
for Okra in soups, — where the latter cannot be had.
Red Bay. (Persea Carolinensis, Nees.) — This
extends from Virginia through the Lower Districts
of the Southern States to Louisiana, appearing to be
confined to the branch swamps within the range of
the Long-leaved Pine. It is a small tree or shrub
here, but in the vicinity of the Gulf it reaches a
height 50 and 70 feet. The evergreen leaves are 2
to 4 inches long, 1 or more wide, smooth and green
above, pale beneath. The shrubby form has the
leaves larger and the underside clothed with a gray
down. They have a strong aromatic odor very like
that of the European Laurel and may be used in the
same manner in cookery and medicine. An aromatic
distillation like the Bay Rum of the West Indies
could doubtless be obtained from them. The wood
is of a beautiful rose color, strong and durable, with
a very fine compact grain, and is susceptible of a
brilliant polish. Before Mahogany came into such
extensive use, articles of furniture of great beauty
were made from it at the South, the best having the
appearance of watered satin, and they are still found
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 107
ill the houses of some of the older families of the
country. I have heard of a single log in Florida
sawed into veneering and sold for 1400. In this
State it is seldom found of sufficient size for any
very important uses.
Palmetto. (Sabal Palmetto, R. & S.) — Cape
Hatteras is, or was, the northern limit of this Palm,
from whence southward it becomes more abundant
in the vicinity of the Ocean. This is the only repre-
sentative in the United States of a large and remark-
able class of trees mostly confined to the Torrid Zone.
A trunk 40 or 50 feet in height, of uniform diameter,
with a tufted summit of large brilliant green, fan-
shaped leaves, and so wholly different in structure
and aspect from all our other forest trees, is a very
noticeable and attractive object on our coast.
The trunk of this tree is of great value in the con-
struction of Avharves, as they are not subject to
injury from sea-worms. They have been found ser-
viceable in structures for defence, since balls pass
with difficulty through the w^ood as through cork,
and the w^ood closes upon the perforation instead of
splitting. The rarity of the tree in this State ren-
ders it of little economical importance here. It is to
be deeply regretted, however, that a reckless indiffer-
ence to the future, which has been charged as a char-
acteristic of Americans, is likely to efface, at no very
distant time, every vestige of this interesting orna-
ment of our coast. The inner portion of the young
plant is very tender and palatable, somewhat resem-
108 THE TREES OF KORTH CAHOLINA.
bling tlie Artichoke and Cabbage in taste (lience its
name of Cahhage Tree)^ and is often taken for pick-
ling, and the stock is ruined by the process. Thus
for a pound or two of pickles, no better either than
man}^ other kinds, the growth of half a century is
destroyed in a moment, and posterity left to the
wretched inheritance of vain mourning for the loss
of the greatest beauty of our maritime forest.
2. DwAEF Palmetto. (S. Adansonii, Guerns.)
^ — This is but 3 or 4 feet high, never forming a trunk
like the preceding, and found only in the Lower Dis-
trict. The leaves of both these species are employed
in the manufacture of palm-leaf hats.
Peide of India, or China Tree. (Melia Azed-
arach, Linn.) — Is a common shade tree of streets and
yards in the Lower District, and occasionally is seen
in the lower part of the Middle District. It is quite
naturalized in the former region, to which it is well
adapted by its free growth in sandy soil. It is from
25 to 40 feet high, with a spreading top, and its dark
green compound leaves and large loose clusters of
fragrant lilac-colored flowers make it quite ornamen-
tal. The timber is of a reddish hue, and said to be
strong and durable ; but is seldom used. The leaves
pounded and mixed with lard constitute a Persian
remedy for a cutaneous disease, better treated, per-
haps, with sulphur. The berries are reputed poison-
ous, as well as most other portions of the tree.
Robins feeding upon them in the Spring are so
stupefied as to be easily caught.
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 109
Buckthorn. (Bumelia lycioides, Gsert.) — A small
tree from 15 to 25 feet high, found from North
Carolina to Louisiana, rather sparingly in this State
from the coast to Lincoln County. Its leaves are
entire, smooth on both sides, about 2 inches long and
I of an inch wide, with short stems. The flowers are
whitish and small, growing in a thick cluster in the
fork of the leaves, succeeded by a black, cherry-like
fruit, about the size of a pea. The wood is exceed-
ingly hard and heavy, with an irregular grain, and
would doubtless be useful for mechanical purposes,
were it not too rare to attract much attention.
Yellow Wood. (Symplocos tinctoria, L'Her.)
— Also called Sweet Leaf and High Bush Laurel. It
does not extend much, if any, north of James River.
In this State it occurs from the coast to the moun-
tains, but is most multiplied in the Lower District.
In poor soils it is only a shrub 2 to 6 feet high ; but
in those which are fertile, as on the borders of
swamps, it becomes a small tree, 20 to 25 feet high
and 6 to 8 inches in diameter. If the trunk be
wounded in Spring, it exudes a milky, offensive juice.
The leaves, which are 3 to 5 inches long, are sweet
to the taste but rather dry, and greedily eaten by
cattle and deer in Winter. They afford, by decoc-
tion, a beautiful yellow color, which is fixed by a lit-
tle alum, wherewith cotton, woollen and silk, are
dyed. It is not much used, however. The fruit is a
small one-seeded berry. The wood is soft and value-
less.
110 . THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
MAGNOLIAS. — Of this universally and deserv-
edly admired genus there are seven species in the
United States, all of which are found within our
borders. They all have an aromatic and somewhat
bitter bark. The fruit is a fleshy cone, from the
cells of which the scarlet berries are expelled and
hang for some days by elastic cords. The berries of
most become quickly corrupted, but may be pre-
served for use in damp moss.
1. Magnolia. (Magnolia grandiflora, Linn.) — I
retain the common designation of this tree, though
we have six others equally entitled to the name.
Farther south it is often called Big Laurel. The
northern limit of this tree is in Brunswick County,
south of the Cape Fear ; but it flourishes vigorously
in cultivation through all the lower part of the State.
Its usual height in the forests is from 50 to 70 feet,
but has been found 90 feet high, and has a handsome
form. The leaves are 6 to 10 inches long, evergreen,
very thick and leathery. The white fragrant flow-
ers, 6 to 8 inches broad, contrasting strongly with
the dark green foliage, make this perhaps the most
beautiful tree in the United States. The timber of
this tree is soft and very white, but is little used.
2. Sweet Bay. (M. glauca, Linn.) — The small-
est and most widely diffused of our Magnolias, it
being common in the maritime districts from Louis-
iana to New Jersey, and in a single locality north of
Boston. In this State it is seen along branches and
bays throughout the Lower District, and in similar
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. Ill
situations, tliough not common in the Middle Dis-
trict. It is from 12 to 25 and 30 feet high, some-
times flowering at the height of 5 to 6 feet. The
leaves are small, the white under-surface contrasting
pleasantly with the pale green of the upper. The
flowers are 2 to 3 inches broad, pure white, and of
powerful but grateful odor.
3. Umbrella Tree. (M. Umbrella, Lam.) — This
is common in the Middle and Western States as well
as in the Southern. In this State it is met with in
shaded deep rich soils from the coast to Cherokee,
and is mostly called Cucumber Tree^ a name more
generally and properly given to the next species. It
is from 25 to 35 feet high. The leaves are 18 to 20
inches long, 6 to 7 broad, and acute at each end.
The flowers are 7 to 8 inches broad, white, and not
of pleasant odor. Though inferior in beauty to some
others, it is an ornamental tree and deserving of cul-
tivation.
4. Cucumber Tree. (M. acuminata, Linn.) —
This seems to be universally known by the name
here given, and is so designated from the form of its
cone or fruit, which, in this species, is narrower than
in the others, and when green is not unlike a cucum-
ber about 3 inches long. The tree is found from the
Northern Lakes to the mountains of Georgia. In
this State it grows onl}^ on tlie mountains, particu-
larly of Ashe, Yancey and Burke, in moist fertile
soil of declivities and on the banks of torrents. It is
from 60 to 80 feet high, and 4 to 5 in diameter, com-
112 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
paring well in dimensions with No. 1. The leaves
are 6 to 8 inches long, 3 to 4 broad, and rounded at
base. The flowers are 4 to 5 inches broad, white,
with a bluish or yellowish tinge, and very slightly
odorous. The wood is somewhat similar to that of
the Tulip Tree^ is fine grained and takes a good
polish, but is not so strong and durable. As an
ornamental tree it is much admired.
5. Large-Lea VED Umbrella 'Tree. (M. mac-
rophylla, Michx.) — This and No. 3 derive their names
of Umbrella Tree from the mode in which their leaves
spread from the ends of the branches. It is a rare
product east of the Alleghanies, having been found
only on the Chattahoochie in Georgia, in Middle
Florida, and in Lincoln County of this State. West
of the mountains it is more common, though in
scattering groups and at wide intervals. Li Lincoln
it occurs in several places not far from the road
between Lincolnton and Tuckaseegee Ford ; as near
Smith's, the Moore Mine, and Huntersville, six, ten,
and eighteen miles from the former place. It chooses
cool, rather moist and fertile situations, is from 15 to
30 feet high, and without any beauty of form. But
its leaves and flowers surpass in size those of any tree
or shrub in this country. The former are from 20 to
30 inches long, occasionally even longer, clustered at
the ends of the branches and spreading from them
like an umbrella, their two sides rounded at the base
and diverging like ears from the leaf-stem. The
flowers are 12 to 14 inches broad, white, with a
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 113
broad purple spot on the inner base of the petals,
and fragrant. It bears cultivation very well in our
Middle District. In the Lower District it is not so
manageable, but can there be grafted on the native
Umbrella Tree, as was successfully done by the elder
Michaux in his garden near Charleston.
6. Long-Leaved Cucumber Tree. (M. Fraseri,
Walt.) — Found only in ravines of the mountains,
where it is known by this name, and also as Wahoo
and Indian Physic. It is confined chiefly to the
mountains of the Southern States, and is nowhere
more abundant than in Ashe, Yancey and Burke.
It is 40 to 45 feet high, with a diameter of 12 to 15
inches. The leaves are 8 to 9 inches long, 4 to 6
broad, and though a third smaller, are very much
like those of No. 5 in form ; the base in this, as in
that, being divided into rounded lobes or ears. The
flowers are 3 to 4 inches broad, pure white, and of
agreeable fragrance. The cones are 3 to 4 inches
long, and, like those of the Umhrella Tree., of a beau-
tiful rose color when ripe. This tree bears removal
remarkably well, it having been cultivated in the
open air near Philadelphia, but it would probably
require the protection of shade in our low country.
7. Heart-Leaved Cucumber Tree. (M. cor-
data, Michx ) — Often confounded with the Cucumber
Tree^ to which it bears a general resemblance, though
it is a very distinct species. It is confined to declivi-
ties of the mountains from Ashe County to Georgia.
It has a regular oval summit, is 30 to 50 feet higli, 12
114 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
to 18 inches thick, with a straight trunk, the bark of
which has some resemblance to that of Sweet Gum
or of a young White Oak. The leaves are roundish
and heart-shaped, 4 to 6 inches long, 3 to 5 wide. The
flowers are yellow, the inside faintly streaked with
red, and nearly 4 inches broad. The cones are about
3 inches long and 1 thick. This is smaller than the
Cucumber Tree^ but is equally desirable in private
grounds as well for its symmetrical form as for the
beauty of its flowers and its luxuriant foliage.
Service Berry. (Amelanchier Canadensis, Torr.
and Gr.) — Universally known in our mountains
under the name of Sarvices. In the Lower District
it is called Service Tree and Wild Currant. In the
latter section of the State, it is hardly more than a
shrub, and is common along branches and swamps.
In the former, it inhabits the shaded sides of the
mountains, and is 15 to 25 feet high. The fruit is
here much sweeter, more juicy and palatable, like
the Medlar^ than in other parts of the State, and
trees are sometimes recklessly cut down to obtain it.
It is purplish and about the size of some of our Red
Haws. This shrub or tree, when displaying its j)ro-
fusion of clustered white blossoms in early Spring,
is not without beauty, and is found enumerated in
the catalogues of some northern nurseries as The
Snowy Medlar. A name so promising has occasion-
ally led to its importation into the State for the
adornment of a garden or shrubbery ; but I have
never known it preserved over one season's exhibi-
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 115
tion, the owners apparently depreciating a beauty so
common.
1. Crab Apple. (Pyrus coronaria, Linn.) — Most
common in the Northern and North-western States,
but extending southward along the mountains, where
alone it is seen in this State. In Yance}^ and Hay-
wood Counties it is very abundant, usually about 15
to 20 feet high, and 5 to 8 inches through ; but in
some situations considerably larger. The leaves are
cut or lobed, not unlike those of the Red Maple.
The flowers' are of great beauty and diffuse their
grateful fragrance to a long distance. The fruit is
too austere for eating, but makes excellent preserves
and jelly, though requiring much sugar.
A celebrated Cider Apple, known as Hughes's Crah^
I suppose is a seedling from this species.
2. Narrow-Leaved Crab Apple. (P. angusti-
folia. Ait.) — This extends from Pennsylvania south-
ward, chiefly in those regions not occupied by the
former. It is rather common in our Lower and Mid-
dle Districts, and reaches into the lower part of the
Upper. It is of about the same height with No. 1,
but the fruit and leaves are much smaller, the latter
being narrow and merely toothed on the edge. The
flowers are beautiful and fragrant, as in the other
species.
3. Choke Berry. (P. arbutifolia, Linn.) — A
mere shrub 2 to 3 feet high, introduced here only to
complete an account of the genus. The fruit is berry-
like, as in the Mountain Ash, but has the same struc-
116 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
ture as an apple, with seeds of the same appearance
and taste. It grows in small clusters, and is rather
dry and astringent. We have two varieties of this :
— one, with a red or purple fruit, found on the bor-
ders of branches and bays in the Middle and Lower
Districts ; — the other, in the mountains, and having
a purplish-black fruit.
4. Mountain Ash. (P. Americana, D. C.) —
This charming tree is but little known in this State,
even in the mountains where it grows. At the
North it is highly prized as an ornament in yards,
especially for the beauty of its large clusters of scar-
let berries, which hang upon the tree through the
Winter. It is scarcely distinguishable from the Moun-
tain Ash or Rowan Tree of Great Britain. It is not
very rare on our higher mountains, from Ashe to
Macon, where it is called Wine Tree (from a kind of
liquor said to be made from it) and Mountain Sumach.
The foliage is more like that of a Sumach than of
any other of our trees ; and in this respect, as indeed
in every other, the general aspect of the tree is so
unlike that of an Apple Tree., that none but a
Botanist would suspect a relationship. The flowers
are of a dirty white, in spreading clusters like those
of the Elder, succeeded by berry-like scarlet fruit.
In favorable soil this is from 12 to 20 feet high ; in
rock}^ ground, often a mere shrub.
Persimmon. (Diospyros Virginiana, Linn.) —
Common in the United States from Rhode Island
and New York southward, and in all the Districts
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 117
of this State. It varies much in height accordiug to
situation and soil, but is usually from 30 to 40 feet,
though sometimes as high as 60, with a diameter of
18 to 20 inches. When standing alone it has a very
symmetrical form and is a handsome tree. The
heart-wood is of a brownish tint, hard, compact,
strong and elastic, but is said to be liable to split. It
has been used for large screws, mallets, shoe-lasts (con-
sidered equal to those made of Beech), and for the
shafts of vehicles, which are said to be better than
those made of Ash. With us the wood does not
appear to be much used. The inner bark is astrin-
gent and tonic, and has had some reputation for
being useful in intermittent fevers. The intolerable
astringency of the green fruit is well known. When
ripe it is liked by many, and is the basis of a bever-
age, by no means despicable, called ''Simmoyi Beer.
It is sometimes pounded up with bran, and the cakes,
dried in an oven, preserved for making beer with the
addition of hops and yeast. Brandy has been dis-
tilled from the fermented fruit, which is said to
become good with age.
Mulberry. (Morns rubra, Linn.) — Well known
throughout the Union, but most abundant in the
Western States. It grows in all parts of this State,
but is least abundant in the Lower District. It is
from 50 to 70 feet high, and 1 to 2 in diameter.
When in proper soil, and unobstructed in its lateral
expansion by surrounding trees, this becomes a tree
of line form and casts a very thick shade. The
118 THE TREES OF NOKTH CAROLINA.
heart-wood is yellowish, fine grained and compact,
but lighter than White Oak. It has much strength
and solidity, and is thought by many to be as dura-
ble as Locust. It is much used in fencing and in
ship and boat building. The leaves are too thick
and rough for feeding silk-worms, though they have
been used for the purpose in the absence of better.
The fruit is deep red or purple, of a sweet and acidu-
lous flavor quite agreeable to the taste. Though
gently laxative, it is probably a wholesome fruit.
The White Mulberry (M. alba), a native of Asia,
is occasionally seen about houses, and is the tree
chiefly used on the old Continent for rearing silk-
worms. The Chinese Mulhen^y (M. multicaulis) is
only a variety of the White, of smaller size and larger
leaves. The Black Mulberry (M. nigra) of Europe is
sometimes cultivated in this country, but I have not
observed it in this State. The Otaheite or Paper
Mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera), a native of the
Pacific Islands, is common in our yards, and is com-
mendable for its rapid growth and heavy shade, but
becomes a nuisance from the numerous shoots spring-
ing everywhere from its spreading roots.
Cedar, or Red Cedar. (Juniperus Virginiana,
Linn.) — Not uncommon throughout the country from
New England to the Gulf of Mexico, but the soil and
climate of the South are most favorable to its com-
plete development. It is from 30 to 40 feet high,
with a diameter of 10 to 12 inches, but is smaller in
the mountains and western parts of the State than
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 119
in the Lower District. In old fields solitary trees
are sometimes seen of larger dimensions than are
above given. It is not abundant enough, however,
in any part of the State, to be used in the arts.*'' The
heart-wood is of a red color, but the sap is white. It
is odorous, compact, fine grained and very light, but
heavier and stronger than Cyi^ress or White Cedar.
It possesses durability in an eminent degree, and is
applied to all purposes which require this quality.
That which is grown near the coast is of better
quality than what is produced farther inland.
This tree varies so much in the color, length and
spread of the leaves in different situations and at
different ages, that some persons make two species of
it, one of which they call Savin. They are, however,
but one species. The berries of this tree have been
a little employed in the United States in the prepara-
tion of gin, as those of the Juniper are used in
Europe. Boxes and cabinets made of the wood are
exempt from insects, its odor being offensive to
them.
MISCELLANEOUS.
The remaining trees have all a dry fruit., but of
various kinds, and no very intimate relationship — to
be arranged in two Groups.
The first Group includes those trees which have
either flowers or fruit in somewhat the form of tas-
sels, as in the Willow, Cottonwood and Birch.
120 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
POPLARS OR COTTONWOODS.— These are
generally designated by the latter name in this coun-
try, but they are true Poplars. Those of them called
Aspens are remarkable for the easy vibration of the
leaves when scarcely a breath of air is perceptible.
This results from one end of the leaf-stem being
flattened contrary to the plane of the leaf. The con-
stant motion of the leaves is supposed to have been
the reason for giving these trees the name of Popu-
lus or Poplar, because they, like the populace^ are
never at rest. It is a more malicious spirit of slan-
der that has given them the name of Women s
Tongues. The wood of all the species is soft and
brittle, but some of them are used in various kinds
of light wood-work.
1. Carolina Poplar. (Populus angulata, Ait.)
— This does not reach northward farther than south-
ern Pennsylvania. It becomes more abundant in
the low country of all the Southern States upon the
marshy banks of rivers, in company with Cypress.,
Red Maple, etc. It is rare in the Middle District,
but is sometimes cultivated there about houses. It
is 60 to 80 feet high, with an expanded summit and
pleasing foliage. The leaves are 3 to 5 inches long
(on young shoots 6 to 8), thin, always smooth and
bright on both sides, and their edges have small
scalloped teeth. They are rounded at the base, and
are marked with yellowish nerves. The buds are
short, deep green, and not covered with gum. The
young branches and annual shoots are angular, from
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 121
which character its botanical name of angulata is
derived. The wood does not appear to be used.
This is very similar to the Cottonwood or Cotton Tree
so common on the Western rivers.
2. Cotton Tree. (P. heterophylla, Linn.) — A
native of the Middle, Western and Southern States,
yet is so rare as to escape general notice. I do not
remember to have met with it in this State, except in
rich swamp lands on the lower course of the Cape
Fear ; but it probably occurs in similar ground else-
where. It is a majestic, shoAvy tree, 70 to 80 feet
high, 2 to 3 in diameter, with a very thick, deeply
furrowed bark. The young branches and shoots are
round. The leaves, 3 to 5 inches long, and with,
rounded teeth, are covered on the underside with a
thick soft down, which partially falls off with age.
The wood is much like that of the preceding.
3. Large Toothed Aspen. (P. grandidentata,
Michx.) — Not so common in the Southern as in tlie
Middle and Northern States. With us it belongs to
the upper part of the Middle District, is about 40
feet high, and has a smooth gray bark that seldom
cracks. The leaves are 3 to 5 inches long, about the
same breadth, with Large open teeth on the edges,
and the underside clothed when young with a thick
white down which wholly falls away before the end
of Summer. This tree is occasionally seen adorning
the streets of our villages.
The Lomhardy Poplar (P. dilatata, Ait.), a native of
Italy, is common in cultivation about old settlements.
122 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
BIRCHES.— These are products chiefly of high
latitudes, both on the Eastern and Western Conti-
nents. In this State we have but a single species
below the mountains.
1. Red Birch. (^Betula nigra, Linn.) — Common
on the banks of rivers from the coast to the moun-
tains, and known here only as Birch. This is sufficient
designation where no other species occurs, but it is
called Red Birch in those States and regions where it
is accompanied by others. It is from 40 to 60 feet
high, and 1 to 2 in diameter. It has wood of com-
pact grain, and light reddish tint, but not of very
high value, nor is it much used. It is sometimes em-
ployed in this State for the railing of balustrades,
and the like purposes. Hoops for casks may be made
from the branches and shoots, but of inferior quality.
2. Black Birch. (B. lenta, Linn.) — In our
mountains, where alone this tree is found within this
State, it is simply called Birch. The most common
name -for it in the United States is the one above
given. In the mountains of Virginia it is called
Mountain Mahogany ; in New England Stveet Birch
and Cherry Birch. It is from 30 to 50 feet high,
with a smoothish trunk, resembling that of a Cherry
tree. The wood, freshly cut, is of a rosy hue, which
becomes darker by exposure, and similar to that of
Wild Cherry^ and is used, like that, for several sorts
of cabinet work. It has considerable strength, is of
fine close grain, and susceptible of a brilliant polish,
and is the most valuable of all the Birches known.
THE TREES OF NOPwTH CAROLINA. 123
though hardly equal to Wild Che^^ry. Furniture
made of it, as chairs, tables, etc., will, in time and by
careful use, acquire very much the appearance of
Mahogany. The leaves and blossoms liave consider-
able fragrance, and the bark of the young shoots has a
delightful spicy flavor like that of the Mountain Tea or
Spicy Winte7^green. The tree is one of much beauty,
with dark graceful foliage, and a symmetrical form.
3. Yellow Birch. (B. excelsa. Ait.) — This is a
northern tree, as south of the mountains of New
York, with the exception of small patches in New
Jersey and Pennsylvania, and the three or four stocks
which I found near the (highest) summit of Black
Mountain, it is unknown. Its yellowish-silvery bark,
scaling off in thin sheets, like that of the Paper or
Cayioe Bircli^ will at once distinguish this from the
two preceding. It is about 25 feet high. The tim-
ber is rather inferior to that of Black Birch. It is a
handsome tree, and its twigs slightly aromatic.
WILLOWS.— There are 20 or 30 species of these
in the United States, nearly all of which belong ex-
clusively to the North. A few, though they are of
no importance, extend to this State and farther south.
The value of some species in wicker-work is generally
known. The articles manufactured from them are
made from the young, slender and flexible twigs and
shoots.
1. Black Willow. (Salix nigra. Marsh.)— This
is the only native Willow in the State that becomes
124 THE TP.EES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
a tree. It is 15 to 25 feet liigh, with a rough dark-
brown bark, very common along streams from the
coast westward. The wood is soft and of little use ;
but when the stocks are of sufficient size, they are
said to make durable light timbers for boats. The
roots give an intensely bitter decoction, which is
thought by some to be good for purifying the blood,
and a remedy for intermittent fevers.
2. Gray Willow. (S. tristis, Ait.) — A shrub 1
to 2 feet high, very much branched, of a dull gray
aspect on account of the young branches and leaves
being covered with an ash-colored down or wool.
The leaves are from 1 to li inch long with a hardly
perceptible stem, narrow, sharp at each end, but ta-
pering from the base towards the upper end, and with
the veins prominent on the underside. I have met
with this insignificant plant only in the mountain
counties.
3. Bush Willow. (S. humilis, Marsh.) — Larger
than the preceding, 2 to 4 feet high, but of similar
general aspect, the leaves two or three times longer
and broader, and found both in the Middle and Up-
per Districts, rarely in the Lower. During Summer
the branches of this and No. 2 have cone-like excres-
cences on their ends.
. 4. Silky-Leaved Willow. (S. sericea. Marsh.)
— This is 3 to 6 feet high, with leaves 2 to 3 inches
long, borne on conspicuous stems, pale, and with
silky hairs on the underside.
The Weeping Willow (S. Babylonica) is common,
THE TREES OF KORTII CAROLINA. 125
and the Yellow Wllloiv (S. vitellina), occasionally
seen in cultivation.
Hornbeam. Ironwood. (Carpinus Americana,
Michx.) — Among the commonest productions of the
country and Avell known by one or other of these
names. It is found on the banks of streams in all
parts of the State, generally 12 to 15 feet high, but
sometimes 25 to 30, with a diameter of 5 to 6 inches.
The trunk has a smooth gray bark, and at the base is
irregularly fluted or ridged. The wood is white, ex-
ceedingly hard, compact and fine grained, but the
small size of the tree forbids its use except for
inferior purposes.
Hop Hornbeam. (Ostrya Virginica, Willd.) —
This and the preceding have characters and qualities
so very similar that they are generally called by the
same names. But the bladdery fruit of this looks so
much like Hops that it can very easily be distin-
guished through the Summer. It is only in the Up-
per District that I have met with it, and very rarely
there. It is 20 to 30 feet high, with a brownish
finely furrowed bark, the trunk not ridged at tlie
bottom like the preceding. The wood is like that,
and also used for levers, &c., for which we have noth-
ing better adapted, on account of its great strength
and toughness. For mill-cogs, wedges, mallets and the
like, both these species would, doubtless, answer well.
The remaining Group includes a heterogeneous
mass of dry-fruited Trees, but fortunately nearly all
126 THE TEEES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
are so well known, that they will need no particular
description.
Sycamore. (Platanus occidentalis, Linn.) — This
is the name generally given, I believe, to this tree in
North Carolina ; but it is more extensively known in
the United States as Buttonwood. In some sections
it is called Water Beech and Plane Tree. The last
would be most appropriate, if we were governed in
our choice by the application of the names of kindred
species in Europe. The Sycamore of Europe is a
species of 3Iaple^ having no relationship with what
we call by that name.
This tree, like the Planes of the old Continent so
much celebrated by the ancients, is among the largest
in the Temperate Zones. It is common over the
United States on the borders of streams, where the
soil is moist and fertile, conspicuous for its white
bark and the stately size of its trunk. In such situ-
ations it is found throughout the State, but is least
abundant in the Lower District. Although occa-
sionally found here of large dimensions, it is not of
such size as in the virgin forests of the West, where
this tree has its peculiar home, and where it is some-
times seen without branches to the height of 60 to
70 feet, and with a circumference of 40 to 50 feet.
A hollow section of a trunk was once used in Ohio
as a bar-room ; — the same, I believe, now exhibited
in a New York Museum. This reminds us of the
famous Plane tree of Lycia, mentioned by Pliny,
whose hollow trunk gave shelter for a night to Licin-
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 127
ius Mutianus and a retinue of eighteen persons. Its
interior was 75 feet in circuit. The wood of our tree
becomes reddish in seasoning, of a fine close grain,
and takes a better polish than Beech^ to which it
bears some resemblance. As it is liable to warp, it is
not much used in cabinet work, except for bedsteads.
It decays rapidly by exposure to the weather, and is
therefore suitable for such articles only as are
thoroughly sheltered. The rapid growth, great size,
and thick shade of this tree, render it valuable for
avenues and shaded grounds.
Sweet Gum. (Liquidambar Styraciflua, Linn.) —
One of the most extensively diffused trees in North
America, it being found from Southern New England
to Mexico. It is from 40 to 70 feet high, and 2 to 3
in diameter. The wood is reddish, compact, fine
grained, and takes a fine polish. Though inferior to
Oak, it is suitable for objects requiring toughness
and solidity. When properly seasoned, it serves
w^ell in the upper frame-work of buildings, and lasts
better than any of the Red Oaks. It is sometimes
employed for lining the inside of Mahogany furniture,
to which it is well adapted by its color, lightness, and
fine grain. Though inferior to Black Walnut and
Cherry^ it is sometimes used for similar purposes in
the manufacture of furniture ; but is not durable un-
less sheltered from the air. The bruised leaves have
a resinous fragrance, and fresh ones are successfully
used in cases of dysentery. The dusty matter in the
ripe burs is only the abortive seeds. The fragrant
128 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
gum is the hardened juice. This is a beautiful tree,
especially in Autumn when the dying foliage has
taken its hue of deep crimson, and should be oftener
seen in private grounds.
Tulip Tree, or Poplar. (Liriodendron Tulipi-
fera, Linn.) — This tree is rarely surpassed in elegance
of form, in size, beauty of foliage, or showiness of
blossom, by any tree of the American forests. In
some of the Northern States it is called White Wood
and Canoe Wood. In Europe, where it has been long
and extensively introduced, it bears the name of Tu-
lip Tree (which has been adopted to some extent in
this country), from the resemblance of its flower to
that of a Tulip. This is much preferable to that of
Poplar (which it bears in this and the Western
States), because it has but little resemblance in any
particular to the true Poplars. It is native in all
parts of the State, but is not so common in the Lower
District as in others. It is from 60 to 100 feet high,
with a very straight tapering trunk, and has a diam-
eter of 2 to 3 feet. There is a stock on the South
Fork of Toe River, which is near 9 feet in diameter.
The wood is fine grained, works easily and takes a
^ood polish. It is heavier and more compact than
that of the Poplars, The heart is yellowish, and the
sap-wood white, though when grown in dry gravelly
soils the whole wood is white and coarser. These
are distinguished as Yellow and White Pojjlar, the
former being most valuable. For the rafters and
joists of buildings the timber is the best substitute
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 129
for Pine, Cedar and Cypress. The boards are often
used for the exterior and interior work of houses,
even for shingling, as they are durable and not liable
to split from the influences of heat and moisture. .
They are much used by coach, chair and trunk
makers, and are very valuable for all kinds of wood-
work requiring lightness, strength and durability.
The bark of the root, mixed with equal parts of
Dogivood bark, is a domestic remedy in intermittent
fever. Some physicians have employed it success-
fully alone, or accompanied with laudanum, in re-
mittent and intermittent fevers, cholera infantum,
hysterical afl'ections, and for worms ; but others have
denied its efiicacy. Dr. Darlington says that the
bark of the root and young tree is a valuable aromatic
bitter.
LINN OR LIME TREES.— These are handsome
trees, as well for their form as for the pleasing hue
and fine shade of their foliage. They are known in
the Northern States by the names of Lime. Tree and
WJiite Wood, but more generally by that of Bass
Wood. In Europe the species of this genus are called
Linden and Lime Trees. The wood is white and soft,
and is used for similar purposes with that of the Tu-
Up Tree, where the latter is not found, but is softer
and splits more readily. It is well adapted for turn-
ers' work, and is extensively used in the manufacture
of wooden ware. The inner bark, when macerated,
separates into broad fibres, which are used for making
180 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
coarse cordage and matting. In Europe this kind of
stuff is called Bast (whence the name of Bass Wood)^
and large quantities are exported from Russia. The
bark also contains a good deal of mucilage, from
which liniments are prepared for burns and scalds.
In Europe, the honey made from the flowers of the
Linn is considered the best in the world, and when
made exclusively from them, sells for more than
double the price of any other. The flowers of our
American species would very likely serve as well in
improving the quality of honey. There are but 3
species of Linn in the United States, and all are
found in North Carolina. The flowers of the Linn
are small, cream-colored, growing in loose clusters
upon a common stem which is attached to the middle
of a narrow, strap-like leaf or bract; — a character
that will distinguish these trees from all others.
1. American Linn. (Tilia Americana, Linn.) —
This is found from Canada to Georgia ; in this State
confined to the mountains and the upper part of the
Middle District. It is a handsome tree, 50 to 80
feet high, 1 to 4 in diameter. The leaves are 8 to 4
inches broad, heart-shaped, but one side smaller than
the other at the base, smooth or nearly so, and paler
green on the underside. The timber of this species
is considered more valuable than that of the others.
2. White Linn. (T. heterophylla. Vent.) —
More abundant in the Middle and Western States
than elsewhere. In this State it is most common in
the Upper District, but occurs sparingly in the Mid-
THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 131
die and Lower. It seldom exceeds 40 feet in height,
with a diameter of 12 to 18 inches. The young
branches have a smooth silver-gray bark, by which it
can be distinguished in Winter from the other species.
The leaves are quite large, 6 to 8 inches broad, deep
green above, and with a silver-white down under-
neath.
3. Southern Linn. (T. pubescens. Ait.)— This
is confined to the Lower Districts of the Southern
States, choosing cool fertile soils upon the borders of
swamps and rivers. It is 40 to 50 feet high, resem-
bling No. 1, of which it may be only a variety. The
leaves are 2 to 4 inches broad, shaped as in No. 1,
the edges with fewer and more distant teeth than in
No. 2, and with a rusty, thin, vanishing down on the
underside.
Sour Wood. Sorrel Tree. (Oxydendrum ar-
boreum, DC.) — This extends from Pennsylvania
southward, especially along the mountain valleys.
In our Lower District it is rare, not uncommon in
the Middle, but is most abundant in the lower parts
of the mountains. It is usually a small tree, but in
some localities, as on the upper waters of the Ca-
tawba, it attains a height of 50 to 60 feet, and a
diameter of 12 to 15 inches. The wood is of no value.
The leaves, which are not unlike those of the Peach,
are acid like Sorrel, from whence its names are de-
rived. These, in the absence of Sumach, are some-
times used for dyeing wool of a black color. The
small flowers, about the size and form of those of our
132 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
swamp Huckleberry, are in large loose clusters, which
hang in profusion over the branches with somewhat
of a plume-like grace, and make this tree one of the
ornaments of our woods.
Loblolly Bay. (Gordonia Lasianthus, Linn.) —
This pretty tree, belonging to the family of the Ca-
mellias^ belongs within the range of the Long-leaved
Pine, and is there confined, I think, to the branch-
swamps and bays w^ithin 100 miles of the coast. It
is from 50 to 70 feet high, with a diameter of 18 to
24 inches. When young, it is of a fine pyramidal
form; but with age the branches spread irregularly,
and the top, owing possibly to the brittleness of the
wood, seems subject to early decay. The leaves are
evergreen, with sharply toothed edges. The flowers
are about 2 inches broad, white, and somewhat fra-
grant, and young trees in blossom are very attractive.
The wood is of rosy hue, of fine texture and silky
lustre, but is light and brittle, and subject to rapid
decay, unless kept perfectly dry. The bark is valua-
ble for tanning, but is not abundant enough for ex-
tensive use. The fruit is a small, dry, woody capsule,
i to I inch long.
Snow Drop Tree. (Halesia tetraptera, Linn.) —
Found but a short distance beyond the northern line
of this State. In our Lower District it is very spar-
ingly distributed. In the Middle District I have not
seen it east of Surry and Mecklenburg, but from
thence westward to Cherokee it is not uncommon
along water courses, especially above that part of
THE TKEES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 133
their course where they are generally turbid. It is
ordinarily a small tree, from 10 to 25 feet high; but
upon some of our mountain streams it acquires nearly
double these dimensions. It is not of handsome
form ; but its clusters of white bell-shaped flowers
(similar to those of the garden Snoiv Drop) about half
an inch long, give it an aspect of much beauty when
in blossom. I have never seen it in cultivation, but
it deserves a conspicuous place in the cool moist parts
of ornamented grounds. The fruit is greenish and
slightly juicy when young, becoming dry. It has 4
winged angles, is about li inch long, with a bony
nut inside.
Planer Tree. (Planera aquatica, Gmel.) — This
tree, closely related to the Elm and the Hackherry^ is
rare in the Atlantic States and unknown north of
the Cape Fear River. From thence southward it is
found on the borders of streams and swamps, and
may very easily be mistaken, at a little distance, for
tlie Hornbeam. It is from 20 to 40 feet high, and 8
to 15 inches in diameter. The wood is said to be
hard and strong, but is too rare with us to be 6f any
use. The leaves are about 1^ inch long, and much
like those of our Small-leaved Elm. The flowers are
in a small, round greenish cluster about the size of
small Peas and appearing before the leaves. The
fruit is a nut covered with warty scales, quite small.
THE
Shrubs of North CaroHna,
Under this head will he included those woody
plants which do not ordinarily exceed 20 feet in
height, whatever may be their form. So many of
these are without names, and there is such a variety
in their fruits or seed-vessels, that I cannot make so
intelligible an arrangement of them for popular use
as I have done for the Trees. Still, I hope that most
of them, and all that are of any importance, can be
identified without much difficulty. They Avill be ar-
ranged, like the Trees, according to the character of
their fruit, under the two primary divisions of the
Fleshy Fruited and Bry Fruited^ beginning with the
former.
Quite a number of shrubs have been already de-
scribed under the class of Trees, wherever a genus
included both classes.
RED HAWS. — Thorny shrubs, sometimes tree-
shaped, with white flowers, mostly in flat topped
clusters, and colored (generally red) fruit containing
1 to 5 bony seeds.
1. Scarlet Haw. (Cratsegus coccinea, Linn.)
THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 135
— Grows in the Middle and Upper Districts, 6 to 12
feet high, with stout thorns 1 and 2 inches long. The
leaves are smooth and thin, about 2 inches long and
broad, cut into several small segments on each side.
The fruit is bright red, ^ inch or more long, and
eatable.
2. Washington Thorn. (C. cordata. Ait.) —
I have seen this only in the Middle District. It is a
very beautiful shrub when in blossom, as may be
seen on the Cape Fear near Averasboro in May. It
is from 10 to 20 feet high, the thorns about 2 inches
long, and rather slender. The leaves are 2 to 3
inches long, cut into 3 divisions somewhat like
those of the Red Maple. The fruit is bright crimson,
about i inch long.
3. Parsley-Leaved Haw. (C. apiifolia, Michx.)
— This, so closely resembling the ffaivthorn of Eng-
land, is found in the Lower and Middle Districts.
The leaves are about 1 inch long, and much cut up
into small divisions, from which this handsome shrub
or small tree derives its name, and by which it is
easily distinguished from all the other species. The
fruit is red and about i inch long.
4. CocKSPUR Thorn. (C. Crus-galli, Linn.) — The
most abundant of our Thorns or Rmvs^ and found in
all the Districts. It is 10 to 20 feet high and armed
with sharp thorns 2 inches or more long. The leaves
are about 2 inches long, rather thick and stiff, shin-
ing green above, somewhat tapering from the upper
part downward, and toothed above the middle. The
^
136 THE SHKUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
fruit is red, about i inch long. This is our best
species for hedging. But it shoukl be remembered
that none answers well if left at random to an up-
ward growth, and is not well laid and so regularly
trimmed or cut in as to take a lateral growth and to
branch freely near the ground.
5. Black Thorn. (C. tomentosa, Linn.) — A
shrub or small tree in the Middle and Upper Districts,
with large clusters of flowers, which are I inch or
more broad, and a round or pear-shaped, edible fruit,
which is orange-red and about I inch long. The
leaves are 3 to 5 inches long, of an oval or oblong
form, finely toothed and sometimes cut at the summit,
somewhat hairy on the underside, and more or less
furrowed along the veins above.
There is a form of this (var : punctata, Gray) very
common on the tops of our mountains, with the
leaves smaller, more narrowed towards the base, and
the furrows on the upper surface deeper, and the
veins more prominent beneath. The fruit is rounds
3^ellowish or dull red, sprinkled with whitish dots.
6. Narrow-Leaved Thorn. (C. spathulata,
Michx.) — Not uncommon in the Lower and Middle
Districts, 10 to 15 feet high, with quite small flowers
and fruit, but rather ornamental. The leaves are
smooth and shining, 2 to I2 inch long, i to i inch
wide, toothed at the upper end and tapering from
near the top down to the stem. The fruit is red and
in numerous clusters.
7. Summer Haw. (C. flava, Ait.) — A small tree
THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 137
15 to 20 feet high, in sandy woods, with fruit i to |
inch thick, pear-shaped, and greenish-yellow. The
leaves are 2 to 3 inches long, wedge-shaped, the
lower part tapering into a short stem with small dark
glands on the edges. The flowers but from 2 to 5 in
a cluster.
-^ 8. Hairy Thorn. (C. glandulosa, Michx.) — A
small tree with coarse bark and spreading branches,
and the leaves, branchlets and flower stems covered
with soft hairs, especially when young. The leaves
are about 1 inch long, rather thickish, wedge-shaped,
the edges generally dotted with dark glands. The
fruit is small, round, and red. The flowers are 3 to 6
in a cluster.
9. Dwarf Thorn. (C.parvifolia, Ait.) — A small
shrub 2 to 5 feet high, very common in sandy woods
throughout the Lower and Middle Districts, and with
a whitish down on most of its parts. The leaves are
i to li inch long, broad, wedge-shaped, toothed, with
hardly an}^ stem. Flowers solitary, or 2 or 3 together.
Fruit round or pear-shaped, greenish-yellow, rather
large and dry.
^ Barberry. (Berberis Canadensis, Pursh.) —
Found in Lincoln, thence westward, especially in
Buncombe, Haywood and Macon Counties. It is not
known to exist north of Virginia, and is the only na-
tive Barberry in the United States. The European
species (B. vulgaris) is thoroughly naturalized in
New England. Ours is a pretty shrub, 2 to 4 feet
high and somewhat prickly. The fruit is an oblong,
138 THE SHRUBS OF NOETH CAROLINA.
red and acid berry, which makes an agreeable con-
serve, and a cooling drink in fevers. The leaves are
also slightly acid. It is probable that this, like the
European species, which it closely resembles, would
furnish a yellow color by boiling the roots in lye ;
and that the inner bark of the stems would dye linen
of a fine yellow with the assistance of alum.
GOOSEBERRIES AND CURRANTS.— These
belong to one genus, but are distinguished — the
former, by the small sharp thorns at the base of the
leaves, sometimes the fruit being prickly, and gener-
ally (al\va3'S in the North Carolina species) by the
flower stems having from 1 to 3 flowers ; the latter,
by the absence of thorns, smaller fruit (never prickly),
and the flowers numerous in long clusters. They
are found only in the mountains.
-^ 1. Prickly Gooseberry. (Ribes Cynosbati,
Linn.) — Distinguished from the others by its prickly
fruit, which is brownish when ripe, and eatable.
2. Smooth Gooseberry. (R. rotundifolium,
Michx.) — This is 3 .to 4 feet high, the leaves 1 to 2
inches broad, about half the size of the preceding, the
fruit small, purple when ripe, and of fine flavor.
^- 3. Slender Gooseberry. (R. gracile, Michx.) —
Very similar to No. 2, but every way more slender
and delicate, and quite rare.
4. Fetid Currant. (R. prostratum, L'Her.) — -
Occurring chiefly upon rocks on our highest moun-
tains and generally spreading on the ground. The
THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 139
berry is covered with bristles and is not pleasant
flavored. The wliole plant exhales a disagreeable
musky odor, which will readily distinguish it.
5. Bristly Currant. (R. resinosum, Pursh.) —
This was discovered in our mountains by Fraser, I
have not myself met with it. It is covered in every
part, not excepting the fruit, with resinous glandular
hairs, by which it may be recognized.
HUCKLEBERRIES.— The fruit so called in this
State is comprised in two genera ; the first (Gaylus-
sacia) including those Avhich have a black or blackish
berry, and leaves generally covered with small gland-
ular dots ; the second (Vaccinium) including those
with a blue^ red or gree7iish berry. The blue ones
are known in some States as Blueberries or Bilberries,
The red are Cranberries. The greenish one is in this
State called Gooseberry/ and Beerberry,
1. Blue Huckleberry. (Gaylussacia frondosa,
Torr. and Gr.) — Common in the Lower and Middle
Districts on the borders of low grounds, 2 to 3 feet
high, with pale, somewhat wrinkled leaves, which are
whitish underneath, and 1 to 3 inches long. The
berries are dark blue, large and sweet, perhaps the
finest flavored we have, ripening in June.
2. Dwarf Huckleberry. (G. dumosa, Torr. and
Gr.) — A low species about a foot high, with creeping
roots, very common in dry Avoods of the Lower and
Middle Districts. It is somewhat hairy and glandu-
lar, the leaves broad, wedge-shaped, green on both
140 THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
sides, and the fruit smooth, black and insipid. A
larger form of this (var : hirtella) has the berries also
hairy.
3. Black Huckleberry. (G. resinosa, T. and
Gr.) — Belongs to the Middle and Upper Districts, 2
to 3 feet high and much branched. The leaves are
2 to 3 inches long, and thickly sprinkled with resin-
ous atoms. The berries are black, shining and very
pleasant. There is a white variety of this, found in
the mountains by Mr. Buckley.
4. Bear Huckleberry. Bearberry. (G. ur-
sina, Gray.) — Found on the sides of the mountains
south of the French Broad River, 2 to 3 feet high, and
resembling No. 3. But in the latter the flowers are
cylindrical ; in the Bearberry cup-shaped. The berry
is purplish or dark red, insipid and dry, ripening in
July and August.
1. Swamp Huckleberry. (Vaccinium corym-
bosum, Linn.) — Abundant in swampy grounds of the
Lower and Middle Districts, and probably extending
into the Upper. It is from 5 to 10 feet high, with
very variable leaves, but generally thin, pale and
smooth. The berries are large, deep blue, subacid
and pleasant, ripening in May and June.
There is a variety of this (var: atrococcum. Gray),
having a similar range and locality and size, but
much less common, with thicker leaves, which are
white-downy underneath, and with berries dark blue.
Dr. Hunter finds this variety with a white berry in
Lincoln and Burke Counties.
THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 141
^ 2. Pale Dwarf Blueberry. (V. ConstabLTi,
Gray.) — About 1 foot higli, abundant on the bald
summit of Roan Mountain (where it was first dis-
criminated by Prof. Gray,) and not unlikely on others.
It is of a pale whitish aspect, with leaves 1 to 2 inches
long, and blue sweet berries.
3. (V. tenellum, Ait.) — Common on the borders of
small swamps in the Lower District and extending
somewhat into the Middle ; about 2 feet high, with
green, angled branches. The leaves are 2 to 1 inch
long, narrow, wedge-shaped, slightly toothed at the
top, and of a bright green. Berries black, small, of
little worth.
-M:. Bristly Huckleberry. (Y.hirsutum, Buck-
ley.)— Discovered in the Cherokee Mountains by Mr.
Buckle}^ and easil}^ recognized by its bristly branches,
leaves, flowers and fruit.
"' 5. Deerberry. Gooseberry. (V. stamineum,
Linn.) — Very common all over the State in dry
woods, 1 to 4 feet high, and very pretty when in
blossom. The berries are greenish-white, sour and
astringent, larger than any other of our Huckle-
berries.
-^ 6. (V. erythrocarpon, Michx.) — A shrub 2 to 4 feet
high, found upon Grandfather, Flat Top and Roan
Mountains. The leaves are rather liairy and with
small teeth on the edges. The flowers liave long divis-
ions that are rolled backwards precisely like those of
the Cranberry. The fruit is small, reddish or purplish,
and insipid, somewhat like that of the Bearherry.
142 THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
7. Sparkleberry. (V. arboreum, Miclix.) —
Found from the coast to Cherokee, 8 to 20 feet high,
the leaves smooth, rather stiff and shining. They
are evergreen, at least in the Lower District. The
fruit is black and small, dry, granular and slightly
astringent, but of pleasant flavor, ripening in Octo-
ber. When in blossom it is quite a showy shrub.
The bark of the root is very astringent, and is
used in chronic dysentery.
8. Creeping Huckleberry. (V. crassifolium,
Andr.) — A small species Avith stems (1 to 2 feet
long) creeping close upon the earth in wet savannas
of the Lower District. The leaves are small, i to i
inch long, evergreen, thick and shining. The fruit
is red, becoming black, tasteless.
-- 9. Cranberry. (V. macrocarpon. Ait.) — A small
trailing plant with pale evergreen leaves, common in
the mountain swamps of Ashe and Yancey, and also
in Pasquotank, Hyde and other counties in the
north-eastern part of the State. The fine acid fruit
of this plant is well known and universally esteemed.
Coral Berry. (Symphoricarpus vulgaris, Michx.)
— A small shrub, 2 to 3 feet high, frequent in arid
gravelly soils, especially by road sides, throughout
the Middle District. The leaves are rather stiff,
about 1 inch long, downy beneath. The flowers are
of no beauty, but the compact clusters of dark red
berries in the fork of nearly all the leaves, and which
hang on through the Winter, have made it an object
of attention among gardeners and florists. This is
THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 143
sometimes so much of a nuisance on plantations, on
account of its creeping tangled roots, as to have
gained the uncouth name of DeviVs shoe-strings.
Bermuda or French Mulberry. (Callicarpa
Americana, Linn.) — Quite common in light soils and
dry, open woods of the Lower District, especially
along fence-rows and the borders of settlements. It is
3 to 6 feet high, with coarse, rough, grayish unsightly
leaves, which are 4 to 5 inches long and round-
toothed on the edges. But in Winter the numerous
clusters of light-purplish berries which encircle the
summit of the branches at regular intervals for 12 or
18 inches, give it a very striking and pleasing appear-
ance. These berries are juicy, slightly aromatic and
sweetish, and are sometimes eaten, but are probably
not very wholesome.
""^^ Mistletoe. (Phoradendron flavescens, Nutt.) —
Well known throughout the State, and needing no
description. With us it seems to prefer the Oaks
and Locust^ but at the North and West, Elms and
Hickories, Deer are very fond of this plant. This
is a different plant from the European Mistletoe, the
aureus ramus of Virgil.
1. High Blackberry. (Rubus villosus, Ait.) —
This is our common Blackberry of the swamps and
fallow lands, 4 to 10 feet high, and the leaves slightly
hairy or smooth, and green on both sides. It is
found throughout the State. The root of this is
slightly astringent, and is a popular remedy for
diarrhoea.
n
144 THE SHRUBS OF ^"ORTH CAROLINA.
2. Low Blackberry. (R. cuneifolius, Piirsli.) —
Common in old fields and by road sides in the Lower
and Middle Districts, 2 to 4 feet high, the leaves
white and downy beneath. Smaller in all parts than
No. 1, the berries generally sweeter.
3. Dewberry. (R. trivialis, Michx.) — Generally
well known under this name, but most abundant in
the Middle District. This is a trailing species with
smooth green leaves, growing mostly in dry soils, and
with larger, sweeter fruit than the preceding.
4. Swamp Blackberry. (R hispidus, Linn.) —
A prostrate species like the preceding, found in the
mountain swamps, but every way more delicate, with
thinner leaves, and with weak prickles that hardly
deserve the name. Fruit black, small and sour.
5. Black or Purple Raspberry. (R. occiden-
talis, Linn.) — Grows on the borders of woods and in
thickets through the Middle District. The fruit is
very pleasant but rather dry, and much inferior to
the cultivated species.
6. Flowering Raspberry. (R. odoratus, Linn.)
— Found only in the mountains along rivulets and in
cool, shaded ravines. This is without prickles, but is
covered with clammy hairs, is 4 to 5 feet high, and
has leaves 6 to 7 inches long, divided into about 5
short segments. The flowers are quite ornamental,
about 2 inches broad and looking like a small single
Rose. The fruit is broad, red and dry, but pleasant
flavored.
' 1. Swamp Rose. (Rosa Carolina, Linn.) — This
THE SHKUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 145
is from 3 to 6 feet high, is generally confined to low
damp grounds, and has stout, Jioohed prickles.
\^ 2. Wild or Dwarf Rose. (R. lucida, Ehrh.) —
f\ Generally prefers dry soils, and is found in all the
Districts. It is about half the size of No. 1, has the
leaves shining on the upper side, and has straight
prickles, which will distinguish it from the preceding.
3. Sweet Brier. (R. rubiginosa, Linn.) — Ex-
tensively naturalized along roads and about settle-
ments, especially in the Middle District, and easily
recognized by the pleasant fragrance derived from
the rusty colored glands on the underside of the
, leaves. This is sometimes known as the Eglantine.
^ 4. Cherokee Rose. (R. hievigata, Michx.) — Cul-
' tivated in the Lower and Middle Districts, often
trained over fences, and, if well managed, serves
well for hedging. It is remarkable for its smooth,
dark, evergreen leaves and white single flowers. It
is singular that the native region of this Rose is
unknown.
^ 1. Elder. (Sambucus Canadensis, Linn.) — There
is no portion of the State, except the higher parts of
the Mountains, where this shrub is not found. Its
leaves are smooth and its berries dark purple. Tlie
inner bark is of popular use in ointments for sores.
An infusion of the leaves is sometimes used for ex-
pelling insects from vines, &c. An infusion of the
dried flowers is a domestic remedy for colds. The*
ripe berries afford a delicate test for detecting acids
and alkalies.
ff'
^
146 THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
2. Red-Berried Elder. (S. pubens, Michx.) —
Grows only on the higher Mountains above the
range of the preceding, from which it is at once dis-
tinguished by its red berries and the downy under-
side of its leaves. It belongs chiefly to a high lati-
tude.
1. Black Haw. (Viburnum prunifolium, Linn.)
— Common in rather dry rich soils from the coast to
'jy. the lower part of the Upper District, 8 to 15 feet
high, handsome when in flower. The blossoms are
small, white, in flat clusters, which are two or three
inches broad, and destitute of a common stem. The
leaves, 1 or 2 inches long, are smooth and shining
above. The fruit is about half an inch long, bluish-
black, sweetish and eatable.
y 2. Possum Haw. (V. nudum, Linn.) — Has a
similar range with No. 1, and grows in cold swampy
grounds, 6 to 12 feet high. The flower-clusters in
this are supported on a short common stem. The
leaves are larger and of thicker texture than in the
former, dull green above, and covered with rusty
scales beneath. The fruit is a deep blue. In the
Mountains I have heard this called Shawnee Haw.
There is a form of this (var: angustifolium), with
smaller, narrower, and brighter leaves, which I have
met with in Henderson County.
. 3. (V. obovatum, Walt.) — A shrub or small tree,
growing on the banks of streams, but not common
in this State. The leaves are i to 1 inch long, rather
thick, smooth, broader at the upper end, and faintly
THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 147
toothed. The flower-clusters are without a general
stem. The fruit is black.
4. Sheep Berry. (V. Lentago, Linn.) — Found
only in the Mountains, 10 or 15 feet high. The
leaves are rather thin, 3 to 4 inches long, smooth,
with a tapering point, sharply toothed, their stem
and middle nerve beneath, together with the flower
branches, sprinkled with rusty atoms. The fruit is
first red, then bluish-black, and is eatable when fully
ripe.
5. Arrow-wood. (V. dentatum, Linn.) — Grows
in low grounds of the Lower and Middle Districts,
but is not very common. It is 8 to 12 feet high,
with ash-colored bark, and by the flowers and fruit
would be at once recognized as belonging to the
same genus as Nos. 1 and 2. The leaves are round-
ish, 2 or 3 inches long, coarsely and sharply toothed,
thin and smooth, the lateral veins quite straight, and
deeply impressed above. The fruit is roundish and
deep blue, and slightly rough. The young straight
branches of this were used by the Lidians for mak-
ing arrows.
6. Downy Arrow-wood. (V. pubescens, Pursh.)
— Very similar to No. 5, but smaller, 3 or 4 feet
high, the underside of the leaves down}', and grow-
ing only in the rocky soil of the Mountains.
7. Maple-leaved Arrow- wood. (V. acerifo-
lium, Linn.) — A shrub 2 to 5 feet liigh, found in the
Mountains and on rocky liills of the Middle District, as
low down as Orange, with leaves 3 or 4 inches long.
148 THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
shaped like those of a Maple. The berries are whitish,
becoming purplish-black. The slender stems, by re-
moving the pith, make good fuse-sticks for blasting,
and will serveeqnally well for blasts'of tobacco-smoke.
8. HoBBLE-BusH. Tangle-Legs. (V. lantanoides,
Michx.) — A small straggling shrub found in cold,
damp places in the Mountains. The branches spread
upon the ground, and, taking root at their ends, form
well secured loops for tripping the feet of inexperi-
enced wayfarers; a habit which has been revenged
upon by the unlucky, in the names imposed upon it
of American Wayfarer s Tree and the DeviVs Shoe-
strings. The leaves are 3 to 6 inches broad, heart-
shaped, very veiny, the underside having a rusty
down. The berries are first crimson, then black.
The flowers on the margin of the broad clusters of
this species are very large (by abortion), like those
of the well-known Snow-ball of our Gardens, which
is a species (V. Opulus) of this genus.
^ Prickly Ash. (Aralia spinosa, Linn.) — Found
in tolerably rich soil from the coast to Cherokee, but
not very abundant in any locality. It is seldom 20
feet high with us, and is remarkable for its straight,
club-shaped, prickly stem or trunk, with the com-
pound leaves spreading like those of a Palm from its
summit. An infusion of the fresh bark of the root
is emetic and cathartic, and is employed, as are also
the berries, in spiritous infusion, in rheumatic affec-
tions. These are thought by some to be also a valu-
able remedy for the bite of a rattlesnake.
THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 149
' Privet. (Ligustrum viilgare, Linn.) — Occasion-
ally naturalized about settlements. Berries black.
This is suited for low hedges.
1. Spice Bush. (Benzoin odoriferum, Nees.) —
Known also as Spice Wood, Wild Allspice., and Fever
Bush. Grows in damp woods throughout the State,
and, wherever found, known under one or other of
these names. It is a strongly scented shrub, smooth,
3 to 6 feet high, with dark red berries, and leaves 3
or 4 inches long. An infusion of the twigs is some-
times used in country fevers, and for sickly cattle in
the Spring.
2. (B. melissaefolium, Nees.) — Belongs to tlie
Lower and Middle Districts in low grounds and on
the borders of shallow ponds, 2 or 3 feet high, leaves
silky on both sides, 1 or 2 inches long, slightly heart-
shaped ; berries red. I am indebted to Dr. McRee
and Prof. Mitchell for my knowledge of this species.
Pond Bush. (Tetranthera geniculata, Nees.) —
Occupies small ponds in the Lower District, giving
a gray smoky aspect to these localities. It is rarely
met with in the lower part of the Middle District.
It is 10 or 15 feet high, with smooth, zigzag branches,
and small oval leaves, i to 1 inch long, and red
berries.
This and the genus next preceding are closely
related to the Sassafras, and, like it, have small 3'el-
lowish flowers which appear before the leaves.
Leather-wood. (Dirca palustris, Linn.) — Widely
diffused over the country, but in this State occurring
150 THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
sparingly upon shaded rivulets in the Middle and
Upper Districts. It is 3 to 5 feet high, and the
branches have such a tough and pliable bark that
they make excellent ligatures, for which they were
used by the Indians, and from which the shrub de-
:; rives its name. The fruit is a small reddish berry.
Carolina Buckthorn. (Frangula Caroliniana,
Gray.) — A thornless shrub, 4 to 6 feet high, belong-
ing to moderately fertile soils in the Middle and
Lower Districts, but rare in the latter. The leaves are
3 or 4 inches long, 1 or 2 wide, dark green, smooth and
shining, and ribbed with very straight parallel veins.
The berry is blackish, of the size of a small pea.
V 1. Sumach. (Rhus copallina, Linn.) — Very com-
mon throughout the State, usually 6 to 10 feet high,
sometimes a small tree 15 feet high, readily distin-
guished by its common leaf-stem being margined or
winged between the leaflets. The crimson hairs on
the berries possess a strong acid, (said to be Malic,)
an infusion of which, with sugar, makes an agreeable
cooling beverage, and, without sugar, is a very use-
ful gargle for weak or sore throats.
2. Smooth Sumach. (R. glabra, Linn.) — This is
6 to 10 feet high, growing in the Middle and Upper
Districts, and is remarkably smooth in all its parts. A
milky juice issues from the wounded bark. The large
clusters of red fruit are more compact than in No. 1,
having an acid secretion as in that. The branches
and leaves are astringent, and are used for tanning.
3. Staghorn Sumach. (R typhina, Linn.) — Be-
THE SHRUBS OP NORTH CAROLINA. 151
longs to the Upper District, 10 to 20 feet high, the
branches and flower stalks densely and rather softly
hairy, soniewhat like a Deer's horn " in the velvet."
The leaflets are narrow and tapering. The bark issues
a milky juice, and the berries are acid, as in No. 2.
The wood is orange colored and aromatic. The bark
and branches are used for tanning. The large clusters
of purple fruit, and a fine foliage, render this species
quite ornamental.
4. Dwarf Sumach. (R. pumila, Michx.)— This
has a general resemblance to No. 3, especially in the
dense hairiness of the young branches, but the leaflets
in this are much shorter, broader and more coarsely
toothed, and the plant is only 1 to 3 feet high, mostly
spreading over the ground. It is rather rare, but oc-
curs in the Lower and Middle Districts, especially in
Mecklenburg, where it was originally discovered by
the elder Michaux. Pursh has represented it as be-
ing very poisonous, but it is perfectly harmless, as
are all the preceding species.
5. Poison Sumach. (R. venenata, DC.) — Found
in all the Districts in cool swampy situations, where
it is somewhat conspicuous by its smooth green bark
and pink-colored leaf-stems. To most persons it is
exceedingly poisonous, some even being aflected by
proximity to it, especially while rain or dew is evap-
orating from it. Others, however, can handle it with
safety. The juice of this is a good varnish, like tliat
of the Japan Sumach (R. vernicifera), which is a very
similar and was once supposed to be the same species.
152 THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
6. Poison Oak. (R. Toxicodendron, Linn.) — A
small shrub, 1 to 2 feet high, well known by this name
from the. coast to the lower part of the Upper District.
It is less poisonous than No. 5, but is too mischievous
to be meddled with by persons who are sensitive to
this chiss of poisons. The juice is an indelible ink
upon linen.
It has been stated very positively in some quarters
that the dreaded disease, known in our Mountains
and at the West by the name of Milk Sickness, is
caused by the cattle eating of this Poison Oak. But
our Lower and Middle Districts abound in this plant,
where this disease is not now heard of, while in those
portions of the Mountains where cattle are affected
with it, and which I have examined with special ref-
erence to ascertaining its origin, this plant is not
found, nor any other poisonous plant which is not
common elsewhere. Besides, it is well known that
cattle do not take the disease if kept from those
grounds till the dew has evaporated. Its cause is yet
a mystery, but I am satisfied it is telluric.
The Mountain Tea or Wi^itergreen^ (Gaultheria
procumbens, Linn.) so well known in the Mountains,
rarely in the other Districts, for its aromatic spicy
leaves and berries, is an evergreen shrub, but so small
that it would not generally be considered such.
The next two genera have a fleshy fruit, but too
large to come under the class of Berries. They are
well known by their names.
1. Papaw. (Asimina triloba, Dunal.) — Not un-
THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 153
common in rich bottom lands of the Middle District,
10 to 15 feet high, but in the primitive soil of the
Western States sometimes 30 feet. The flowers are
dull dark-purple, over an inch wide. The fruit is
about 3 inches long by 1^ thick, yellow, and filled
with a soft sweet pulp which is edible, but does not
seem to be agreeable to most persons. The bark of
the trunk and root exhales a very heavy unpleasant
odor. The wood is remarkably light and spongy.
2. Dwarf Papaw. (A. parviflora, Dunal.) — A
small shrub similar to No. 1, but smaller every way,
found in waste grounds in the Lower District, and in
thin woods of the Middle and lower part of the Up-
per District. It is from 2 to 5 feet high, the leaves
4 to 6 inches long, (about half the size of the pre-
ceding,) the greenish-purple flowers i inch long and
of unpleasant odor. Fruit in clusters, about an inch
long.
1. Spanish Bayonet. (Yucca aloifolia, Linn.) —
A native of the coast from North Carolina south'^vard,
frequently cultivated in the Lower District, and very
showy when capped by its large cluster of white bell-
shaped flowers. It is 4 to 8 feet high, its stiff leaves
(12 or 18 inches long) tipped with a very sharp
thorny point, and their edges very rough.
2. (Y. gloriosa, Linn.) — Found also on the sand}^
coast, similar to the preceding, but smaller, and the
leaves smooth on the edges.
V 3. Bear Grass. (Y. filamentosa, Linn.) — Com-
mon in sandy fields nearly throughout the State, well
154 THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
known bj the tliread-like filaments on the edges of
the leaves, and admired for the beauty of its flowers,
borne in clusters upon a naked stem 4 to 6 feet high.
The two next genera w^ould be most generally
ranked among Stone-fruit^ though the shell of tlie
second is very thin, and covered by a very thin flesh.
Fringe Tree. (Chionanthus Virginica, Linn.) — -
Sometimes called Old Mans Beard. We have no
shrub of softer and more delicate beauty than this,
when draped in its clusters of snow-white, fringe-like
flowers. It is found northward to southern Pennsyl-
vania. In this State it grows in all the Districts, but
most abundantly in the Middle. It is sometimes 15
to 20 feet high, but flowers at the height of 2 or 3
feet. Its fruit has the appearance and odor of a green
plum, but I have never seen it produce fruit in the
Lower District. An infusion of the roots is a favor-
ite remedy in long standing intermittents and other
chronic diseases.
-4 Oil-nut. Buffalo Tree. (Pyrularia oleifera,
Gray.) — A bush 3 to 6 feet high, abundant through
our mountain range, and reaching north to the
mountains of Pennsylvania. The leaves are 8 to 4
inches long, becoming smooth, rather acrid to the
taste, and oily. The fruit is an inch or more long,
pear-shaped or roundish, with a thin ghell and large
oily kernel. The root has an unpleasant odor.
The remaining Shrubs, including those with Nuts,
are Dry-fruited and very various. The first Group
will include such as have^ dry seed-covers, containing
THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 155
small seeds and opening by partitions. The first
three genera have tubular small flowers like those of
the Huckleberry and Sorrel Tree.
1. Fetter-Bush. (Andromeda nitida, Bartr.) —
Found only in the Lower District in low Pine bar-
rens. It is 2 to 5 feet high, with the branches three-
angled, smooth throughout ; the leaves evergreen and
shining and rather thick, 1 to 2 inches long, not
toothed; the flowers clustered in the forks of the
leaves, white or reddish, with a sort of honey odor,
opening in March and April.
L^ 2. Stagger-Bush. (A. Mariana, Linn.) — Grows
"'^ in the Lower and Middle Districts, on the margin of
low grounds. It is 2 to 3 feet high and smooth.
The leaves are 1 to 2 inches long, not toothed, dull
green ; the flowering branches generally destitute of
leaves; the flowers in clusters along the branches,
near i inch long, white and showy, opening in April
and May.
'jL 3. (A. speciosa, Michx.) — A very handsome shrub
\^ growing in low wet grounds of Pine barrens in the
Lower District, 2 to 5 feet high and smooth. The
leaves are 1 to li inch long, toothed, dull green,
sometimes covered on the underside with a very white
bloom. The flowering branches are free from leaves,
6 to 12 inches long and very showy. The flowers
are larger than in No. 2, more bell-shaped, opening in
I ^ May.
^ 4. Pepper-Bush. (A. ligustrina, Muhl.) — This
occurs in all the Districts, but only in the lower part
■i
156 THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
of the Upper. It is 3 to 4 feet high, somewhat hairy.
The leaves are about 2 inches long, sharp pointed,
finely toothed, paler underside. The flowers are
small, almost globular, scurfy, in small clusters that
are leafy.
^ 5. (A. floribunda, Pursh.) — Rather rare, and be-
longing to the mountains, 4 to 8 feet high, the
younger branches reddish and covered with scattered
stiff hairs and glandular dots. The leaves are 1 to
li inch long, evergreen and rigid, rounded at base,
sharp at top, minutely scalloped, the youngest with
short hairs on the margin ; flowers in crowded leafy
clusters.
-^ 1. Dog Laurel. (Leucothoe Catesbsei, Gray.) —
Found only in the mountains, where it is also called
Hemlock, growing on the cool margins of streams.
It is 2 to 4 feet high, the leaves evergreen, 3 to 5
inches long and 1 inch broad, with a long tapering
point, prickly-toothed on the edges. Clusters of flow-
ers in the forks of the leaves. A very pretty shrub.
2. (L. axillaris, Don.) — On the borders of streams
and wet places in the Lower District, and very much
like No. 1. But the leaves are less prickly-toothed,
less tapering, 2 to 3 inches long, broader than in the
preceding, the clusters of flowers longer, and the
flowers longer.
-iw 3. (L. racemosa. Gray.) — Grows from the coast to
the base of the mountains, 4 to 8 feet high, on the
borders of wet places. The leaves are rather thin,
acute, finely toothed, 1 to li inch long. The flowers
THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 157
(i inch long) are on terminal straight branchlets, all
hanging to one side, and looking like rows of teeth,
the rows being 2 or 3 inches long.
-^4. (L. recurva. Gray.) — Discovered by Mr. Buckley
in the mountains near Paint Rock. It is 3 to 4 feet
high, the leaf and flower-branches recurved; the
leaves broader and more hairy than in No. 3, rounded
at base, finely toothed, scarcely tapering, 2 to 3 inches
long, deciduous as in No. 3.
(Cassandra calyculata, Don.) — A small shrub, 2 to
3 feet high, growing in damp grounds of the Lower
District, and not unlikely in the others. The ever-
green leaves are about 1 inch long, J inch wide, finely
toothed, rather stiff, and covered, like the young
branches, with small white scales. The flowers are
on terminal branchlets, quite small, solitary in the
forks of small leaves.
1. Laurel. (Rhododendron maximum, Linn.) —
This is rare north of Pennsylvania, but becomes
abundant southward in the Alleghanies, and is com-
mon through their whole range in this State, where
it often forms impenetrable thickets, many acres in
extent. It also grows upon rocky hills in the Mid-
dle District as far east as Orange. Its usual height
is 8 to 10 feet, but is sometimes as high as 20 feet.
This is a production of great beauty and universally
admired. The flowers, about an incli broad, grow in
compact clusters on the ends of the branches, and are
generally of a pale rose color, but sometimes whitish,
dotted with green and yellow on the inside. Thef^e
158 THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
contrast pleasingly with the large thick evergreen
leaves. The leaves and flowers are reputed poison-
ous. The wood is very hard and fine grained, but
not equal to that of Ivy.
2. Oval-Leaved Laurel. (R. Catawbiense,
Michx.) — This splendid Laurel is chiefly confined to
the highest summits of our mountains, but is said to
extend somewhat into Virginia. It is often con-
founded with the preceding, but besides its different
locality, growing only on the tops of such mountains
as the Roan in Yancey and Negro Mountain in Ashe,
it blossoms earlier than the other, though at a higher
elevation, has larger and more intensely colored flow-
ers, and shorter and broader leaves. It is 6 to 8 feet
high, and handsomer than No. 1. It stands cultiva-
tion pretty well in the Middle District.
, 3. Dwarf Laurel. (R. punctatum, Andr.) — A
rusty looking shrub, 1 to 2 feet high, chiefly confined
to the mountains of North Carolina and Georgia. It
has a strong family likeness to the other species, but
is too inferior to them in every respect to attract or
deserve much attention. I have met with it only on
Table Rock, Jonas' Ridge and Whiteside Mountain.
1. Smooth Honeysuckle. (Azalea arborescens,
Pursh.) — Found only along water courses in the
lower part of the Upper District, and is 4 to 10 feet
high. It is similar to the next, a common and well
known species ; but this has smooth branchlets,
leaves of brighter green above, and long calyx ap-
pendages at the base of the flower. The flowers are
THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 159
white and roseate, and their odor may be perceived
at a great distance ; this being the most powerfully
fragrant of our Honeysuckles. For cultivation this
will rank next in beauty to the Yellow Honeysuckle.
I-^TK^ 2. Clammy Honeysuckle. (A. viscosa, Linn.)
^^ — Very common through the State, 2 to 6 or 8 feet
high, the branchlets bristly, and the flowers covered
with clammy hairs. The flowers are white or flesh-
colored and very fragrant. In this and No. 1 the
flowers appear after the leaves have expanded. In
the next two species they appear before or with the
leaves.
A variety of this (var : glauca) occurs with paler
and rougher leaves, their underside covered with a
white bloom.
p-r "^^ 3. Purple Honeysuckle. (A. nudiflora, Linn.)
V — Very common in great varieties of soil through
the State, 2 to 6 feet high, but usually very small in
poor dry soils. The flowers vary from a flesh-color
to pink or purple, and are sometimes quite white.
They are destitute of fragrance.
^ 4. Yellow Honeysuckle. (A. calendulacea,
Michx.) — This is found only at a considerable eleva-
tion on our mountains, where it is abundant and
well known by the name here given. It is com-
monly from 3 to 6 feet high, and varies very much in
the color of its flowers, but most frequently they are
some shade of yellow. Bartram, in his " Travels,"
calls this the Fieri/ Azalea, and says : " This epithet
Fieri/ I annex to this most celebrated species of
160 THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Azalea^ as being expressive of the appearance of its
flowers, which are in general of the color of the finest
red lead, orange and bright gold, as well as yellow
and cream color. These various splendid colors are
not only in separate plants, but frequently all the
varieties and shades are seen in separate branches on
the same plant, and the clusters of blossoms cover
the shrubs in such incredible profusion on the hill-
sides, that suddenly opening to view from dark
shades, we are alarmed with the apprehension of the
woods being set on fire. This is certainly the most
gay and brilliant flowering shrub yet known."
1. Ivy. ' (Kalmia latifolia, Linn.) — A beautiful
shrub known from New England to Georgia, either
by the above name, or as Laiu^el, Mountain Laurel
and Calico Bush. In this State it is known under
the first and last names, the first being most in use.
It is most abundant in the mountains, but is found
along streams and on rocky hills of the Middle Dis-
trict, extending somewhat into the Lower, even into
the Dismal Swamp. This, in combination with the
Laurel^ which often accompanies it and blossoms at
the same time, presents a scene of floral beauty rarely
equaled in this country. Like the Laurel, this is an
evergreen, and forms also impenetrable thickets, but
its leaves are shining, much darker and smaller. It
is 10 to 15 and even 20 feet high.
The leaves are poisonous to cattle, and a snuff
made from them is a powerful sternutatory. An
ointment made from the powdered leaves has been
THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 161
successfully used for scald heads. The wood, par-
ticularly of the roots, is exceedingly hard, fine-
grained, marked with red lines, and capable of a
good polish. We have hardly any wood better
adapted for the handles of tools, small screws, and
similar articles. This and the Laurels can be raised
from seeds.
2. WiCKY. (K. angustifolia, Linn.) — This has an
extensive range over the United States. In this
State it is common on the small Pine-barren swamps
of the Lower Districts, but is rare in the others. It
is 1 to 3 feet high ; the leaves are 1 to 2 inches long
and i inch wide, pale green, paler underneath ; the
flowers roseate or crimson, about i inch broad, being
one-third the size of the preceding, but of the same
elegant form, and growing in clusters along the
branches. This is a beautiful undershrub and is
greatly improved by cultivation. It is a poisonous
plant, especially to sheep, and is in some places called
Sheep Laurel. A decoction' of the leaves is a domes-
tic remedy for cutaneous diseases in man and beast.
•^"3. (K. cuneata, Michx.) — Similar to the Wichy^
found in the Lower District, but very rare. It may
be distinguished from that by the flowers being
white at top and red at bottom, and by the leaves
being scattered along the branches, instead of grow-
ing in circles of three, as in No. 2.
^ Sand Myrtle. (Leiophyllum buxifolium. Ell.)
— A small evergreen shrub, 6 to 12 inches liigh,
looking somewhat like the Garden Box., with small,
162 THE SHRUBS OF KORTH CAROLINA.
dark green leaves, and small white flowers clustered
on the ends of the branches. It grows in sandj
woods of Brunswick County, and on the rocky sum-
mits of our mountains, from the Grandfather to
Whiteside.
'> False Heath. (Menziesia globularis, Salisb.) —
Common on the higher mountains, 3 to 6 feet high,
with thin, hairy, deciduous leaves, and small, reddish,
bell-shaped flowers, like those of a Huckleherry^ and
a small, woody seed-vessel, like those of Andro-
meda^ etc.
1. White Alder. Sweet Pepper-Bush. (Cle-
thra alnifolia, Linn.) — Grows near damp places in
the Lower and Middle Districts, 2 to 4 feet high.
The leaves are a little like those of the common
Alder^ but are smaller and narrower. The flowers
are small, white, and very fragrant, terminating the
branches in racemes which are 2 to 3 inches long.
A form of this (var : tomentosa) has leaves with a
white down on the underside.
"< 2. Mountain Pepper-Bush. (C. acuminata,
Michx.) — Quite an ornamental shrub, 10 to 15 feet
high, growing in the mountains from Ashe to Chero-
kee. Its leaves are thin, pointed, fine-toothed, and
5 to 6 inches long. The racemes of white flowers
are larger than in No. 1, and drooping.
'^»(Itea Virginica, Linn.) — At a little distance this
has some resemblance to the White Aldei\ but with a
smoother aspect, and the flowers are not fragrant.
It belongs to the borders of wet places from the
THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 163
coast to Lincoln, is 4 to 8 feet high, and has small
white flowers in drooping racemes, which are 3 to 5
inches long on the ends of the branches.
1. Wild Hydrangea. (Hydrangea arborescens,
Linn.) — A smooth shrub, 2 to 5 feet high, growing
along streams and on mountain and hill sides of the
Upper and Middle Districts. The leaves are 3 to 5
inches long, heart-shaped, pointed, toothed. The
flowers are whitish, in flat-topped clusters, some of
those on the margin being large and showy like those
of the cultivated Hydrangea.
V 2. Snowy Hydrangea. (H. radiata, Walt.) —
Found only on the mountains west of the Blue
Ridge from Yancey to Georgia. North of this it has
not, I think, been detected. It is from 3 to 6 or 8
feet high. The leaves are heart-shaped, 4 to 6 inches
long, the underside clothed with a thick, silvery-
white down. The barren flowers, which give this
genus the peculiarity for which it is admired, are in
this species found only around the border of the flat-
topped cluster, but are said to become much more
abundant in cultivation. They are of a pure white,
an inch or more broad. This pretty shrub would be
much prized in gardens, if there were not some more
showy species in cultivation.
n: 1. Syringa. (Philadelphus grandiflorus, Willd.)
— This very ornamental shrub, now common in our
yards and gardens, prized for its graceful, slender
branches and snow-white flowers, does not appear to
be abundant in this State. I am acquainted with
164 THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
but a single locality of it, which is in Hickory Nut
Gap ; though it is doubtless to be found along other
streams in the upper part of the State. It is 6 to 10
feet high, the. leaves about 2 inches long, pointed,
with few distant teeth, rather soft and hairy, and
tasting somewhat like Cucumbers. The flowers are
an inch or more broad.
>^ 2. Rough Syringa. (P. hirsutus, Nutt.) — Every
way smaller than No. 1, the leaves quite rough on
the upper side and whitish-downy beneath. This
grows on the French Broad River, a few miles below
Asheville.
1. Mock Orange. (Styrax grandifolia, Ait.) — A
very beautiful shrub, 3 to 12 feet high, with rather
large leaves, 3 to 6 inches long, and of a grayish
aspect from the presence of a whitish down on their
underside. The flowers are from 15 to 20 on loose
nodding racemes, white, very fragrant, in size and
form very similar to those of the Orange. It grows
on light rich soils in the Lower and Middle Districts,
as far west as Lincoln. This is well worthy of a
place in shrubberies, but has received but little
attention.
< 2. (S. Americana, Lam.) — Distinguished from No.
1 by its smooth, green leaves, 1 or 2 inches long, and
smaller flowers, only 3 or 4 on a raceme. It is 4 to
8 feet high, not inelegant, but of inferior beauty to
the other, and grows on the borders of swamps in
the Lower Distiict.
r 1. Bush Honeysuckle. (Diervilla trifida.
THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 165
Msench.) — A small, rather delicate shrub, 3 to 5 feet
high, with pointed toothed leaves which are 3 or 4
inches long, and have short foot-stalks. The flowers
are in clusters of (generally) 3 in the forks of the
upper leaves, greenish yellow, and funnel-shaped,
like those of the Woodbine, This is found only in
the mountains.
^ 2. (D. sessilifolia, Buckley.) — Like the preceding,
but larger in several particulars, and the leaves clasp
the branches, being destitute of a foot-stalk. Found
in the mountains.
/i-' 1. Strawberry Bush. (Euonymus Americanus,
Linn.) — A shrub 2 to 5 feet high, found in all the
Districts, and known by the names of Burning Bush,
FisJi-ivood, and Bursting Heart, besides the one first
given. The branches are square, straight but flex-
ible, very smooth, and about as green as the leaves.
The flowers are small, purplish or greenish, and un-
attractive. The fruit gives the plant a peculiar
beauty, for which chiefly it is prized in shrubberies.
This is of a bright crimson color when mature, and
covered with small w\irts which give it somewhat the
aspect of a small strawberry. This finally bursts
open, exposing its bright scarlet seeds.
v- 2. Burning Bush. (E. atropurpureus, Jacq.) —
Every way larger than the preceding, its flowers
dark purple, and the fruit smooth. I have not met
with it, and am indebted to Prof. Mitchell for my
knowledge of it as an inhabitant of this State.
^^^Stillingia ligustrina, Michx.) — A shrub with slen-
166 THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
der spreading branches, 6 to 12 feet high, very rare
in this State, and not found, I think, north of Cape
Fear River. The leaves are 1 to 3 inches long, not
toothed, the upper end obtuse, tapering at tlie lower
end, and with a short foot-stalk. For my knowledge
of this plant I am under obligations to Dr. McRee.
The Talloiv Tree (S. sebifera), cultivated farther
south, and the Queen's Delight (S. sylvatica), an her-
baceous plant of the Pine barrens, are members of
this genus.
1. (Stuartia Virginica, Cav.) — This and the Lob-
lolly Bay are the only representatives in this country
of the admired Camellia family, and the still more
important Tea Plant. It is one of our most beauti-
ful shrubs, and yet has nowhere, so far as I know,
obtained a popular name. It is found in rich soils
in the eastern half of our Lower District, extending
north into Lower Virginia, and southward to Flor-
ida. It is 6 to 15 feet high, blossoming in April and
May. The flowers are white, about the size of the
Cherokee Rose, silky on the outer side, covered on
the inner with a circle of stamens with bright purple
filaments and blue anthers.
2. (S. pentagyna, L'Her.) — Like the preceding,
without a name. It is similar to the preceding, only
its flowers are cream-colored and its staminate fila-
ments are white. Found in the Middle and Upper
Districts, from Wake to Cherokee. The seed-vessel
in these two is an ovoid woody capsule.
^/^OOTHACHE Tree. (Zanthoxylum Carolinianum,
THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 167
Lam.) — Known also by the names of Pellitory and
Prickly Ash. The last name, though more legitimate
in this application, is generally appropriated in this
State to another plant before described. It is a
small branching tree, 12 to 20 feet high, the old bark
covered with prickles, and peculiar to the southern
sea-coast. The bark, leaves, and fruit are aromatic
and intensely pungent, producing a rapid secretion
of saliva, and are a popular and useful application
for toothache. They would probably be generally
serviceable as a counter irritant.
1. Hardhack. (Spiraea tomentosa, Linn.) — An
erect branching pretty shrub, 2 or 3 feet high, com-
mon in low wet places of the Lower and Middle
Districts, and the lower part of the Upper. The
leaves are 1 to li inch long, oblong, coarse-toothed,
the under -side coated with a rusty-white down. The
flowers are rose-colored, small, clustered on the ends
of the branches in a compound raceme 3 or 4 inches
long.
2. Queen of the Meadow. (S. salicifolia, Linn.)
— This is similar to No. 1, and sometimes called
Meadow Sweety but is taller and the flowers generally
white. The leaves are larger, smoother and thinner.
It belongs to damp bushy places in the Middle Dis-
trict, and in valleys and along streams in the lower
part of the LTpper.
^ Nine Bark. (S. opulifolia, Linn.) — This is
found upon river banks in the western part of the
State, 6 to 10 feet high, with slender curved branches.
168 THE SHRUBS OF NOETH CAROLINA.
often spreading like a vine over other shrubs, and
covered with a profusion of fiat clusters of small,
white, but not showy flowers. Leaves about 2 inches
long and broad, divided into 3 segments, and coarsely
toothed. The reddish fruit is membranaceous, com-
posed of 3 to 5 sacs united at base. The old bark
peels off in thin layers.
Yellow Ro(^t. (Zanthorhiza apiifolia, L'Her.) —
A small shrubby plant, 1 or 2 feet high, generally
spreading on the ground, found on moist rocky hill-
sides of the Middle and Upper Districts. The leaves
are dark green and divided somewhat like those of
Parsley. The flowers are small, dark purple, in
loose slender clusters, appearing before the leaves.
The- roots are intensely bitter, of a yellow color, and
were used by the Indians in making a yellow dye.
-s^ Red Root. (Ceanothus Americanus, Linn.) —
Common in dry woods from the coast to the moun-
tains, 1 to 3 feet high, and the ends of the numerous
small branches having loose clusters (1 or 2 inches
long) of small white flowers supported on white foot-
stalks. The leaves are 1 or 2 inches long, sharply
toothed, and have 3 prominent veins. The root is
dark red and quite astringent, and is frequently used
in infusion, tincture, or powder, where astringency
is required. It is said also to furnish a dye of a cin-
namon color. The dried leaves served as a substi-
tute for Tea during the Revolution, and hence got
the name of New Jersey Tea. It is said to be quite
as good as some of the Black Teas.
THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 169
1. Indigo Bush. (Amorpha fruticosa, Linn.) —
A very pretty shrub, 6 to 15 feet high, growing upon
streams in all the Districts, but more frequent in the
• Lower. The flowers are small, dark purple, crowded
on spikes Avhich are 3 or 4 inches long and clustered
together. It is said to have been used for the manu-
facture of Indigo, but, I imagine, with not much
profit.
2. Dwarf Indigo Bush. (A. herbacea, Walt.) —
Like No. 1 in its whole habit, but only 2 or 3 feet
high, of a grayish aspect, and with the flowers whit-
ish or pale-blue. It is frequent in the barrens of the
Lower District. The leaves in these two species are
pinnate^ like those of the Locust and Hickory. The
fruit is a very small pod, sprinkled Avith glands.
He Huckleberry. (Cyrilla racemiflora, Walt.)
— This is an absurd name, but I have never heard any
other. This smooth shrub inhabits the borders of
swamps and branches in the Lower District, and is
10 to 15 feet high. The leaves are oblong, shining,
2 to 3 inches long. The small white flowers grow on
racemes that are 3 to 5 inches long, and that are clus-
tered on the ends of the previous year's growth, and
make this quite ornamental. The bark at the base
of the trunk pulverizes naturally, and is much used
as a styptic and in applications to old ulcers.
v^' (Buckleya distichophylla, Torr.) — A smooth shrub,
about 6 feet high, with slender grayish branches,
known only u})on the streams of this State that flow
westward, as the Pigeon and French Broad Rivers.
L
170 THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Its thin delicate foliage reminds one by its general
aspect of the English and Catalonian Jasmine of our
gardens. The flowers are greenish and inconspicuous.
The fruit is about i inch long, growing solitary on
the end of a branch.
.^ (Darbya umbellulata, Gray.) — Like the preceding,
a very rare plant, as yet known only in two or three
localities in Georgia, and in the bend of the Catawba,
near Lincolnton, in this State. It is 1 to 2 feet high,
with opposite branches and leaves, the latter ovate,
acute, entire, 1 to 2 inches long, 1 to li wide, rounded
at base, and with short foot-stalks. The flowers are
small, greenish, in a cluster of 3 to 8, which is borne
on a foot-stalk in the forks of the leaves.
-< Witch Hazel. (Hamamelis Virginica, Linn.) —
Well known by this name through the State It has
the peculiarity of flowering late in the Fall after the
leaves have dropped, and maturing its fruit in the
following Spring. Its popular name is derived from
the use made of its branches in discovering hidden
springs of water, minerals, etc. Other kinds, as of
the Peach, are indeed sometimes used fortius purpose,
but I venture to affirm that none in the whole veget-
able kingdom are better than those of Witch Hazel.
^ Dwarf Alder. (Fothergilla alnifolia, Linn.) —
Unknown north of Virginia. In this State it is
found from the coast to Lincoln. In the Lower Dis-
trict it is 1 to 2 feet high, often but a single un-
branched stem, terminated by a tuft of small white
flowers before the leaves appear. It grows here upon
THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CxVROLINA. 171
the borders of Pine-barren swamps, and is rarely
much branched. In the Middle District it is found
upon rocky hills, is 3 to 5 feet high, forming a
branched straggling shrub. The foliage varies a
good deal, so that several species have been made of
it by some authors; but the leaves are generally not
unlike those of Alder. The fruit is a hard capsule,
like that of Witch ITazel, and, like that, bursting
elastically and expelling the hard bony seeds to a
considerable distance.
Sweet Fern. (Comptonia asplenifolia. Ait.) —
A small shrubby plant, 1 or 2 feet high, with leaves
(3 or 4 inches long) much resembling some of the
Ferns, and possessing a grateful aromatic odor like
that of the Wax 3Tyrtle. It is found chiefly on rocky
or gravelly hills of the Upper and Middle Districts,
but is occasionally found in dry and sandy Avoods in
the upper part of the Lower. An infusion of this
plant i^ a popular remedy for dysentery.
Wax Myrtle. Candle-berry Myrtle. (Myrica
cerifera, Linn.) — A well-known shrub with fragrant
leaves, common in the Lower restrict, and found in
fruit from 1 to 18 feet in height. The small berry-
like nuts, which often hang two or three 3"ears on
the branches, are covered with a fragrant wax which
has been used in the manufacture of soap and can-
dles. The latter burn long and diffuse an agreeable
odor. A decoction of the berries has been used for
tetters and similar affections. The root is said to
be a specific for tooth-ache.
172 THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
^ 1. Hazel Nut. (Corylus Americana, Walt.) —
A shrub 4 to 8 feet high, found in our mountains,
and extending north to New England. The nut is
much esteemed, but is smaller and harder shelled
than the European Hazel or Filbert (C. Avellana).
2. Beaked Hazel Nut. (C. rostrata, Ait.) —
Of similar size and range with the preceding; but
this has the husk of the fruit prolonged into a beak
or horn, and it extends into the Middle District as
far down as Orange.
The remaining shrubs are so various in their fruit
and general habit, that, to save space, they are here
grouped miscellaneously together, most of them being
well known by their popular names.
Button Bush. Box. (Cephalanthus occiden-
talis, Linn.) — Common on the borders of streams
and swampy grounds in the Lower and Middle Dis-
tricts, always easily recognized by its round head of
small white flowers, which is about an inch in diame-
ter. It is 3 to 4 feet high, and very pretty when in
blossom. TheJnner bark of the roots is an agreeable
bitter, and is used for relieving obstinate coughs.
1. Shrubby Trefoil. Hop Tree. (Ptelea tri-
foliata, Linn.) — A shrub 4 to 8 feet high, belonging
to the upper part of the Middle District, with tri-
foliate leaves like those of Clover, the leaflets 2 to 3
inches long, somewhat hairy when young, pale on the
underside. The flowers are small, greenish-white, in
rather flat clusters, heavy-scented, which are suc-
ceeded by a flat, winged fruit, like that of the Elm,
THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 173
but an inch broad. The fruit is bitter, and used as a
substitute for Hops.
2. Downy Hop Tree. (P. mollis, M. A. C.)—
Every way smaller tlian No. 1, and found only in the
Lower District. Its leaves are more rigid, and the
underside covered with a permanent, wdiite, soft, silky
down.
Bladder Nut. (Staphylea trifolia, Linn.) — An
interesting shrub, 5 to 10 feet high, with greenish,
striped branches, trifoliate leaves, the leaflets 2 to 4
inches long, taper-pointed, finely toothed, and smooth.
The small white flowers are gathered into loose pen-
dulous clusters, which are succeeded by 3-angled
bladder-like pods about two inches long. I have met
with this only near Hillsborough and Chapel Hill,
but it is probably to be found along streams through
the Middle District.
; 1. Sweet Shrub. (Calycanthus floridus, Linn.)
— This plant, now so extensively cultivated, and
admired for the rich Strawberry odor of its flowers,
is a native of the southern Alleghanies. This spe-
cies may be known by the soft down on the under-
side of the leaves, and on the branchlets, etc. The
fruit of this genus is a sort of thick-skinned, bladdery
sac, li inch long, containing large seeds.
2. (C. Isevigatus, Willd.) — The leaves of this are
taper-pointed, smooth and green on both sides, some-
times a little rough above and pale beneath. This
is found in the mountains, and in the Middle Dis-
trict as low down as Orange.
174 THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
^ 3. (C. glaucus, Willd.)— This is found from Lin-
coln westward, and may be recognized by the white
under-surface of the leaf; a little rough on the
upper.
v^ 1. Alder. (Alnus serrulata, Ait. — Common on
small streams all over the State, and too well known
by the above name to need a description.
"< 2. Mountain Alder. (A. viridis, DC.) — Like
the above in habit and general characters, but the
underside of the leaves covered with a soft gray
down. It is known at the South, only upon the top
of Roan Mountain, from whence to northern New
York it is not found. It occurs in Europe.
1. Groundsel. (Baccharis halimifolia, Linn.) —
Grows in both brackish and fresh swampy grounds
of the Lower District. It is 6 to 12 feet high, of an
ashy hue from the whitish scales that cover the bark
and leaves. The small flower-heads are solitary, or
a few clustered together, borne on a foot-stalk. The
long, white, silky hairs of the seeds emerging from
the heads give the plant a pleasing appearance in the
Fall.
2. (B. glomeruliflora, Pers.) — Like the preceding,
but rarer and less showy, and has larger clusters of
flower-heads, destitute of the foot-stalk.
3. (B. angustifolia, Michx.) — Found in brackish
marshes, 4 to 8 feet high. The leaves, which in the
other species are half as broad as long, and toothed,
are in this linear and entire.
1. Marsh Elder. (Iva frutescens, Linn.) — A
THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 175
coarse unsiglitly shrub of our salt marshes, 4 to 6
feet high. The whole plant is smoothish, and its
leaves lance-shaped, toothed, and about 2 inches long.
The flower-heads are greenish and unsightly in the
forks of the small leaves on the terminal branchlets.
2. (I. imbricata, Walt.) — This grows upon the
sea-beach, and is but partly shrubby, 3 or 4 feet high.
The leaves are very thick and ileshy, 1 to li inch
long, rarel}^ toothed, and wedge-shaped. The plant
has a strong odor like old honey.
Swamp Loosestrife. (Nessea verticillata, H. B.
K.) — A half shrubby plant found in branch swamps
of the Lower District, 4 to 6 feet high, with slender,
curved, 4 to 6-sided stems. The leaves are 3 or 4
inches long, narrow like those of a Willow, generally
growing around the stem in a circle of three. The
flowers are clustered in the forks of the leaves, about
i inch wide, purple or roseate, very pretty, remind-
ing one of the blossoms of the Lagerstrcemia or
Crape Tree.
\l Arbor Vit^e. (Thuja occidentalis, Linn.) — This
has its southern limit on the mountains in the north-
western part of the State. From thence through the
mountains of Virginia it becomes more common. It
is but a shrub or small tree at the South, but farther
north it attains a height of 50 feet, and its timber is
used in building and for cabinet work.
\/ 1. Cane. (Arundinaria gigantea, Chapm.) — This
belongs to the (rrass family, but, being of woody
texture, falls within odr arrangement. It is 10 to 15
176 THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
or 20 feet high, found along the river bottoms of the
Cape Fear. I am not aware of its existence north
of that limit. According to Dr. Chapman, " it is
simple the first year, branching the second, after-
wards at indefinite periods fruiting, and soon after
decaying." The value of the stems for fishing-rods
is well known.
2. Reed. (A. tecta, Muhl.) — This is the common
smaller form, 2 to 10 feet high, and found in low
grounds in each District.
This completes the list of the Shrubs of North
Carolina, so far as they are known to me, with the
exception of the following, which are too small and
obscure to merit more than a bare enumeration.
'< Hypericum. Of this we have five woody species,
all with yellow flowers, one of which (H. prolificum) is
occasionally cultivated under the name of Rock Rose,
\ AsCYRUM. Much like the preceding, also with
yellow flowers.
Floavering Moss. (Pyxidanthera barbulata,
Michx.) — A very pretty, small, trailing evergreen,
with white flowers which appear in early Spring, and
looking somewhat like a Moss in the absence of blos-
soms. Belongs to the damp Pine-barrens and Sa-
vannas of the Lower District.
HuDSONiA. Only 3 or 4 inches high, also with
yellow flowers, of which no locality is anywhere
known but on Table Rock, N. C.
< Trailing Arbutus, or Ground Laurel. (Epi-
gsea repens, Linn.) Common-.
THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 177
^ PoLYGONELLA. Ill the saiidy Barrens about
Wilmington.
It may be interesting to append here a comparative
view of the Flora of North Carolina with that of the
Northern and Southern States east of the Mississippi.
In Prof. Gray's " Manual of Botany," which includes
the States north of North Carolina and Tennessee,
I find described 130 Trees, 183 Shrubs, and 30 Vines.
In Dr. Chapman's '' Flora of the Southern States "
are described 126 Trees, (of which there are 112 in
North Carolina,) 224 Shrubs, (176 of them in North
Carolina,) and 46 Vines (32 in this State).
THE
Vines of North Carolina
These will be grouped according to the character
of their fruit : the first nine genera having Berries ;
the next five, Pods ; the next three, d7y Capsules ;
and the remaining two, naked Feathered Seeds.
GRAPES. — 1. Summer Grape. [Yitis sestivalis,
Michx.] — Common, as are the other species, except-
ing the Muscadine, in most parts of the United
States. In this State it is found in all the Districts,
generally near streams, but sometimes in dry woods,
climbing over trees from 30 to 50 feet. The leaves
are 4 to 6 inches broad, cut into 3 or 5 divisions, the
underside clothed with a reddish, cobweb-like down
when young, which mostly falls away in the course
of the season. The bunches of fruit are compound,
6 to 8 inches long, the berries i to i inch thick,
purplish, blackish or bluish, w^ith a bloom ; very
varying in flavor, frequently very fine.
According to H. W. Ravenel, Esq., of Aiken, South
Carolina, who is a good Botanist, as well as a suc-
cessful cultivator of Grapes, the following cultivated
varieties are descended from this species : The War-
THE VINES OF NOKTH CAROLINA. 179
ren^ Pauline^ Herhemont^ Gidgnard^ Clinton^ Ohio,
Marion, Treveling, Long Grape or Old House, Elsin-
horough, Seahrook, and Lenoir. With this last he
identifies the Black July, Devereux, Thurmond, Sum-
ter, and Lincoln Grapes. I find, however^ that there
is a difference of opinion in regard to the identity of
the Lenoir and Lincohi varieties ; some maintaining
a perceptible difference, the latter being deemed
superior to the other. Dr. C. L. Hunter, of Lincoln,
who is paying much attention to Grape culture,
especially of our native varieties, pronounces the
Lenoir " one of the very best table Grapes," and
recommends its general cultivation. He informs me
that this, as well as the Warren, came from Georgia.
I learn from the same gentleman that the Lincoln
Grape was discovered about the beginning of this
century, near the junction of the South Fork and
Catawba, by Dr. Wm. McLean, and that he trans-
planted the whole vine near his house. From this
stock Mr. John Hart, of Mecklenburg, derived his,
which is still in vigorous existence. From this last.
Dr. Butt, of Lincolnton, obtained his cuttincrs, and
sent some of the fruit to Longworth, who gave it the
name, now most in use, of the Lincoln Grape, though
it was previously known as the Hart Grape, and
McLean Grape.
2. Fox Grape. (V. Labrusca, Linn.) — I have met
with this only in the Middle District, where it is
found in damp thickets, running from 15 to 25 or 30
feet. The leaves are roundish, about the same size
180 THE VINES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
as those of No. 1, but not so mnch divided, and cov-
ered underneath with a permanent thick down, which
is generally white or gray, rarely of a faint rusty hue.
The berries are larger than in that, being i to | inch
in diameter, in small bunches, commonly dark purple,
but sometimes amber-colored or whitish, and of va-
rious quality, mostly with a musky and rather hard
pulp.
The cultivated varieties of this are, according to
Mr. Ravenel, the Isabella^ Cataivha, Bland's Madeira^
Concord^ Diana, Rebecca, To Kalon, Anna, Mary Isa-
bel, Ontario, Northern 3Iuscadine, Hartford Prolific^
Catawissa, Garrigues, Stetson's Seedling, York Madeira^
Hyde's Eliza, Union Village, Early CJiocolate, Harvard,
Early Black, Green Prolific Kilvington. The first
two in the list are, I believe, the most approved, and
most extensively cultivated ; both of which are said
to have originated in this State.
A foreign origin has been claimed for the Isabella,
but this is an evident error, proved in the fact that
seedlings of the Isabella sometimes revert to our Fox
Grape in every particular of leaf and fruit. This has
been tested by Mr. Caradeuc, of South Carolina, as
I learn from Mr. Ravenel. But what is regarded as
a scientific demonstration of its American origin, is
the fact that its seedlings sometimes have barren
stocks, like all our American species, which is not
the case with any European Grapes. Besides, the
Isabella, in its specific characters, comes nearer to
our Fox Grape than to any other.
THE VINES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 181
Dr. Hunter, wlio has given mncli attention to the
Iiistory of our Grapes, has communicated most of the
foUowing items in regard to the Isabella. Dr. Las-
peyre was probably its first cultivator in the United
States, probably as early as 1805, as he sold it in the
Wilmington Market in 1810. Judge Ruffin culti-
vated it in Orange County in 1811, under the name
of Laspeyre G-rape. It is a tradition that Gov. Smith
brought it to Smithville in 1809. About the year
1810 Mrs. Isabella Gibbs took a rooted cutting from
Gov. Smith's garden to Brooklyn, New York, accord-
ing to a current account. According to Dr. Las-
peyre, she got the vine from Mm. These statements
may, in a sort, be reconciled, if Gov. Smith obtained
lih stock from Dr. Laspeyre. In 1819, Gen. Swift
bought the Gibbs place, and it was there the elder
Prince first saw and obtained this Grape, which he
named the Isabella in compliment to Mrs. Gibbs.
Dr. Hunter has some of these- statements from Gen.
Swift. Dr. Laspeyre was under the impression that
this, which he called the Black Cape., was one of the
vines which he brought from St. Domingo, but it
was probably the accidental introduction of an Amer-
ican among his foreign stocks. Dr. Hunter seems to
be of opinion that it came to the Cape Fear region
from South Carolina, according Avith the tradition
mentioned in Dr. Hawks's History.
The Catawba G-rape., as I am informed by Dr.
Hunter, originated in Buncombe County on Cain
Creek, an affluent of the French Broad. His views
182 THE VINES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
on " The Origin of the Catawba Grape " were given
last year (1859) in an article for the American
Farmer.
3. Muscadine. (V. vulpina, Linn.) Known also
as Bullace^ Bull Ciraiye^ and Bullet Grafe^ and far-
ther south as Fox Grape; in Florida, as 3Iustang
Grape. It extends northward as far as jMarj'land
and Kentucky, from whence southward it is one of
the most common vines. In tliis State it is found, in
various soils, from the coast to Cherokee, but most
luxuriant in light soils of the Lower District, cover-
ing the loftiest trees. The bark is pale and smooth,
that of the smaller branches dotted with minute
warts. The leaves are about 3 inches long, thin,
smooth and shining, coarse-toothed, and nearly round
and heart-shaped. The berries are in small bunches,
larger and thicker skinned than an}^ of our other
Grapes, varying in color from whitish through differ-
ent shades of red and-pur[)le to ebony black. The
quality of the fruit varies as much as its color, being
now of a sharp acid flavor, and again of luscious
sweetness.
The Sciippernong^ now so famous as a Table and
Wine Grape, is a variety of this species. There are
still found in the Lower and Middle Districts, espe-
cially in the former, wild vines bearing a whitish or
amber berry, like the original Scuppernong^ but of
various qualities, as in the case with the colored
kinds. Some of them are no better than the com-
monest Muscadines ; and no one is superior, if equal,
THE VINES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 183
to the well known cultivated variety. Some of the
dark Muscadines are very nearly as luscious as the
ScuiJfernong^ and have been brought under culture,
as the MUh G-rape^ and Alexander s Grape^ which are
black, and also the BulVs Eye^ so named from its
superior size.
The Hickman Grape I take to be identical with
the true Scuppernong and derived from Tyrrell
County, the home of the original. For some of this
information, as well as for the following history of
the Scuppernong (proper), I am indebted to Rev. E.
M. Forbes, who has resided in the region and has
taken much pains to obtain an authentic account
of this vine. Two men, of the name of Alexander,
while clearing land near Columbia, the county seat
of Tyrrell, which stands on the east side of Scupper-
nong River, discovered this Grape, and were so much
pleased with it that they preserved the vine and
the tree upon which it grew. " That was the vine
which I saw," says Mr. Forbes, "and from which
other vines were propagated." They called it the
" White Grape," and from it made what they called
"Country Wine" At the suggestion of a relative,
who had been in the Mediterranean, and knew the
indefiniteness of such names as these, they subse-
quently named the Grape from the river upon which
it was found. " This is the history given b}" a grand-
daughter of one of the discoverers, who was alive
when I first went to Scuppernong."
A tradition is furnished me by Dr. Hunter, that.
184 THE VINES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
" about the year 1774, the Rev. Charles Pettigrew
found it on the low grounds of Scuppernong River,
and planted out several vines." My limited space
will not permit an exhaustive discussion of this mat-
ter here, and I will, therefore, only remark further
upon it, that the notion of its origination on Roanoke
Island seems opposed by the name of the Grape. I
have also been told by those who have been on the
Island, that there are no vines of it there which were
not evidently transplanted there.
4. Frost Grape. Winter Grape. (V. cordi-
folia, Michx.) — Common in thickets along streams
through the Middle District. The leaves are 3 to 5
inches broad, thin, smooth, toothed, and sometimes
cut into three segments. The berries are nearly
black, small, i inch thick, and very sour until dead
ripe. The berries are sometimes greenish-white, and
Lawson mentions a white [whitish?] variety. I
have not heard of this being cultivated.
5. (V. bipinnata, Torr. & Gr.) — This would not
generally be taken for a member of this genus, either
from its leaves, which are compound, like those of
the China Tree, or from its fruit, which is uneatable.
The berries are blackish, slightly hairy, and about
the size of a small pea. It is found in the Lower
and Middle Districts, growing in rich soils, climbing
(without tendrils) over shrubs and small trees.
Virginian Creeper. (Ampelopsis quinquefolia,
Michx.) — This pretty vine, sometimes cultivated, is
found along fence-rows and borders of woods in all
THE VINES O-F NORTH CAROLINA. 185
parts of the State. It may be known by its leaflets
growing in jives from the end of a common leaf-stalk,
as in the Buckeye, which is the case with no other
of our Climbers. The foliage becomes crimson in
the Fall. The berries are dark-blue, about the size
of a small pea, borne on bright crimson foot-stalks.
The rapidity of its growth renders this Creeper use-
ful for covering old w^alls, etc., like the English Ivy.
It is, indeed, sometimes called American Ivy. This
is often confounded with the Poison Vine, though
having very little likeness to it, and is hence avoided,
though it be quite innocent.
1. Woodbine. (Lonicera sempervirens, Ait.) —
This beautiful vine, now common in cultivation,
grows from the coast to the mountains. The flow^ers
are tubular, 1 to 2 inches long, scarlet without and
yellow within. In rich soils it has a very luxuriant
growth, climbing high into forest trees.
2. Yellow Woodbine. (L. grata, Ait.)— Tins
belongs to the mountains, and has a flower 1 to IJ
inch long, reddish on the tubular part, whitish at top,
then changing to yellow, somewhat fragrant. The
young branches are often hairy.
3. Small Woodbine. (L. parviflora, Linn.) —
Found in the mountains, less climbing than the
others, with flowers about § inch long, somewhat
swollen at the base of the tube, and greenish-yellow
tinged with purple.
I have heard of a yellow species in Gates County,
but have never seen any specimens.
186 THE VINES OF NOKTH CAROLINA.
1. Common Bamboo or Green Brier. (Smilax
rotunclifolia, Linn.) — Very common in all the Dis-
tricts, generally in thickets where the soil is rather
fertile, 20 to 40 feet long, the stems and branches of a
yellowish-green color, round, and armed with strong
prickles, the branchlets slightly angled. The leaves
are deciduous, 3 or 4 inches long, roundish and heart-
shaped. The berries, as in most of the species, are
bluish-black, borne in bunches upon a common stalk
in the fork of the leaves, and which is about the
same length with the leaf-stalk.
2. (S. tamnoides, Linn.) — A stout prickly vine
with angled branchlets, occurring in the Lower and
Middle Districts. The leaves are somewhat fiddle-
shaped or contracted in the middle, the base some-
times spreading into rounded projections. The gen-
eral fruit-stalk is a little flattened, about li inch
long, and twice the length of the leaf-stalk.
3. China Root. (S. Pseudo-China, Linn.)— Stout
and prickly like No. 2, 10 to 15 feet long, the
branches roundish and not prickly, and the roots
tuberous. The leaves are large, 4 to 7 inches long,
ovate, green both sides, the edges and nerves on the
underside roughened with minute prickles. The gen-
eral fruit-stalk is flat and 2 or 3 inches long. The
berries are blackish and larger than in the preceding
species.
4. Sarsaparilla. (S. glauca, Walt.) — Not un-
common in all the Districts in cultivated grounds
near streams. The stems are prickly and 2 to 4 feet
THE VINES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 187
long. The leaves are ovate, and covered, especially
on the underside, with a white bloom that rubs off
under the linger. The berries are black. The com-
mon fruit-stalk is 2 or 3 times longer than the leaf-
stalk. The root of this is sometimes used in the
composition of diet drinks. It is not the Sarsaparilla
of the druggists, but is said to be often mixed
with it.
5. (S. Walteri, Pursh.) — Stem dark green, angled,
10 to 15 feet long, having prickles only to^vards the
bottom, running over bushes and up small trees in
branch sw^amps of the Lower District. Leaves de-
ciduous, ovate, heart-shaped, smooth, dark shining
green above, paler beneath, terminating in a small,
almost prickly point, 3 to 4 inches long, 2 to 3 wide,
and having 3 distinct and 2 obscure nerves. The
berries are scarlet and very conspicuous in Winter.
This has a creeping root.
6. (S. lanceolata, Linn.) — This and No. 5 are the
only species with red berries. But this has ever-
green leaves, narrower than in the preceding and
acute at base. The branches, too, are not angled,
and the root is tuberous. I have not myself met with
it, and give it on the authority of otliers.
7. (S. laurifolia, Linn.) — This is a showy species,
and like Nos. 6 and 8, has evergreen leaves. It runs
to a great length over bushes and up lofty trees, the
lower part only being prickly. The leaves are thick
and shining, lance-shaped or oblong. The general
fruit-stalk is equal to the leaf-stalk, J to i inch long.
188 THE VINES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Berries black. This seems confined to wet places in
the Lower District.
8. (S. auriculata, Walt.) — Similar to No. 7, slightly
or not at all prickly, growing over small shrubs on
the coast, flowers fragrant. The leaves are peren-
nial, 1 to 2 inches long, narrowly ovate, 3 to 5 nerved,
with conspicuous cross veins, especially beneath, ter-
minated by an abrupt almost prickly point. Com-
mon fruit-stalk rather shorter than the leaf-stem.
Berries black.
Rattan. Supple Jack. (Berchemia volubilis,
DC.) — A very tough flexible vine running up trees.
The leaves are alternate, 1 to 2 inches long, ovate,
dark green, very smooth, not toothed, having promi-
nent parallel unbranched straight veins running ob-
liquely from the midrib to the margin. The berry is
dark purple, about i inch long, with a thin coat and
a hard smooth nut. Grows from Virginia southward
through our Lower District.
(Sageretia Michauxii, Brogn.) — Grows upon the
sandy soil of the coast, 6 to 18 feet long, with thorn-
like spreading branches. Leaves 1 inch long, ovate,
opposite, smooth and shining, finely toothed. Flow-
ers very small, in loose clusters. The berry is small
and round, dark jDurple, and pleasantly acid. I have
not met with this, and have introduced it here on the
authority of Michaux.
(Cocculus Carolinus, DC.) — This runs exten-
sively over shrubs and small trees on the borders of
damp woods and streams, from the coast to Lincoln.
V
THE VINES OF NORTH CAllOLINA. 189
The leaves are 2 to 4 inclies long, broadly ovate and
heart-shaped, sometimes 3 lobed, smooth above, v^^ith
a soft gray down underneath. The ripe berries are
red, about the size of a small pea, growing in small
clusters, containing a hard flat nut which is curved
nearly into a ring.
Moon Seed. (Menispermum Canadense, Linn.)
— This is 6 to 12 feet long, and woody only in the
lower part. It is the only one of our woody Climb-
ers that has the leaf-stalk inserted into the plate of
the leaf instead of the lower edge. The berries are
black and contain a flat nut, as in the preceding-
species, curved into the form of a horse shoe. Rare
in the Lower District, not uncommon elsewhere.
Poison Vine. (^Rhus radicans, Linn.) — Now con-
sidered by Botanists as only a variety of Poison Oak,
but necessarily separated in the arrangement I have
adopted. It is the only trifoliate woody Climber we
have. Like Poisoyi Oak and Poison Sumach^ very
poisonous to some people. Common throughout the
State.
The next Group of Climbers, comprising Ave
genera, have their fruit in dry pods. All of the spe-
cies are ornamental.
Trumpet Flower. (Tecoma radicans, Juss.) —
This splendid Climber, ascending the loftiest tree, is
found from the coast to the lower part of the moun-
tains, preferring damp rich soils. Its dark green
compound leaves, and scarlet tubular flowers which
190 THE VINES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
are 2 to 3 inclies long, make it an attractive orna-
ment in yards and gardens. This harmless plant has
the reputation, with some, of being poisonous.
Cross Vine. (Bignonia capreolata, Linn.) — This,
like the preceding, is sometimes called Trumpet
Floiver. The flowers are of similar form, about 2
inches long, but are of a duller red on the outside
and yellow within. Tlie leaves are of a dull green,
growing in pairs from the end of a common foot-
stalk, each leaflet also having its own stalk. This
does not climb to so great a height as the other. A
cross section of the stem exhibits a portion of its
inner structure in the form of a Maltese cross, which
gives the name to this plant. Not uncommon in
the Lower and Middle Districts.
Virgin's Bower. (Wistaria frutescens, DC.)
— This luxuriant, much admired Climber is found, I
think, only in damp rich soils of the Lower District.
It stands cultivation remarkably well in the Middle
District. The leaves are pinnate, like those of the
Locust; and the flowers are of the size and structure
of the Garden Pea, purplish-blue, in large pendent
compact clusters 4 to 6 inches long. We have no
other woody Vine answering to these characters.
The stem is exceedingly tough and serves well for
withes or ligatures.
Carolina Jessamine. (Gelsemium sempervi-
rens. Ait.) — No plant is more common in the Lower
District, but it reaches very little into the Middle.
It extends northward into Virginia, but becomes
THE VINES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 191
much more luxuriant as we go south. Its graceful
evergreen leaves, the profusion of its large, bright 3"el-
low and deliciously fragrant blossoms, render this vine
the pride of our forest. The odor of the flowers in a
close room sometimes induces headache. Most of the
plant, especially the root, taken internally, is narcotic
and poisonous. A tincture of the root, judiciously
administered^ is useful in rheumatic affections ; but
in the hands of quacks death has been caused by it.
(Forsteronia difformis, A. DC.) — A smooth twin-
ing plant, 6 to 12 feet long, found chiefly in the
Lower District, but extending into the interior as
far at least as Wake County. It is sometimes mis-
taken for the Yelloiv Jessamine^ but the flowers are
tubular and smaller, more like those of a Wood-
bine, about 1-3 inch long, and greenish-yellow. The
fruit is a slender pod, containing seeds that have a
tuft of down.
The next GROur of three genera have their seeds
in small dry capsules.
WAx-^^^ORK. Bittersweet. (Celastrus scandens,
Linn.) — Tliis is to me the rarest plant in the State,
as I have seen but a single stock, near Liucolnton.
This is its most southern known limit. It ascends
trees to the height of 12 or 15 feet. The leaves are
about 3 inches /ong, taper pointed, smooth, toothed.
The berry -like capsule is orange-red, clustered on the
ends of its short branches, of the size of a large pea,
bursting when mature and disclosing 3 to 6 scarlet
seeds. In this state it is quite an ornamental vine.
192 THE VINES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
(Decumaria barbara, Linn.) — A pretty vine as-
cending trunks by means of rootlets insinuated into
the bark, after the manner of the Poison Vine. The
leaves are 3 to 4 inches long, broadly ovate, opposite,
rather thick and shining, generall}^ with scattered
teeth towards the upper end. The flowers are small,
white and fragrant, in showy compound clusters on
the ends of the branches, opening in May. This is
found in the Lower District only, and is unknown
north of this State.
Wild Ginger. Big Sarsaparilla. (Aristolo-
chia Sipho, L'Her.) — Found in rich soils all along
our mountain rivulets, climbing over bushes, and
sometimes ascending trees. The stems are occasion-
ally 2 inches thick. The leaves are roundish, heart-
shaped, 8 to 12 inches broad, and slightly downy on
the underside. The flower is coarse, brownish-pur-
ple, I2 inch long, somewhat tubular, with top cut
into three segments, below which it is contracted and
curved like a Dutch pipe, from which, in some parts
of the United States, it has gotten the name of
Dutchman's Pipe, The root is very aromatic and
stimulant, like Ginger, and would serve as a medi-
cine wdiere these properties are indicated.
The tAVO remaining genera have naked seeds, which
are remarkable for their long feathered tails.
Virgin's Bower. (Clematis Virginiana, Linn.)
—A partly woody vine, 10 to 15 feet long, climbing
over thickets and fences. It is found from the coast
to the mountains, generally near streams, but is less
THE VINES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 193
common in the Lower District. The leaves are com-
posed of 3 ovate leaflets which are a little cut. The
flowers are in loose clusters, i to f inch broad, and
clothing the upper part of the vine with a flowing
mantle of white. The flowers are succeeded by
heads of feathered seeds which are still more orna-
mental than the blossoms.
(Atragene Americana, Sims.) — This is accredited
by others to the mountains of North Carolina, but it
has escaped my own observation. It is a very showy
vine, both in fruit and flower, and, like the preced-
ing, is woody only in its lower parts. It climbs over
rocks and bushes by means of its leaf-stalks. The
leaves are in pairs on opposite sides of the stem,
making 4 in a circle, each long leaf-stalk bearing 3
leaflets. The flowers are bluish-purple, 2 to 3 inches
broad, followed by heads of seeds which have long
feathered tails.
A TABULAR
Viev/ of the Species,
ARRANGED ACCORDING TO THE CHARACTER OF
THEIR FRUIT.
I.— TREES.
Fleshy Fruit. — Stone Fruit. — Plums, Cherries,
Mock Orange, Devil Wood. Pulpy Fruit. — Apples,
Persimmon.
Berries. — Red. — Holly, Service Tree, Dogwood,
Mountain Ash, Magnolias, Yellow "Wood, Hackberry.
Black or Blue. — Mulberry, Palmetto, Buckthorn,
Black Gum, Cedar, Sassafras, Red Bay. Whitish. —
China Tree.
Dry Fruit. — Nuts. — Oaks, Hickories, Walnuts,
Chestnut, Chinquapin, Beech, Buckeye. Cones, —
Pines, Firs, Spruces, White Cedar or Juniper^ Cy-
press. Pods — Locust, Honey Locust, Catalpa, Coffee
Tree, Red Bud. Tassels. — Willows, Poplars or Cot-
tonwoods. Birches, Hornbeam, Iron Wood. Bur. —
Sweet Gum. Nutlets. — Sycamore, Planer Tree. Flat
and Winged. — Maples, Ash-leaved Maple, Ashes,
Elms. Capsules., Large. — Tulip Tree or Poplar^
Loblolly Bay. Small. — Linn Tree, Sorrel Tree.
Winged Nuts. — Snow Drop Tree.
A TABULAR VIEW OF THE SPECIES. 195
II.-SHRUBS.
Fleshy Fruit. — Stone Fruit. — Plums, Fringe
Tree, Oil Nut. Large Fleshy. — Papaws, Spanish
Bayonet, Bear Grass, Roses. lied. — Red Haws, Bar-
berry, Bermuda Mulberry, Huckleberry, Creeping
Huckleberry, Bearberry, Cranberry, Elder, Coral
Berry, Chokeberry, Yopon, Dalioon Holly, Sumach,
Poison Oak, Flowering Raspberry, Mountain Tea,
Spice Bush, Pond Bush, Leather Wood, (Ilex.)*
Berries.— i^/a^A: or Blue .— l^Vdck Haws, Gallber-
ries, Dogwoods, Privet, Carolina Buckthorn, Prickly
Ash, Elder, Dwarf Palmetto, Gooseberries, Currants,
Huckleberries, Sparkleberry, Blackberries, Dew-
berry, Raspberry. Whitish. — Mistletoe, Deerberry,
Dogwoods.
Dry Fruit. — Nuts. — Hazel, Buckeye. Nutlets. —
Witch Hazel, Button Bush, Dwarf Alder, Wax Myr-
tle, Sweet Fern. Tassels and Cones. — Willows, Al-
der, Arbor Vitae. Bladdery. — Bladder Nut, Sweet
Shrub. Flat and Winged. — Maples, Hop Tree. Naked
Seeds. — Marsh Elder, Groundsel. Grass-like. — Reed
or Cane.
Dry Capsules. — Laurel, Ivy, Wick3% Hone}^-
suckles. Dog Laurel, Fetter Bush, Pepper Bush,
Stagger Bush, (Andromeda), (Cassandra), (Leuco-
thoe), Sweet Pepper Bush, (Itea), Sand Myrtle, He
Huckleberry, False Heath, Syringa, Hydrangea,
*N. ]}. Plants without a popular name are enclosed in parentheses,
and will be found also in the Index.
196 A TABULAR VIEW OF THE SPECIES.
Hardback, Queen of the Meadow, Bush Honey-
suckle, Strawberry Bush, Burning Bush, Trailing
Arbutus, (Hudsonia), Swamp Loosestrife, Toothache
Tree, Indigo Bush, Mock Orange, (Stuartia), (Stil-
lingia), (Darbya), (Buckleya), Red Root, Yellow
Root, Rock Rose, (Ascyrum), Flowering Moss.
III.— VINES.
Berries. — Reddish. — Grapes, Woodbine, Bamboo,
Poison Vine, (Cocculus). Blackish. — Grapes, China
Root, Bamboo, Sarsaparilla, Virginia Creeper, Rattan,
Moonseed, (Sageretia), (Berchemia).
Pods. — Trumpet Flower, Cross Vine, Jessamine,
Virgin's Bower, (Forsteronia).
Capsules. — Bittersweet, Wild Ginger, (Decumaria).
Naked and Feathered Seeds. — Virgin's Bower,
(Atragene).
THE MINOR
Plants of North Carolina,
In 1867 the State printed the Second Part of Dr.
Curtis's report to the State Geologist, being "a cata-
logue of the indigenous and naturalized plants of the
State."
The catalogue, says Dr. Curtis in his preface, is of
" interest to scientists as determining the localities
and range of our vegetation, and as being much the
most extensive local list of plants ever published in
North America."
It is not reprinted here, because those interested
can obtain copies on application to tlie State authori-
ties at Raleigh. It is a pamphlet of 156 pages, 8vo.
For the general reader, it is sufficient to give here
L Dr. Curtis's
SUMMARY.
Flowering Plants.
Exogenous, . . . 1,362 species.
Endogenous, . . . 511
1,873
198 THE MINOR PLANTS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Flowerless Plants.
Equisetacese,
Filices, •. . .
Lycopodiaceae, .
* Hydropterides,
Musci, . . .
Hepaticese, . .
Lichenes, . .
Fungi — Hymenomycetes,
Gasteromycetes,
Coniomycetes,
Hyphomycetes,
Ascomycetes, .
Physomycetes,
Doubtful Genera,
Characese,
Algae, .
1 species.
37
9
1
198
69
217
935
150
341
188
715
21
42
2
50
632
2,392
52
Total species, 4,849
PART II.
Forests, Farms, Population,
OF
NORTH CAROLINA.
»
I
THE
Forests of North Carolina.
LOCATION AND EXTENT.
Dr. Curtis's Woody Plants of North Caro-
lina, reprinted in Part I. of this book, furnishes in-
formation complete and accurate of a Flora which is
the wonder of the botanist.
Part II., it is believed, conveys knowledge as com-
plete and accurate of the location and extent of
standing forests.
Fh'st^ is reprinted the Botanical Chapter from Dr.
Kerr's Geological Survey of North Carolina, Volume
I. ; and.
Second^ reports from the several counties of the
State, obtained by the publisher and compiler of this
volume from citizens esteemed the best informed.
DR. KERR'S BOTANICAL REPORT.
It has long been known to botanists that the terri-'
tory of North Carolina presents one of the finest
fields in the United States for collection, on account
of the great variety and interest of its vegetable
202 THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
productions. Many plants of northern habit, such
as are common in the White Mountains, for example,
and along the northern lakes, find their southern
geographical limit in the mountains of this State ;
and quite a number of others spread from the Gulf
and the Mississippi Valley to the Cape Fear, and
even to Pamlico Sound. So that the flora of this State
is continental in character and range, combining the
botanical features of both extremes as well as of the
intermediate regions.
The results of the preceding discussion of ^ the
climatology of the State furnish ample explanation
of the fact. The close connection between climate
and organic life, and the decisive control which meteor-
ological conditions 6xert over the whole character and
range and form of its development, render it practi-
cable to infer the latter from the former, at least as
to general outlines.
But it happens that the botany of North Carolina
has received much earlier attention and a far greater
amount of study, and has been much more fully
worked out than its climatology, so that the inferen-
tial process has needed to be reversed, and the range
and character of the climate to be deduced from
botanical data. This is due in large part to the at-
tractive nature of the field to the botanical explorer,
which has engaged the interest and study of some of
the most famous botanists of both Europe and Amer-
ica, from the time of Bartram's tour, in 1776, and of
the elder Michaux, 1787, and of the younger, an
THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 203
equally distinguished botanist, in 1802, to the later
explorations of Nuttall, and of Dr. Gray and Mr.
Carey, who traversed the higher ranges of our moun-
tains in 1841, and especially of the Rev. Dr. Curtis,
to whom the State owes a debt, in this regard, which
she does not yet fully appreciate. It is due to him
more than to any one else, — to his skill and zeal in
his favorite science, that North Carolina stands
among the foremost of the States in respect to the
completeness as well as the scientific accuracy of the
knowledge which the world possesses of her singular
botanical wealth.
In witness of the remarkably wide range of veget-
able forms, corresponding to the variety of climatic
conditions, may be cited the fact of the occurrence
within the limits of the State on the one hand, of
the white pine (pinus strohiis) and the black spruce
(ahies nigra)^ which are found along the Appalachi-
ans from North Carolina to the White Mountains and
Canada, and of the hemlock spruce {ahies Canadensis)^
whose range reaches from our mountains to Hudson's
Bay ; and on the other, of several species of magno-
lia and the palmetto, which have their northern limit
in the southeast part of the State and spread thence
to the Gulf. And the same point might be illustrated
even more strongly to tlie botanist, by the mention
of other but inconspicuous species among the lower
orders of plants, as the mosses, lichens, etc.
And as concerns the variety of plants which char-
acterizes the flora of the State, it is sufficient to men-
204 THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
tion the fact that Dr. Curtis's Catalogue contains
nearly 2,500 sj^ecies, leaving out the mushrooms
(^fungi)^ of which there is about an equal number, o^
almost 5,000 in all.
Dr. Cooper in his general description of the " For-
ests and Trees of North America " in the Smithsonian
Report for 1858, says : '' Coming next " (from the
Canadian) " to the Appalachian province, we find a
vast increase in the variety of our forest trees. In
fact, looking at its natural products collectively, one
of the most striking, as compared to the rest of the
world between the 30th and 45th degrees of north
latitude, is its richness in trees, Avhich will compare
favorably with almost any part of the tropics. It
contains more than 20 species which have no repre-
sentatives in the temperate climates of the old world,
and a far greater number of species of the forms
found there." Some of our most valuable timber
trees are wholly wanting, as the hickory. And while
there are not 50 indigenous species of trees in Europe
which attain a height of 50 feet, there are above
140 in the United States, and more than 20 of these
exceed 100 feet. Says Dr. Curtis, "In all the ele-
ments which render forest scenery attractive, no por-
tion of the United States presents them in happier
combination, in greater perfection, or in larger extent
than the mountains of North Carolina."
And in order to realize the extent to which this
richness of forest development is concentrated within
the area of this State, it is only necessary to call at-
THE FORESTS OF NOIITH CAROLINA.
205
tention to the distribution of a few kinds which are
dominant and characteristic. Of species found in
the United States (east of the Rocky Mountains),
there are
Oaks,
22,
an
d 19
in
North C
Jarol
Pine^ (trees),
8,
8
Spruces,
5,
4
Ehns,
5,
' 3
Walnuts,
2,
2
Birches,
5,
3
Maples,
5,
5
Hickories,
8,
6
((
Magnolias,
7,
7
u
And as to the first and most important group of
the list, Dr. Curtis has called attention to the very
striking fact that there are more species of oaks in
this State " than in all of the States north of us, and
only one less than in all the Southern States, east of
the Mississippi."
It will be observed that the kinds of trees which
characterize this flora include chiefly such as are most
valuable in the arts. The long-leaf pine alone is the
basis of industries whose annual products in this
State are not less than 83,000,000. The juniper and
cypress have long been a source of large revenues to
the whole eastern region. And it is worthy of men-
tion in this connection, that, besides the present crop
of trees, there are over large areas of the swamp
lands several successive generations of buried forests,
206 THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
whose timber is in good preservation, ready to be ex-
humed when the present growth shall have been
exhausted.
The most characteristic and prevalent species of
the middle region are the oaks. Several kinds of
white oak, so much in demand, and so highly prized
in ship building and numerous domestic arts, are
abundant in all parts of this division and especially
in the mountains. There are also large tracts of
white pine on both sides of the Blue Ridge. The
hickories are found everywhere, and the black walnut
is plentiful in the river bottoms and on the fertile
slopes of the mountains, so common as to be used for
fencing ; and the wild cherry, mahogany {hlach MrcJi),
and several species of maple furnish abundant cabi-
net materials; and to these should be added the
extensive forests of holly in the eastern region.
Nearly every one of the 20 kinds of timber admit-
ted to the New York ship-yards as suitable for build-
ing vessels is found in this State in abundance ; and
since the forests of the North Atlantic States are
very nearly exhausted, and timber for ship building
is brought to the coast from the upper Mississippi,
and even foreign governments are exporting large
supplies for their navy yards from the interior of the
continent, it is evident that our forests have a value
and are entitled to a consideration which they have
never received among us. We have still some 40,-
000 square miles of forests of which the larger part
is as yet .unviolated by the woodman's axe. And I
THE FOllESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 207
tliink it safe to say that the intrinsic value of this
heritage alone is such, that within ten years it will be
seen, that it exceeds the present total valuation of the
entire property of the State. And it is time for the
people of the State, and its legislators especially, to
begin to realize and take account of the fact, that
here is one of the most valuable, as it is also one of
the most undeveloped and little considered of her
natural resources. And its value is appreciating
more rapidly than that of any other kind of property
in the State ; and this from two causes, the operation
of which is incessant and rapid, and the results inev-
itable and soon to become actual, viz. : the rapid ex-
haustion of the more accessible forests of the conti-
nent and the constantly accelerating consumption of
their products, and the increase and cheapening of
the means of transportation to those parts of the
world where the demand is greatest.
COUNTY REPORTS.
Alexander. (Area, 318 sq. miles.)— Taylorsville,
Oct. 13, 1882. — We have in this county white oak,
post oak, red oak, black oak, Spanish oak, and chest-
nut oak ; black and yellow pine, and some white
pine ; cedar, poplar or tulip tree, maple, beccli, birch,
mahogany, hickory, dogwood, walnut, cherry, chest-
nut, ash, black and sweet gum, cucumber tree, elm,
etc. The prevailing growth is the different varieties
208 THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
of oak and pine. At least one half of the county is
covered with native forest, to say nothing about what
is covered with old-field pine. — J. P. M.
Anson. (525 square miles.) — Raleigh, Sept. 29,
1882. — Anson produces as great a variety of timbers,
perhaps, as can be found in any one county in the
State. It is bounded on the east and north by the
Pee Dee and Rocky rivers, into which flow numerous
small streams that traverse the county, and along
which are broad areas of rich bottom lands that are
covered with heavy growth of the finest timbers.
The western boundary of the Long-leaf Pine region
passes across the eastern end of the county, covering
perhaps one fourth of its area with timber of very
superior quality. On the uplands the predominant
growth is pine, oak, and hickory, each of which is
represented by several species; but everywhere al-
most are to be found dogwood, ash, poplar, gum,
black jack, birch, beech, elm, maple, and persimmon.
Along the streams the haw and yellow willow abound.
The wooded acreage is about one third of the entire
area of the county. — L. L. P.
Ashe. (468 square miles.) — Jefferson, Sept. 2,
1882. — There is no pine in this county except white
pine and tamarack, and not very much of the latter,
— perhaps 1,000 acres. There is perhaps 5,000 acres
of white pine forest in this county of good quality
and of good stand. The prevailing growths of other
timber are chestnut, white oak, black oak, chestnut
oak, water oak, and Spanish oak or red oak, hickory.
THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 209
walnut, poplar, asli, sugar maple, silver maple, etc.
There is a large acreage of spruce pine, and there
are large quantities of birch, beech, mahogany, cu-
cumber, locust, wild cherry, buckeye, etc. The
wooded acreage is about seventy per cent. — J. W. T.
Bladen. (1,000 sq. miles.) — Elizabethtown, Sept.
7, 1882. — Long-leaf pine is the prevailing growth,
except on the river and creeks, where there are
hickory, different kinds of oak, some walnut, ash,
etc. My estimate is that nine tenths of the county
is in timber. — J. A. M.
Brunswick. (975 sq. miles.) — Town Creek, Sept.
11, 1882. — All of our uplands are long-leaf pine and
scrub oaks. Our bays and swamps abound with cy-
press, ash, poplar, juniper, and gum. On the sea-coast
from Cape Fear to the South Carolina line there is live-
oak and cedar, valuable for ship-building. — E. W. T.
Brunsw^ick,Columblts, Bladen, Robeson, Rich-
mond, Anson, Union, Mecklenburg, Lincoln,
Gaston, Cleveland. (Area, 7,675 sq. miles.) Route
of Carolina Central Railroad. — Shoe Heel, Aug. 24,
1882. — Brunswick County has a wood acreage of
about two thirds. Prevailing growths are pine,
cypress, and oak, of which one half is pine.
Columi)us County has a wood acreage of about two
thirds. Prevailing growths are pine, oak, and cypress,
of Avhich one half is pine.
Bhuh'n County has a wood acreage of about two
thirds. Prevailing growths are pine, oak, and cy-
press, of which one half is pine.
210 THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLIKA.
Robeson County has a wood acreage of about two
thirds. Prevailing growths are pine, oak, and cy-
press, of which one half is pine.
Richmond County has a wood acreage of about
two thirds. Prevailing growths are pine, juniper,
and oak, of which one half is pine. — W. B. S.
Charlotte, Aug. 28, 1882. — Cleveland: white, post,
black, red, Spanish, water, and some chestnut oak;
hickory, ash, walnut, and some poplar, and short-
leaf pine. Oaks are the prevailing growth in this
county.
Gaston : About same as above, except that more
pine is found in this county.
Lincoln : Same.
Mecklenburg : All the oaks grow here ; also hick-
ory, ash, maple, birch, elm, poplar, and short-leaf
pine and some walnut. Oak and hickory is the pre-
vailing growth.
Union : All the different oaks grow in this county,
but not so abundant as in the counties named above.
Short-leaf pine is the most abundant.
Anson : White oak ; post, black, red, Spanish and
water oak ; hickory, poplar, ash, elm, sweet gum ;
birch, short-leaf pine. South-east part of county has
some long-leaf pine. — T. W. W.
Caldwell, Wilkes, Alleghany, Ashe, Wa-
tauga, Mitchell, Yancey, Burke. (Area, 3,468
sq. miles ) — Patterson, Aug. 29, 1882. — .... I now
address myself to your questions, and give first a list
of all the trees that I can now remember as native
THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 211
here. 2d. Such as are of commercial value. 3d.
Acreage and location.
Native forest growth of Caldwell County. — Oaks ;
White, black, red, Spanish, chestnut, water, post,
scrub, black jack. Chestnut, one kind. Pine : Yel-
low, white, spruce or hemlock, black, alligator (?),
old-field, balsam or fir. Hickory : White, red, scaly-
bark. Maple : Sugar, bird's-eye, white, curly, black.
Holly, one kind. Red elm. Red cedar. Locust:
White, yellow, and black. Botanists may not admit
this distinction, but there is a difference. Walnut :
Black, Avhite. Poplar : Yellowy white. Beech, one
kind. Sycamore, one kind. Birch: White. Ash,
one kind. Linn, one kind (spelling not vouched for).
Cucumber (Magnolia cucumifera). Dogwood. Per-
simmon. Mulberry: White, yellow. Wild Cherry.
Mahogany, or Mountain Birch (local name). Wahoo
(spelling doubtful). Slippery Elm. Catalpa. Aspen.
Willow : White, golden, weeping. Buckeye.
Such as are of commercial value, and their uses. —
White Oak ; (ship timber, wagons, staves.) Chest-
nut ; (furniture panels, etc.) YelloAv Pine ; (lum-
ber.) White Pine; (lumber, sash, doors, blinds.)
Hickory ; (wagon material, handles, etc. All these
kinds used, but white the best). Maple : Bird's-eye,
Curly; (furniture, panels, etc. White and Black
used for heavy frame-work for machines requiring
strength and durability.) Holly; (to some extent
for furniture, but more for spools, bobbins, etc.)
Locust, yellow; (ship pins and posts.) Walnut,
212 THE FOEESTS OF NORTH CAEOLINA.
black ; (furniture, ornamental work.) Poplar, yellow ;
(shingles and lumber.) I think this wood would be
excellent for patterns for foundries, but is as yet un-
tried. Ash ; (wagons, handles, panels.) Dogwood ;
(shuttles.) Persimmon ; (shuttles.) Wild Cherry ;
(furniture and ornamental work.) In addition to the
above, the chestnut oak is valuable for its bark for
tanning purposes, for which it is more valuable than
all other trees.
Remarks. — The southern one-third of the county
of Caldwell, or that part drained by tiie Catawba
River, has a uniform and heavy growth of yellow
pine, to the exclusion of every other growth. This
covers an area of perhaps one hundred square miles,
in forest.
North of this, on the spurs and in the valleys of
the Brushy Mountain range, is a forest growth of
great and remarkable variety, embracing all the oaks,
poplars, and to some extent nearly all the trees enu-
merated above, with the exception of the balsam or
fir. The prevailing growth, however, is oak, hickory,
and chestnut.
Still north of this, and between the* Yadkin River
and the top of the Blue Ridge, come in the walnut
and cherry, cucumber, locust, maples, and white
pine ; and in the extreme north, along the high peaks
of the Blue Ridge, the balsam, which is only valuable
for the aromatic and medicinal gum found in blisters
on its outer bark.
As I have already remarked, our forests are greatly
THE FORESTS OF KORTH CAROLINA. 213
diversified except in the southern part of the county,
where the yellow pine prevails. In order to give
you an approximate idea of the location of these
forests, I will say that in the southern part of the
county there is an area of yellow pine covering
65,000 acres. In the central part of the county, from
west to east, is the oak, hickory, chestnut, etc., em-
bracing about 102,000 acres. *
North of this, toward the top bf the Blue Ridge,
comes in all the white pine, walnut, cherry, etc., that
we have ; and I suppose we might say that here the
white pine was the prevailing growth, covering at a
rough estimate 122,000 acres.
So that we have a total wooded area as follows :
Yellow pine, 65,000 acres
Oak, hickory, etc., • - • 102,000 "
White pine, 122,000 "
Total forest area, .... 289,000 acres
What has been said of Caldwell applies equally,
except perhaps as to geographical location of the
forests, to the counties of Wilkes, Alleghany, Ashe,
Watauga, Mitchell, Yancey, and Burke, except that
in Caldwell alone will you find au}^ considerable
quantity of yellow pine, and in all the others men-
tioned, except Wilkes and Burke, there is more
white pine than we have. Outside of these north-
western counties above mentioned you will find no
white pine in North Carolina worth mentioning.
There is also more clierr}', walnut, and ash in
214 THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Ashe, Watauga, Mitchell, and Yancey than we have,
and this valuable timber extends on west to Duck-
town in large quantities and great perfection.
Of the other north-western counties noted above,
I estimate the wooded areas as follows :
Wilkes, 480,000 acres
Alleghany, 179,200 "
Ashe, 216,000 "
Watauga, 245,400 "
Mitchell, 260,000 "
Yancey, 234,000 "
Burke, 302,000 "
E. J.
Cat^iden. (280 square miles.) South Mills, Aug.
24, 1882. — There is considerable Long-Leaf Pine (Lob-
lolly) in this county. Half of our lands are in the
primitive forest, and at least 20 per cent, of the growth
of timber now standing is this kind of pine. Our
swamps, which cover at least one-fifth of the area of
Camden, abound in juniper and cypress (both kinds
very valuable), of which 60 to 75 per cent, have been
removed. Some oak is still standing, but has mostly
been cut, not over 10 per cent, remaining. No other
kinds of valuable timber remaining in the county. —
F. N. M.
Carteret. (525 square miles.) — Sanders' Store,
Sept. 26, 1882. — The timber in our forests consists of
long-leaf and short-leaf pine, as the principal and
most abundant kinds ; the various kinds of oaks, the
THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 215
most abundant kinds being the red and black-jack va-
rieties. Our swamps abound with oak and cypress.
We have some hickory, but of smaller size. — J.W. S.
Cabarrus. (400 square miles.) — Pioneer Mills,
Aug. 26, 1882, — We have short-leaf (yellow) pine, hick-
ory, post, black, red, white and Spanish oaks. Oaks of
the different varieties (interspersed with pine in cer-
tain sections) are the prevailing growth. But little
walnut or finer woods. In the better sections of
lands timber is very scarce. In the poorer sections
timber more abundant and of but little value now. —
J. C. B.
Catawba. (375 square miles.) — Hickory, Sept. 6,
1882. — We have very little walnut and hickory. Our
forests are of yellow pine, white, post, black and red
oaks. Pine is the principal growth. — H.
. Chatham. (825 square miles.) — Pittsboro, Sept.
11, 1882. — Our forests consist of oaks, hickory, dog-
wood, walnut, old-field pine. The different varieties
of oak, the prevailing growth. — J. A. A.
Caswell. (400 square miles.)— Leasburg, Aug. 22,
1882. — In quantity the oak predominates ; white,
red, post oak, Spanish, black and willow oak, are
found in abundance in all original forests, in every
part of the county, and in the western portion the
chestnut oak is abundant. Hickory is next most
abundant. The pine is in all the original forests fast
passing away, though there are sections of the county
in which this valuable tree is abundant. There is
little or no walnut now in our forests, but there are
216 THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
many large old walnuts, that, though scattered, would
afford large quantities of valuable timber. The dog-
wood is abundant, and is in all parts of the county ;
so is the persimmon. The poplar (tulip) is not abun-
dant, yet there is a good quantity of this valuable tim-
ber in all our forests. The gums (both sweet and
black) are common ; so is the sycamore. Apart from
our original forests there are large tracts of country
covered with forests of pines, which is a valuable
local timber used in the construction of tobacco
houses and log dwelling houses and other buildings
important to the husbandman and cultivator of the
soil. So much of the land of Caswell is now covered
with a growth of trees, called here the "second
growth," of a mixed character, with oak, hickory,
pine, gum and dogwood, etc., prevailing, that it
sometimes proves difficult to ascertain the end of the
second growth and the beginning of the original
forest ; and there are such extensive tracts grown up
in young pine, which if left alone a few years will
become forests indeed, that it would not be an over
estimate to say that one-half of the land of Caswell
county was either in original forest or in process of
making forests. — G. N. T.
Cleveland. (425 square miles.) — Cleveland Mills,
Aug. 25, 1882. — Our forests are composed principally
of the usual variety of oaks, black, red, Spanish,
wdiite and post oak, with some chestnut oak on the
high ridges and mountains, yellow pine, hickory ; and
on the low lands and streams white maple, beech, birch
THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 217
and sycamore. Chestnut is abundant in the moun-
tain j)ortion of the county, and a considerable amount
of wild or black locust. Our woods, especially " old
fields," as they are called here, also abound in dog-
wood. When our ancestors '^tvore out'' a piece of
land and abandoned its cultivation it never failed to
bring an abundant crop of ••' old field " pine. It has
very little heart, and for exposed parts is not durable,
but still it is quite valuable for many purposes, grow-
ing very tall and thick on the ground. We also have
the persimmon, a very hard wood. Walnut is scarce
here, though there is a little black walnut in the
mountains, and a few domestic trees around the
farms. The prevailing growth is yellow pine, a vari-
ety of oaks and hickory. Taking the whole county
over there is about 50 per cent, in virgin forest.
With the lands covered with second or old field
growth there may be 60 or 65 per cent, in timber. — H.
F. S.
Cumberland. (950 square miles.) — Fa3^etteville,
Aug. 25, 1882. — I have, with the aid of others, with
some care made an approximate estimate of the prin-
cipal woods of this county, statement appended :
Number of acres, 4*^5,000
Long-leaf Pines, 350,000
Converted into lumber would make, 350,000,000 ft.
On same lands Short-leaf in bottoms
and swamps, 50,000,000 "
Poplars, 150,000,000 "
Cypress, 400,000,000 "
218 THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Black, sweet and other gums, . . 300,000,000 £t.
Juniper, 60,000,000 "
Beech, 50,000,000 "
White, water and red oak, . . . 50,000,000 "
Besides considerable quantities of dogwood, hick-
ory, bull bay, mulberry ; and in river bottoms and
adjacent, sycamore and black walnut. — J. D. W.
Cumberland, Harnett, Moore, Chatham,
Randolph, Guilford, Forsyth, Stokes, Surry,
Yadkin, Wilkes, Caldwell, Mitchell. (Area
7,656 square miles.) Route of Cape Fear and Yadkin
Valley Hailroad. — Extracts from Special Report of
State Creologist Kerr. — " The above facts — the variety
of soils, the wide range of temperature, and the
abundant rainfall, have, of course, found expression
in a correspondingly great range of natural products,
the flora having a really continental breadth and va-
riety, from the palmetto and live oak on the one hand,
to the white pine and Canadian fir on the other, so
that what I have said in the geological report of the
variety and richness of the forests of the entire State
may be applied with scarce a modification to this
tract, which includes both the extremes that gave its
unique breadth of climatic and botanical character-
istics to the whole. That is, there are about one
hundred species o:^ woods — more than in all Europe ;
of twenty-two species of oaks in the United States
(east of the Rocky Mountains), nineteen are found
here ; all (eight) of the pines ; four out of five
spruces ; all (five) of the maples ; both of the wal-
THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 219
nuts ; three of the five birches ; six- of the eight hick-
ories ; and all (seven) of the magnolias ; more spe-
cies of oaks than in all the States north of us. It
goes without saying that here is a source of business,
of freights and manufactures capable of immediate
and indefinite expansion and development. Of the
tvi^enty kinds of timber admitted to the ship-yards of
New York, nearly all are found here. The following
is a partial catalogue of the commercial tind)ers com-
mon to one or another section along this tract : Pine,
six species ; white pine ; fir, three species ; hemlock ;
juniper; cypress; red cedar; oak, fourteen species;
hickory, six species ; walnut, two species ; chestnut ;
beech ; black locust ; maple, three species ; ash, four
species ; elm, three species ; cherry ; holly ; dogwood ;
gum, two species ; sassafras ; palmetto ; magnolia
(cucumber tree) ; persimmon ; poplar ; birch, two
species ; sycamore ; tulip tree (poplar) ; linn (bass-
wood) ; sixty-four species, valuable for their timber.
Among these, a single species, the long-leaf pine,
yields in timber and naval stores, products of 83,000,-
000 value annually; and the long-leaf pine belt is
traversed by more than fifty miles of tlie C. F. & Y.
V. R. R. There are many other trees and shrubs of
less importance, or whose value consists less, or not
at all, in their timber, but in their leaves or bark, as
the sumac, sweet gum, cane, etc. ; and in addition to
these, several hundred species of medicinal plants are
gathered for export to all parts of the world (such
as ginseng, hellebore, etc.), amounting to many thou-
220 THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
sand tons a year, chiefly from the mountain section.
Thus it will be Seen, that in these indigenous forest
products are found the means and materials for large
businesses and freights for an indefinite time ; and
the value of these resources, and the demand for
them, increases rapidly year by year, as the accessible
forest regions of the continent are more and more
rapidly suffering exhaustion. The shops of Pitts-
burg, with their annual consumption of 50,000,000
cubic feet of timber, having exhausted the forests of
several States, are already turning this way for their
future supply ; and so of Cincinnati and of Chicago,
as the forests of Michigan and Upper Wisconsin
swiftly disappear.
'•'Cape Fear Section of Route. — From the upper
Cape Fear, above Fayetteville for 50 miles, will
come large shipments of timber and naval stores, as
heretofore. There are many hundreds of square
miles of the long-leaf pine forests in this section yet
to be opened to commerce. It will be seen, by refer-
ence to the United States Census, that this trade
amounts to more than three millions per annum, and
a large part of it is concentrated along the Cape Fear.
The returns for 1879 give the shipments of naval
stores from Fayetteville as aggregating 96,000 barrels.
■''-Deep River Section. — In this section the long
leaf pine and oak forests meet. There are some fine
bodies of the latter along the river bottoms and those
of its tributaries, and all over the intervening ridges
and hills, for a dozen miles above the Gulf; and with
THE FORESTS OF NOIITH CAROLINA. 221
the various species of oak are foiiiid other valuable
woods — Avaliiut, hickory and dogwood, etc., in abun-
dance. A company from Baltimore are making ar-
rangements to ship large quantities of the two latter
woods this season.
^'•Midland Section, — This portion of the tract in-
cludes the upper part of Randolph and Chatham, a
large part of Guilford and Forsyth, Stokes, Yadkin,
Surry, Wilkes and Caldwell — a region of nearly as
great extent, and of more varied and abundant re-
sources, than some entire States. It contains wide
stretches of the finest forests in their primeval state.
They abound, in extraordinary richness, along the
streams in the southern part of Guilford and along
many of the intervening ridges, and on the upper
waters of Haw River in the western and northern
portions of the county ; and again on the head
streams of the Dan, on the flanks of the Sauratown
Mountains, and in the vallej'S of the Yadkin and its
numerous tributaries that come down from the slopes
of the Blue Ridge. These will furnish immense
quantities of white oak, and other species of oak,
hickory, walnut, poplar, while the uplands and ridges
and the spurs of the mountains abound in hickory,
dogwood, yellow pine, chestnut and black locust.
And above Patterson there are large forests of white
pine.
'"'' Mountain Section. — The timber produrts of this
section are also of immense extent. The largest and
finest cherry and walnut timber grows in these moun-
222 THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
tain coves, with curled maple and black birch (or
mahogany). I have seen here forests of cherry, and
have measured trees of more than three feet in diam-
eter, and clear of limb for 75 feet. And almost un-
broken forests of the heaviest oak timber ; and chest-
nut, poplar, hemlock, white pine, linn, black locust
and birch, mantle cove, ridge and mountain slope, to
the highest summits."
Currituck. (200 sq. miles.) — Baelie, Aug. 28,
1882. — The navy yard at Portsmouth, Va., has long
since absorbed all the valuable oak. The avaricious
and insatiable saw mills, together with the desire of
every man who could buy a pair of oxen and " Car-
ry-Log," have demolished and transported nearly all of
our pine ; to such an extent have they carried on
lumbering that many pieces or sticks will not measure
100 feet board measure. Holly all gone to the north-
ern cities. Some cypress yet remains in inaccessible
swamps. Juniper very scarce, but cheap buckets in
abundance. This certainly looks like a gloomy re-
port, but more truth than poetry. It is true we have
some scattering small tracts of fair pine, but few in-
deed. The prevailing growth now that reaches the
vision is pine — pine saplings, sweet and black gum,
and occasionally some poplar and hickory. I cannot
inform you with accuracy of the wooded acreage,
but I presume I would not be far from correct to say
three-fifths.— W. H. C.
Davie. (300 sq. miles.) — Farmington, August 29,
1882. We have the different kinds of oaks, white.
THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 223
post, black and red oaks, hickory, popL^r, pine, ash,
gum, wahiut, chestnut, dogwood, persimmon, etc.
The prevailing growth is oak and short-leaf pine.
The wooded acreage is about one-third — covered with
oak and short-leaf pine. — G. W. J.
Davidson. (600 sq. miles.) — Lexington, Sept. 30,
1882. — We have in our forests oaks, pine, persim-
mon, walnut, and all the hard woods. The oaks pre-
dominate, though pine is very abundant. Two
thirds of the county in woodland. — J. H. W.
Duplin. (725 sq. miles.)— Faison, Sept. 2T, 1882.
— We have very little long-leaf pine left in the upper
section of the county ; steam mills and forest fires
have thinned it out. In a few years we can with
much difficulty get timber enough to keep up fences
and furnish firewood. Ours is the cotton section of
the county. There is a good deal of timber in the
lower part of the county away from the railroad.
We have quite a number of large swamps in the
county, well timbered with short-leaf pine, ash, pop-
lar, maple, cypress, etc., — by estimation over 55,000
acres of good unimproved swamp land. Since the
long-leaf pine has been used and burnt, the forest is
covered with short-leaf pine, small oaks, and black
jack.— W. E. 11.
Edgecombe. (500 sq. miles.)— Old Sparta, Aug.
22, 1882. — Our forests are of long-leaf pine and
cypress, the former largely predominating. Probably
fifty per cent, of the land is in woods, but generally
poorly timbered ; yet there is a sufficiency of both
224 THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
pine and cypress for home consumption. The Sea-
board and Raleigh Railroad, now building a bridge
across the Tar at Tarboro, have imported a large
portion of their timbers from South Carolina, not
that such stuff could not be had in this section, but
it is not now so accessible. — E. C.
Franklin. (425 sq. miles.) — Louisburg, Sept. 9,
1882. — We have oak — many varieties, pine, hickor}^,
ash, willow oak, maple, elm, beech, birch, gum —
several kinds, sycamore, cedar, holly, locust, mul-
berry, sassafras, some walnut — though not abundant,
some cypress, and in fact all the varieties of forest
groAv'th found in the central portion of the State.
The prevailing growth in the original forests in the
northern and western portion of the county is oak,
hickory, yellow pine, dogwood, etc. ; in the southern
and south-eastern portion of the county, added to
these is the long-leaf pine. Old-field pine is abun-
dant all over the county. About ten per cent, of the
area of the county is in original forest of pine, oak,
hickory, etc. There is a much larger acreage of
old-field pine. — J. J. D.
Forsyth. (350 sq. miles.)— Salem, Aug. 22, 1882.
In some sections of our county there is considerable
short-leaf pine, but the prevailing growth is oak,
mixed with hickory and dogwood. We have some
poplar, persimmon, etc. The chestnuts are dying
out fast. Probably one third of the county is in
forest, one third cut over and growing up in brush,
old fields thrown out, and old-field pines, and one
THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 225
tliird actually in cultivation. In these last years,
timber has been cut very fast for building material,
tobacco boxes, spokes and handles, and shuttle
blocks, and especially as fuel for our growing towns,
but I am happy to add that our " fence law " area is
widening too, and tlie young growth on many an old
hillside gives cheering promise for the future. — J.
W. F.
Gates. (375 sq. miles.) — Gatlington, Sept. 20,
1882. — Our forests contain pine, three varieties :
long-strawed, medium-strawed or ordinary, and the
short-strawed or rosemary; oak, several varieties,
named in order of the prevailing varieties — red,
wdiite, post, black jack, water, Spanish, turkey, chin-
quapin, and the over-cup ; ash ; gum, sweet, black,
and papaw; poplar, persimmon, juniper, cj^press,
cedar, a sprinkling of mulberry, holly, maple, dog-
wood, sour-wood, elm, beech, birch, and some few
others. The long-leaved pine is confined mostly to
the sand banks bordering the Chowan River, though
it is found to some extent wherever the land is sandy.
It has all been cut, or nearly so. The prevailing
varieties are the ordinary pine, oak (red and white),
gum (sweet and black), ash, hickory.
I suppose fully three fourths of the area of this
county is covered by forest, including old fields.
There is a large quantity of pine timber and a good
deal of oak. The pine, oak, and cypress are being
rapidly cut and in a few years will all be gone. — J.
J. G.
8
226 THE FORESTS OF NOETH CAROLINA.
Gaston. (350 sq. miles.) — Gastonia, Aug. 23,
1882. — As to the kinds of timber in our forests, pine
is the most numerous, both yellow and white. No
long-leaf grows in our section. Our forests are
about an equal mixture of all the different kinds of
oaks, such as white, black, red, chestnut, Spanish,
post, etc. There are also the pin and water oaks,
which grow along the swamps and Avatercourses.
The gum and black jack are found occasionally, but
the larger portion of our forests is pine, and for the
most part on the ridges. The most valuable land
consists of hickory and dogwood, and occasionally
the walnut. In the swamps, maple, ash, and birch
are found. About three fifths of our land is yet
forest, and a great portion of our poorest, worn-out
old fields have grown up in old-field pines, and when
cleared up produce cotton and wheat as well, if not
better than new forest land. The supply of firewood
timber is very plentiful, but valuable timber for
rails, planks, shingles, etc , is becoming very scarce,
and especially heart timber. Sap timber is inex-
haustible, but the heart for rails, etc., is becoming so
scarce that our county demands the fence law. —
D. A. J.
Graham. (250 sq. miles.) — Robbinsville, Aug 27,
1882. — Our forest woods are walnut, poplar, chest-
nut, white oak, black oak, chestnut oak, red oak,
Spanish oak and post oak, hickory, cherry, birch,
linn, spruce pine, some yellow pine, and much white
pine. Laurel and ivy are plenty in the mountain
THE FOllESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 227
section. The timber I have named is of a good and
large healthy growth, from 30 to 70 feet to the first
limbs, from 2 to 6 feet in diameter. — J. J. C.
Greene. (300 sq. miles.) — Hookerton, Aug. 24,
1882. — Our forests consist mainly of pine. On the
high dry lands the original growth is pitch or long-
strawed pine ; most of it has been boxed or bled, and
consequently more or less damaged for lumber, but
makes excellent fence. The slashes and low, flat
lands have what we call slash or ehort-straw^ pine,
which makes excellent building lumber for all pur-
poses not too much exposed. The under or second
growth on the ridges is oak. Our swamps have oak,
ash, cypress, sweet gum, black gum, some hickory.
Oak for timber is not very abundant. Cypress, pine,
and gum are in abundance, though the cypress is
not of the best quality. Walnut is very scarce. Our
wooded acreage is about equal to the arable land.
Say one-half our area is in wood ; about two-thirds
of this is covered with pine, mostly long-leaf. All
of the second growth of pine is short-leaf ; some of
that makes good timber. — W. P. O.
Granville. (750 sq. miles.) — Sassafras Fork,
Aug. 26, 1882. — In this county the prevailing growth
is white and post oak, hickory, and pine. In the
northern part of the county about three-fourths is
in original growth ; the balance about one-half. —
R. O. G.
Halifax. (710 sq. miles.) — Scotland Neck, Sept.
18, 1882. — The timber in our forests consists of long
228 THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
and short-leaf pine, cypress, oak, maple, ash and
hickory. The prevailing growth is long and short-
leaf pine, and the different varieties of oak. The
wooded acreage is about two-thirds of the county,
say about 270,000 acres, covered with every variety
of pine, oak, maple, cypress, ash and dogwood. The
number of acres in original forest growth of the dif-
ferent varieties of timber is believed to be about one-
fifth or one-sixth of the wooded acreage. — R. H. S.
Harnett. (550 sq. miles.) — Lillington, Oct. 10,
1882. — Long-leaf pine is the principal growth of our
forests. We have some oak and hickory ; very little
walnut. On the west side of the county there are
40,000 acres (in large tracts) of large, merchantable
pine, what we call " ship timber." At present it is
not near enough the railroad to be very profitable,
but the proposed road from Goldsboro to Salisbury
will make it so. Besides this, we have 100,000 acres
of pine suitable for saw mills. — B. F. S.
Henderson. (375 sq. miles.) — Edneyville, Sept.
16, 1882. — I send you a statement of the timber in
this county. Common pine, white and spruce pine,
oak, walnut, hickory, ash, chestnut, poplar, beech and
locust. These timbers are all fine, large and tall.
There has been in the last six months a large amount
of locust pins shipped from this county and they are
still shipping them. — R. E.
Haywood. (750 sq. miles.) — Waynesville, Aug.
28, 1882. — We have an abundance of the following
timbers ; Black walnut, white oak, red and black oak,
THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 229
poplar, ash, chestnut, hickory, cherry, linden, buck-
eye, birch, black gum, dogwood, maple, and a great
variety of other species. We have also an abun-
dance of laurel and ivy, from which very fine rustic
work has been and is being made. As to pine timber,
we have quite an abundance of spruce pine, some
yellow pine, and an enormous quantity of balsam.
The prevailing growths of the county are white oak,
chestnut, hickory and poplar. — E. P. H.
Iredell. (600 sq. miles ) — Statesville, Aug. 26,
1882. — The kinds of timber in our forests are, oak
(white, black, red, post, Spanish, chestnut and indeed
all varieties), short-leaf pine (white, soft and yellow
heart), hickory, dogwood, sour-wood, poplar, maple,
beech, walnut (white and black), etc. The forests of
this county show a very great variety of timber. The
prevailing growth is oak, pine and hickory. About
one-third of the county is woodland. Of the timber
land about one-half is covered by oak timber of the
different varieties. — J. P. C.
Johnston. (700 sq. miles.)— Smithfield, Sept 7,
1882. — Of timber in our forests the principal kinds
are pine, oak, hickory, ash, maple and gum. The
long-leaf pine is the prevailing growth. The acreage
covered by the prevailing species is, I suppose, about
two-thirds.— J. P. W.
Jackson. (925 sq. miles.)— Webster, Sept. 12,
1882. — At least four-fifths of this county is yet forest.
The prevailing growth is oak. The varieties are red
oak, Spanish oak, black oak, white oak and post oak.
230 THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Locust is found anywhere in the county and in great
quantities in some places. Hickory grows promiscu-
ously over the county, and it is very fine. Fine pop-
lar is found in various parts. Buckeye, beech, birch,
dogwood, ash, cucumber and others are found in the
county.— W.H. H. H.
Lincoln. (275 sq. miles.) — Macpelah, Aug. 28,
1882. — The timbers of our forests are short-leaf and
old-field pine, all oaks of this region, dogwood, hick-
ory, poplar, maple, cherry, walnut, beech and birch,
linden, elm, ash, chestnut (mostly dead), sour-wood,
sassafras. The prevailing growth is a mixture of
pine and oak, with hickory in places ; bottoms have
poplar and maple. In places, dogwood and sour-
wood are largely intermixed with prevailing growth.
Two-thirds of the county is in woods; much of it
second growth, having been cut for charcoal. Amount
of pine lumber for building sufficient for present, but
not over-abundant. Shingle timber is already scarce,
and oak much used for this purpose. — W. A. G.
Moore. (825 sq. miles.)— Sanford, Sept. 8, 1882.
— The kinds of timber in the forests of this county
are as follows : Long and short leaf pine ; white,
red, and post ook ; hickory, dogwood, with smaller
quantities of juniper and ash. The prevailing growth
is long-leaf pine. The wooded acreage is about 50
per cent. ; about 40 per cent, long-leaf pine, and
about 10 per cent, of all others mentioned above. —
J. D. McL
Montgomery. (575 sq. miles.) — Troy, Aug. 30,
THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 231
1882. — The timbers of our forests are : Pine, long
and short leaf, oak, hickory, dogwood, maple, ash,
poplar, and walnut. Long-leaf pine, oak, hickory,
and dogwood prevail. The wooded acreage is 250,000,
of which the long-leaf pine occupies about 80,000,
the rest being taken up by oak, hickory, and dog-
wood, with the other minor kinds mentioned. — C.
c. w.
Madison. (450 sq. miles.) — Marshall, Aug. 25,
1882. — The kinds of timber are poplar, white oak,
white pine, hickory, ash, walnut, and some red oak
and yellow pine. The prevailing growths are hick-
ory, poplar, white oak, and ash. The wooded acre-
age is about 80 per cent., and the acreage as covered
by the prevailing growth about 75 per cent. In the
mountains you find many parts covered w^ith buck-
eye, linn; beech, dogwood, and cherry. The Avalnut
and cherry are being cut very fast and sliipped to
eastern markets. — W. W. R.
Macon, Clay, Cherokee, Graham, Hayavood,
Jackson, Swain. (3,910 sq. miles.) — Franklin, Aug.
26, 1882. — I give statement of timbers growing in IVIa-
con County. Black oak, Spanish oak, white oak, post
oak, chestnut oak, water or shingle oak ; chestnut,
hickory (both red and white), poplar, linn, ash (both
black and white), cucumber (two varieties), maple,
black and white walnut, cherry, spruce pine or hem-
lock, common black pine, white pine, black jack,
sycamore, birch, holly, Peruvian tree, dogwood, sour-
wood, persimmon, sarvis, black locust, yellow locust,
232 THE rORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
cedar (scarce), buckeye, black gum, slippery elm,
beech, iron-wood, wild plum, sassafras, chinquapin,
crab-apple. Of these timbers, the oaks are more
generally distributed through our forests than any
other; then chestnut, the hickory and poplar, etc.
I have not the means at command to determine the
percentage of uncleared forest as compared with the
lands cleared and in cultivation, but I am inclined
to believe that five-sixths of the whole area of the
county are in unbroken forests. The oaks prevail
throughout the whole territory of the county. Clay,
Cherokee, Graham, Swain, Jackson, and Haywood
produce similar growths ; and to the list herein given
you may add balsam for the counties of Swain, Jack-
son, and Haywood. — C. D. S.
Hayesville, Clay County, May 8, 1882. — Five
counties in the extreme western corner of North
Carolina have since the Atlanta Exposition become
centres of attraction to geologists, to metallurgists,
and to all who have either a scientific or a practical
knowledge of mines and mining. These are Swain,
with its beautiful marbles of many colors ; Graham,
abounding in free gold precipitated next the soft
slate ; Cherokee, with its belts of iron, limestone,
marble, and steatite, and its mines of gold, lead,
silver, and mineral paint. The remaining two are
Clay, in Avhich gold, corundum, mica, asbestos, soap-
stone, and many gems are found ; and Macon, with
its ores of copper and its mines of corundum, mica,
asbestos, graphite, limestone, and a large variety of
THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 233
precious stones. These are the most abundant min-
erals of this district. Associated with them are
many others belonging to the curiosities of geology,
but without commercial value. Iron is much more
abundant than any other of the useful metals, but
gold is much more widely disseminated In a
former letter some reference was made to the timbers
of this country. An extended tour among these
mountains since then has more than confirmed my
opinion of the extent and vakie of these forests. I
have seen colossal pines, chestnuts, and oaks ; hick-
ory, maple, and beech trees four feet in diameter, and
poplars thirty-six feet in circumference. There are
spots in these mountains where the wild cherry
attains a diameter of six feet and the sassafras four.
The yellow locust also grows to be a large tree. A
log of it lying across a branch where it has been used
as a foot log the last thirty years seemed to be as
sound at the heart as when it was felled. Persim-
mons and dogwoods large enough for shuttle blocks
are to be seen near all the streams. The local con-
sumption of timber is inappreciable except where
land is cleared for cultivation ; then the wasteful
practice of girdling and subsequent burning is em-
ployed. When track-laying begins, cross ties will be
in demand. A market will be opened for timber
suitable for trestles and bridges, and the work of
forest destruction will be fairly inaugurated. When
the road is completed, iron furnaces will be built and
charcoal pits started. The bark of the chestnut and
234 THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
oak will be sent to the Chattanooga tannery, the
hickory will be turned into spokes and tool handles,
and the poplar sawed into planks. At jDresent prices,
and Avith the certainty of an early demand, no more
profitable investment offers for idle capital than the
forest land contiguous to these railroads in Swain
and Cherokee counties. I have not seen a tract on
the line indicated that will not be worth at least
double its cost within the next two years, and many
of them will bring a much higher percentage, because
of their location and their adaptation to tillage.—
Mn.F AV.DBB,UcUtorMio Haven CCo7m.-) Palladium,
Mitchell. (250 sq. miles.)— Bakersville, Sept.
8, 1882.— We have in this county the following kinds
of timber of importance : White oak, walnut, poplar,
asli, hickory, cherry and white pine. The latter ex-
clusively in the eastern part of the county. The
greater part of the county is timber land. The acre-
age of the different kinds would be in about the fol-
lowing order; first, white oak; second, white pine;
third, poplar ; fourth, ash ; fifth, liickory : sixth, wal-
nut; seventh, cherry. — J. W. B.
Nash. (525 sq. miles.)— Nash County, Sept. 11,
1882.— Northern and western portions of Nash : black,
post, Spanish and white oaks, short-leaf pine. East-
ern and Southern parts: long-leaf pine. Low lands :
cypress, gum, poplar and maple — undergrowth, dog-
wood, principally. I have no means to ascertain the
wooded acreage. It is very different in different por^
tions. Generally about one-fourth to one-half under
THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 235
fence, except in large tracts, then a much less per
cent, under fence. Small tracts more under fence.
The remainder is in old worn-out fields with the
original growth about half and half. In some sec-
tions large bodies in original growth ; some of oaks
and some of pine ; but every year the acreage under
fence is rapidly increasing and land rising in value. —
J. W. B.
New .Hanover, Pender, Duplin, Wayne, Wil-
son, Edgecombe, Nash, Halifax. (Area, 4,360 sq.
miles.) Route of Wilmington and Weldon Railroad, —
Wilmington, Sept. 8, 1882.— The prevailing growth
of timber from Wilmington to the Neuse river is
long-leaf pine on the high lands, slash pine, with a
sprinkling of scrub gum and maple, on the flats or
low lands, with a little white oak. On the higher
ridges there is a little red oak. The long-leaf pine in
the neighborhood of the railroad has been used for tur-
pentine and tar, and most of the oak timber has been
gotten for staves. In the swamps there is a great deal
of black gum, sweet gum, maple, ash and hickory,
some little oak, the greater part being black gum, with
occasional low places of cypress. Very little walnut.
The same may be said from Neuse river to Fishing
Creek, with an increased growth of red oak and hick-
ory. Most of the long-leaf pine has, like the lower
part, been exhausted. From Enfield to Weldon is
short-leaf pine, in the swamps a good deal of beech,
papaw, gum, and a considerable amount of small oak
and hickory.
236 THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
I understand that on the west side of the road from
Wihiiington to Goldsboro, after a few miles, there are
large quantities of valuable pine which has been bled
for turpentine, and after you pass Goldsboro a great
deal of very valuable timber a few miles from the
road (long-leaf pine).
As soon as you strike the red lands in Wilson,
Nash and Halifax, you find considerable quantities of
oak. Running from Fishing Creek in the direction
of Raleigh there is a very large belt of long-leaf pine
of first-class quality, varying from 3 to 6 or 8 miles
wide, running in the direction of Raleigh. When it
reaches the Little River country it seems to run in a
direction further south, passing below Clayton, thence
through the State, passing the lower edge of Wake
and through Johnston county, through the most of
Harnett, Cumberland, eastern part of Richmond and
Robeson, being a great deal of valuable saw-mill tim-
ber, some of which has been bled, some not. How
far the line goes west of this I do not know, but my
recent explorations of the line from Wilson to Shoe
Heel show a great deal of valuable pine timber and
some valuable white oak.
The belt of timber running from Fishing Creek up
towards Peach Tree, on towards Watson's Mill on
the Neuse, is one of the finest sections of timber I
know.
In the Scotland Neck country, in the dividing ridge
between Beach Swamp and the waters of the Roa-
noke, thence continued on to a point between Tarboro
THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 237
and Williamston, there is another valuable belt of
long-leaf pine timber.
On the Roanoke there are localities in which young
walnut seems to spring up along the hedge rows as
old-field pine does in other localities. I judge from
the manner in which it springs up that it could be
grown with ease in this district. Also in many other
sections walnut could be grown.
It is not in my power to give you the wood acreage
and the acreage covered by prevailing species. You
will find the timber indicated more by geological for-
mation. As soon as you get into red or rocky lands the
long-leaf pine disappears, and oak and hickory take its
place. As you pass the Granite Falls there are gum
swamps and cypress swamps. A description of one is
a description of all. A description of one section of
long-leaf pine country is nearly a description of all.
The long-leaf pine extends above the line of Gran-
ite Falls on Fishing Creek, Neuse River, Smiley's
Falls, and the Falls in the Yadkin, varying at different
points. Not a great deal of long-leaf pine in the
secondary formation — it is principally confined to the
tertiary. The various river bottoms of the Neuse,
the Cape Fear, the Tar and the Roanoke, never had
long-leaf pine on them. This soil seems to have been
made from settlings from the up country. What
there is in the tertiary formation tliat produces long-
leaf pine, and what there is in the secondary forma-
tion that precludes its growth except on the ridges, I
cannot tell. — R. R. B.
238 THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Northampton. (525 sq. miles.) — Rich Square,
Sept. 7, 1882. — We have here almost every tree
known, but principal growth is pine and oak on the
high lands, with gum and cypress in the swamps.
The hills or high lands are also interspersed with
hickory, walnut, dogwood, and maple, and many
other varieties in less quantity. I suppose one half
the county is in forests, and one half that is thickly
set in long-leaf pine. In the lower end of the county
we have large quantities of the various kinds of oak
and hickory, some walnut, sap pine (known as short-
leaf), maple in abundance, etc. Then there are three
large swamps in or partly in the county, which
abound in magnificent C3^press trees and the different
kinds of gum. — J. C. J.
Orange. (675 sq. miles.) — Hillsboro, Sept. 8,
1882. — Our forest timbers are oak, hickory, gum,
cedar, pine, elm, maple, walnut, sycamore, beech,
birch. The prevailing growth is oak. One third of
Orange is in forest, mostly oak. — J. W.
Onslow. (725 sq. miles.) — Richlands, Aug. 22,
1882. — The long-leaf pines are the principal growth.
There is a large quantity of waste or barren poor
piney woodland, interspersed with strips of pocoson
which have cypress and juniper. On the rivers and
creeks are fine poplar, dogwood, holly, beech, maple,
and sweet gum. The old fields are covered with
spruce or short-straw pines. Elm, white oak, red
oak, and hickory abound in the swamps and low
ground, and the plantations have on their edges per-
THE FORESTS OP NORTH CAROLINA. 239
simmon trees, plum and mulberry. There are some
walnut trees, on the farms principally, and a few in
the woods. There is at least sixty per cent, of the
acreage of forest in the pine woods, — in many places
splendid timber of the yellow long-leaf pine for saw-
mills. The cedar tree also is interspersed all over
the county, and may be found in the swamps and on
plantations. Ash of the finest quality and in great
abundance prevails in the low grounds and on the
creeks and rivers, with a large quantity of sugar
maple. New River, in Onslow, has timber in abun-
dance on it, and steam saw-mills would do a good
business ; could saw pine, cedar, gum, juniper, oak,
ash, hickory, holl}^ beech, dogwood. There is an
abundance of willow in the low grounds. — J. H. F.
Pamlico. (875 sq. miles.) — Stonewall, Sept. 1,
1882. — We have all kinds of trees in our forest that
are known in the State except chestnut. The pre-
vailing growth is on our outlands, long and short
straw pine, with oak (red and white), hickory, holly,
etc. ; and in the swamp, yellow poplar, sweet and
black gum, ash, juniper, and the over-cup and chest-
nut oak, etc. The wooded acreage of our county is
at least nine-tenths of the whole. — J. S. L.
Pasquotank. (240 sq. miles.) — Elizabeth City,
Aug. 30, 1882. — There are two distinct classes of
timber in north-eastern North Carolina — swamp tim-
ber and upland timber. The most valuable swamp
timber is juniper and cypress, vast quantities of
which have been and are still being cut and carried
240 THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
to market. Most of it is manufactured out of the
State. The prevailing growth on the highlands is
pine. Immense quantities of this have also been cut
and moved out of the State to be manufactured, but
no inconsiderable quantity is manufactured in the
State. In this county there are about fifteen mills
for the manufacture of pine lumber. There are large
quantities of timber still standing on the low and
high lands, great as has been the drain during the
past fifteen years. We have an abundance of wood
of different kinds — oak, maple, sweet gum, ash, hick-
ory, holly, poplar, etc., on the uplands, and bay,
black gum, laurel, etc., in the swamps. Nearly or
quite one-half of the area east of Roanoke River in
this State is still wild ; probably one-fourth of that
whole territory is swampy and not susceptible of
cultivation. — F. V.
Pender. (917 sq. miles.) — Burgaw, Aug. 21,
1882. — We have pine, oak, hickory, maple, sweet and
black gum in abundance, and in several sections
birch, willow, and walnut in quantities. The pre-
vailing growth is long-leaf pine, oak, hickory, and
maple. The wooded acreage is about two-thirds of
the entire quantity. Number of acres in the county,
353,794, two-thirds of which is wooded land. The
long-leaf pine covers about one-third of entire num-
ber of acres, or half of the wooded land, amounting
to 117,931 acres. The other half is about equally
divided in the other growths, such as hickory, gum,
etc.— W. T. E.
THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 241
Perquimans. (225 sq. miles.) — Hertford, Sept.
29, 1882. — We have in this county pine, cypress,
juniper, gums, oak, ash, beech, Avith a sprinkling of
hickory, walnut, maple, dogwood, holly, and poplar.
Long-leaf pine is the prevailing growth of the higli
lands, and cypress and juniper of the swamp lands.
Our pine lands have been in a large measure denuded
of late years ; 400,000,000 feet of pine timber have
been carried from this county to Norfolk and Balti-
more in the log in the last ten years. There still
remain about 10,000 acres uncut of pine, and about
the same quantity of cypress and juniper. — T. G. S.
Person. (400 sq. miles.) — Winstead, Sept. 20,
1882. — We have in our original forest in this county
all of the oaks, hickory, short-leaf pine, poplar, some
walnut, beech, birch, sweet and black gum, sour-
wood, dogwood, etc. Our second growth consists
mainly of pine, the gums, persimmon, elm, etc. This
county is twenty miles square, and I suppose the
original wooded acreage to be one-eighth of the
whole ; the second growth, one-lialf of the whole.
Original growth divided about as follows: pine, one-
fourth ; oak, one-third ; hickory, one-eighth ; the re-
mainder being poplar, beech, birch, walnut, etc. ; the
second growth mainly pine, which makes fine build-
ing material, etc. — A. J. H.
Pitt. (825 sq. miles.)— Pitt County, Oct. 16, 1882.
— The kinds of timber are pine, cypress, oak, gum,
poplar ; the prevailing growth, pine and cypress. The
wooded acreage I can only estimate from the lands
242 THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
under my control — 8,000 acres, divided into three
distinct farms. One-fourtli is cleared ; three-fourths
in woods. Of the wood, one-half, perhaps three-
fourths, is pine. — J. H. S.
Polk. (300 sq. miles.) — Lynn, Aug. 28, 1882.—
Polk County is rich in timber. Her lands on the
south side of the mountains are very fine. On all
low and flat lands, native short-leaf pine predomi-
nates; some oak and hickory. On the mountain
sides we have fine walnut, ash, chestnut, poplar,
maple, locust, buckeye. One-half of the county is
mountain or fine kinds of wood. One fourth of the
land in Polk is cut off and cleared. — D. B. M.
Randolph. (728 sq. miles.) — Ashboro, Sept. 12,
1882. — Kinds of timber are oak, pine, hickory, dog-
wood, cedar, maple, gum, walnut, ash. The prevail-
ing growth is oak and short-leaf pine. Wooded acre-
age, two-thirds of the county. About five-sixths of
the wooded acreage is covered by oak and pine in
very nearly equal proportions. The northern part of
the county is chiefly oak, and in the southern part
pine prevails. — J. A. B.
Richmond. (875 sq. miles.) — Rockingham, Aug.
25, 1882. — I estimate the area, in acres, as 500,000.
Of this, probably 160,000 are devoted to agriculture.
Nine-tenths of the original growth was long-leafed
pine. Indeed all the county, except a narrow strip
on the Pee Dee — in all not over sixty square miles —
was of that species. In that small territory, and in
the immediate vicinity of the streams which flow into
THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 243
that river, there is still left some oak and hickory,
but not enough for commercial purposes. It may be
said, therefore, that our only timber in excess of
local demand is the long-leafed pine. Most of this —
say nine-tenths — has been boxed for turpentine, and
thus to some extent damaged in its timber and lum-
ber qualities. We have yet, especially off the line
of the railroads, enough to make hundreds of millions
of feet. The best and most extensive body of long-
leafed pine, within my knowledge, is in Montgomery
County, too far yet from transportation to be of much
commercial value. — W. L. S.
Rowan. (495 sq. miles.) — Salisbury, Aug. 21,
1882. — We have in our forests oak of all kinds, hick-
ory, short-leaf pine, ash, black walnut, poplar, soft
maple, elm. The prevailing growths are post, red,
and Spanish oak ; plenty of short-leaf pine for home
use ; other kinds of timber mixed very generally ;
black walnut and hickory in abundance. One-third
to one-fourth of the county is in timber, of which the
different kinds of oak will make from one-half to two-
thirds ; pine, one-half of the balance. — L. B.
Rockingham. (550 sq. miles.) — Leaksville, Sept.
9, 1882. — Our county abounds in oak, pine(short-leaf),
hickory, walnut and dogwood. One-third of the
county is in cultivation ; one-third in original forest ;
one-third waste land, being rapidly improved by old-
field pine.— J. P. D.
Robeson. (1150 sq. miles.) — Shoe Heel, Sept. 25,
1882. — The prevailing growth of our forests is long-
244 THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
leaf pine, botli yellow and pitch pine. In our swamps
(of which w^e have a considerable quantity) black
gum and cypress prevail, with some oak and ash.
The large timber accessible to the navigable streams
and railroads has been cut off, but there is still a
very large amount of timber suitable for lumber all
over the county. There are many large areas of large
pine timber remote from the streams and railroads
yet untouched, that will, when we have railroad fa-
cilities, afford an immense amount of timber and
lumber.— M. M.
Rutherford. (475 square miles.) — Island Ford,
Sept. 11, 1882. — We have in this county white oak,
red oak, black oak, post oak, live oak, chestnut oak,
in fact nearly all the oaks ; two kinds of hickory —
white and the common hickory, black walnut, short-
leaf or yellow pine and (as fine as you ever saw and a
plenty of it) hemlock near the mountains, poplar, ash,
birch, beech, locust. About three-fourths of the
acreage of the county is in timber yet. — J. L. M.
Sampson. (850 sq. miles.) — Clinton, Oct. 20,
1882. — The kinds of timber are long and short-leaf
pine; water, red, Spanish, white, black-jack oaks;
hickory, poplar, gum — sweet and black, dogwood,
persimmon, cedar, elm, juniper, cypress, walnut. The
prevailing growth is long-leaf pine. The wooded
acreage about 65 per cent., and about the same per
cent, of that covered by long-leaf pine. — E. T. B.
Surry. (500 sq. miles.) Elkin, Sept. 11, 1882.
The prevailing growth is white, red, black, Spanish
THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 245
and chestnut oaks, yellow or short-leaf pine, ash, wal-
nut, hickory, beech, birch, mahogany, cliestnut, ma-
ple, poplar, etc. Wooded acreage is about three-
fourths of the county, and one-half of whole county
is in oaks, pine, hickory, etc. — R. R. G.
Transylvania. (440 square miles.) — Zachary's,
Sept. 14, 1882. — This county from north to south is
34 miles ; from east to west, 29 miles. The valley of
the French Broad is from one to five miles wide, and
about 20 miles long within this county. With the
exception of said valley (and it has a great deal of
young oak timber), the county is almost one unbroken
forest. There is an abundance of the various kinds
of oak, chestnut, hickory, poplar, white and spruce
pine, and in some portions good yellow pine, some
walnut, cherry, beech, mountain birch, locust (in
abundance), linn, buckeye, etc., with all the various
kinds of small timber peculiar to a ridge country. —
J. Z.
Tyrrell. (325 sq. miles.)— Tyrrell County, Oct.
3, 1882. — Our forests are of long-leaf pine, oak, juni-
per, gum, ash and cypress. The wooded acreage is
at least 75 per cent., 50 per cent, of juniper and c}^-
press ; 25 per cent of pine and oak. — W. 11. H. C.
Wake. (1,050 sq. miles.)— Ralcigli, Oct. 27, 1882.
— A greater variety of timber trees are to be found
in Wake County than in any other county in the
State. In point of value the long-leaf pine comes first,
covering at least one-third of the area of the county,
and extending from the Johnslon to the Chatham line,
246 THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
and from Harnett to within three miles of the City of
Raleigh. Short-leaf pine is the prevailing growth in
nearly every other part of the county. Cedar pine
grows on Buffalo Creek, and cypress and juniper
abound on Little River, Buffalo and Moccasin. Syc-
amore, walnut, oak and hickory are the spontaneous
growth of all parts of the county. Every known
variety of oak is to be found in its borders. Large
white oaks suitable for ship building are abundant
on all the tributaries of the Cape Fear and the
Haw. Every known variety of oak can be found in
its borders. Hickory, black and red oak grow
spontaneously.
I was once riding in a park of three hundred acres
belonging to an English member of Parliament ; I
observed that all the oaks were post oaks, and so re-
marked to him. He replied, "Oh! I can show you
three varieties." I told him in my town in America
I could point him out twenty varieties of red oak
alone. This he evidently thought a mistake, and on
my return I sent him twelve varieties of red oak
acorns found in the yard of Dr Hogg and in Capitol
Square. I sent in the same package, also, acorns of
the chestnut and white oaks, and in acknowledging
the receipt of the same he said : " The great variety
of Qaercus Rubra is marvellous, some of them must
be hybrids, but the acorns of the chestnut and white
oaks have attracted the most attention on account of
size. I have divided them with the Earl of EUesmere,
who has caused them to be carefully planted."
THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 247
Many trees, such as olives, English walnuts and
pecans, grow well in North Carolina. The pecan
grows luxuriantly, and every farmer in the State
ought to plant the nuts on his farm. They grow very
vigorously in all parts of the State, and particularly
so in the alluvial soil of the east, and every nut
planted in November or December w^ll germinate.
The trees are much valued on the Mississippi for fat-
tening hogs. I have a tree in my yard that at eigh-
teen years of age bore five bushels of nuts. The
nuts sell readily for twenty cents a pound, and as a
crop for profit I think them well worthy of consid-
eration.— R. B. H.
Warren. (450 sq. miles.) — Ridgeway, Sept. 9,
1882. — The prevailing grow^ths of our forests are
pine (short-leafed), and oak (white, red, Spanish and
post) ; other growths are dogwood, hickory, gum,
walnut, etc. The acreage in forest is 55 per cent., as
follows ; pine 30 per cent., oak 25 per cent. — P. 11. A.
Wayne. (550 sq. miles.)— Fremont, Sept. 6, 1882.
— We have in this county, oaks, hickorj^ gum, ash,
mulberry, dogwood, walnut, etc., in small quantities ;
long-leaf and short-leaf pine the prevailing growth.
About 40 per cent, of the county is woodland, 25
per cent, in pine timber. — W. E. F.
Wilson. (350 sq. miles.) — Stantonsburg, Sept. 4,
1882. — Our forests are principally pine, witli oak,
hickory, poplar, and some walnut. The prevailing
growth is the long-leaf pine, except on Toisnot
Swamp and Big Contentnea Creek, where are oak.
248 THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
hickory, poplar, and some short-leaf pine. There is
also sweet gum, black gum, and dogwood, ash, etc.
I think about sixty per cent, of the county is in
forest, forty per cent, cleared. Of the sixty per cent,
in forest, the long-leaf pine covers seventy, and the
other kinds mentioned the remainder. The timber
sawed into lumber is ninety per cent. pine. The
same remarks would apply to the counties of Greene,
Wayne, a part of Nash, Johnston, and Edgecombe,
except that the latter is about equally divided in
forestry and cleared. — G. W. S.
Watauga. (475 sq. miles.) — Shull's Mills, Aug.
31, 1882. — The forests of Watauga County are very
heavily wooded, and originally covered the whole
surface except the rock cliffs on the mountains and
the beds of the rivers. They now include about four-
fifths of the acreage of the county. The prevailing
growths are oak, chestnut, poplar, hickory, maple,
sugar tree (or sugar maple), hemlock (or spruce
pine), white pine, cherry, ash, linden, cucumber,
buckeye, gum, birch (or mountain mahogany), beech,
walnut, sour-wood, dogwood, etc. The first eight
are the most abundant. All the forest growths of
the county are so mixed together that I cannot give
a reliable estimate of the acreage of each. Tlie pre-
vailing growth depends very much on the exposure
and elevation of the surface, and the surface is so
varied that almost every square mile of the county
has a considerable variety of elevation and exposure,
and consequently of prevailing growths of timber
THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 249
on the different portions of it. Since the railroad
reached Cranberry the lumbermen have invaded the
county, and secured most of the cherry trees at al-
most nominal prices. But there will be enough val-
uable timber of many kinds in the county to furnish
heavy railroad freights for many years. — W. W. L.
Wayne, Johnston, Wake, Durham, Orange,
Alamance, Guilford, Davidson, Ro^yAN, Ca-
barrus, Mecklenburg. (Area, 6,351 sq. miles.)
Route of the North Carolina Railroad. — N. C. R. R.,
Sept. 25, 1882. — Beginning at Goldsboro, the upper
edge of Wayne, through Johnston to the lower edge
of Wake County, you will find the long-leaf pine to
be the prevailing species of timber on the uplands,
mixed with some oak and hickory, mostly red oak
and Spanish oak. On the rivers and creeks you will
find it more extensively grown with white oak, sweet
gum, black gum, poplar, and cypress of large size.
Through this section about one-half the acreage is
yet in forest, mostly of the original growths. Upon
some of the uplands once in cultivation and since
turned out, has grown up the old-field pine, which
soon covers the lands with a thick growth of timber.
From the lower edge of Wake County, through
Durham County, to the lower edge of Orange County,
you will find the white oak and post oak, mostly on
uplands, to be the prevailing growtli, mixed witli
what is termed the rosemary pine, with a sprinkling
of the long-leaf pine, in some places as far up as sixt}--
five miles from Goldsboro. Tlie rosemary pine ex-
250 THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
tends as far up as eighty miles from Goldsboro. On
the uplands and on the rivers and creeks through
this section you find it more extensively grown with
poplar, sweet gum, maple, cypress, hickory, and some
black walnut, ash, etc. The acreage in this section
is about half in forest, mostly of the original growths.
Dogwood and sour-wood grow very extensively in
some parts of this section on the uplands, creek and ^
river bottoms.
From the lower edge of Orange County to the
upper edge of Alamance County to Company Shops,
you will find the post oak and white oak still in most
places to be the prevailing species both on up and
lower lands, mixed with red oak, black oak, hickory,
ash, maple, sweet gum, walnut, dogwood, and sour-
wood. Cedar grows somewhat in this section, though
not generally of very large size. The acreage is not
quite half in the original forest, the lands having
been more extensively cleared, and the old-field pine
not growing up so readily on these red lands as in
more sandy sections. — W. P. R.
Greensboro, October 14, 1882. — In Alamance
County, west of Shops, the kinds of timber are oak,
short-leaf pine, hickory, sweet and black gum, dog-
wood, maple, and poplar. The prevailing growth is
of oak and hickory. The wooded acreage is about
one-half of the original entire acreage. The acreage
covered by prevailing growth is about three-eighths
of original entire acreage.
In Guilford County the kinds of timber are oak.
I
THE FORESTS OF NOllTH CAROLINA. 251
black jack, liickoiy, poplar, sweet and black gum,
maple, and second growth pine. The prevailing
growth, oak, black jack, hickory. The wooded acre-
age is about three-eighths of the original acreage of
forest. The acreage covered by prevailing growth
is about one-fourth of the original acreage of forest.
In Davidson County the kinds of timber are oak,
black jack, short-leaf pine, hickory, gum (sweet and
black), maple, elm, poplar, and dogwood. The pre-
vailing growth, oak, short-leaf pine, and black jack.
The wooded acreage, about one-half of the original
forest acreage. The acreage covered by prevailing
growth is about one-fourth of original acreage of
forest.
In Rowan County the kinds of timber are oak,
hickory, second growth pine, short-leaf pine, dog-
wood, maple, sweet and black gum, poplar, and elm.
The prevailing growth, oak and short-leaf pine. The
wooded acreage is about one-fourth of original forest
acreage. The acreage covered by prevailing growth
is about one-eighth of original forest acreage.
In Cabarrus County the kinds of timber are oak,
short-leaf pine, hickory, second growth pine, dog-
wood, maple, sweet and black gum, elm, poplar, and
persimmon. The prevailing growth, short-leaf pine,
oak, and second growth pine. The wooded acreage
is about one-half of the original forest acreage. The
acreage covered by prevailing growth is about one-
fourth of original forest acreage.
In Mecklenburg County, the kinds of timber are
252 THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
oak, black jack, and second growth pine. The pre-
vailing growth, black jack and second growth pine.
The wooded acreage is about one-fourth of original
forest acreage. The acreage covered by prevailing
growth is about one-eighth of the original forest
acreage. — W. H. P.
Wake, Chatham, Moore, Richmond. (Area,
3,575 sq. miles.) — Route of Raleigh and Augusta Rail-
way.— Gary, Aug. 9, 1882. — Wake County. Kind
of trees are pine, oak, hickory, gum, maple, poplar,
and dogwood. The prevailing growth is about equally
divided between pine and oak. Acres covered by
the prevailing growth, about one-fourth.
Chatham County. Kind of trees about the same
as in Wake. Prevailing growth, pine, oak, and hick-
ory. Acres covered by prevailing growth, about one-
third.
Moore County. Kind of trees, pine, a few oaks,
and hickory ; gam, poplar, cypress, junijDer, and black
jack. Pine largely prevailing. Acres covered by
prevailing growth, three-fourths.
Richmond County. Kind of trees, oak, poplar,
gum, cypress, juniper, black jack, and pine: the last-
named largely prevailing. Acres covered by pre-
vailing growth, about two-thirds. — H. P. G.
Union. (650 sq. miles.)— Monroe, Sept. 8, 1882.—
Our forests abound in short-leaf pine, hickory, black,
red, and white oak, with some walnut. The wooded
acreage is about one-third of the county. — J. D. S.
Vance. — Henderson, Aug. 25, 1882, — Pine (short-
THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 253
leaf), oak, liickory, poplar, gum, and dogwood in our
forests. In original forest, about ten per cent, of
the county ; in pine, twenty per cent. — E. G. B.
Yadkin. (328 sq. miles.) — Huntsville, Sept. 4,
1882. — The kinds of timber in our forests are prin-
cipally white, black, post, red, and Spanish oak, hick-
ory, pine, black and sweet gum, some maple and
sycamore, some black walnut, poplar in abundance ;
also ash, dogwood, sour-wood, and different varieties
of elm. Oak is the prevailing growth. Fifty per
cent, of the land is in woods. Worn-out lands are
covered with old-field pine. Lands that were worn
out thirty years ago, which were grown up in pine,
are now growing up in oak, the pines dying out.
Plenty of all kinds of timber named in this county
for all purposes for which such timber is used. — T. L.
Long-leaf Pine Supply. — Forestry Bulletin
No. 8, from the United States Census Office, gives
the amount of merchantable pine — Long-leaved Pine
(Pinus Australis) — standing in fifteen counties as
follows:
Bladen, .... 288,000,000 feet
Brunswick,
Chatham,
Columbus, .
Cumberland,
Duplin,
Harnett, .
Johnston, .
Moore, .
141,000,000
448,000,000
288,000,000
806,000,000
21,000,000
486,000,000
563,000,000
504,000,000
254
THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
New Hanover,
Onslow, .
Robeson,
Sampson,
Wake,
Wayne, .
Total, .
96,000,000 feet
34,000,000
864,000,000
. 602,000,000
48,000,000
40,000,000
5,229,000,000 feet
i
APPENDIX A
Swamp Land Timber in Duplin and Pender.
— Kenansville, April 4, 1883. — Without doubt, Du-
plin and Pender Counties have the largest known
bodies of cypress timber this side of the lower
Mississippi bottoms.
Citizens own in Duplin County of pure mud swamps
in square miles, 80
State owns in Duplin County of pure mud swamps
in square miles, 25
Making in all, 105
At least 30 miles square of this swamp land may
be considered as cypress timber ; and about the same
amount is gum ; there are about 5 miles square, each,
of sweet gum and ash. The remainder is made up
of a growth of poplar, maple, spruce pine, hickory,
birch, holly, elm, oak and hornbeam.
In this county (Duplin) there are large bodies of
cork gum, known as " tasteless wood^^ very valuable
for packing-boxes for bread, cakes and candies ; it is
similar to the Mississippi river bottom gum, used in
St. Louis, Mo., for packing crackers for shipment to
India.
A portion of the swamps of Duplin and Pender
are remarkable for being underlaid with marl ; and
2545 THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
in some instances it is only two or three feet below
the surface.
In Pender County, east of the Wilmington & Weldon
Railroad, owned by citizens, of overflowed land, in
square miles, 31
Owned by the State, 175
206
In the interior of Holly Shelter Pocoson there are
known to be drain bottoms or basins extending nearly
across the entire length of the pocoson, which is 40
miles long ; these basins are covered by a fine growth
of cypress timber. About two thirds of this pocoson
is in Pender County, the remainder in Onslow. But
it would be impossible to give a correct estimate of
the area of this great interior basin of timber ; as this-
pocoson has never been fully explored, nor even
crossed except at the most accessible points.
There are also great bodies of timber, viz. : cypress,,
oak, ash, poplar, maple, sweet gum, holly and sour
gum, in the basins of Angola Pocoson and the North-
East River Swamp ; this river swamp extends across
the entire County and is from one to two miles wide.
In this swamp, maples 3 feet through are common ;
holly is found 2i feet in diameter ; sweet gums from
8 to 9 feet through are found, and occasionally swamp
pines are found that are from 5 to 7 feet in diameter.
It is more than probable that if all the cypress
timber in Pender County was separated and laid down
in one body that it would make (60) sixty square
THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 234:0
miles of this one kind of timber that is so valuable.
And yet, all this great mine of wealth is almost liter-
ally hermetically sealed to the outer world by reason
of overflow and the perpetual miry condition of the
swamps ; although so easily reached by only a little
labor and effort.
From time immemorial it has been known as a re-
markable fact that hogs raised and kept in Holly Shel-
ter and Angola Pocosons are always free from all
kinds of diseases, even the fatal hog cholera : they feed
upon a starchy, tuberous root, called by the natives
tuckahoe, and get very fat in the fall when the root
fully matures ; it is supposed by many that this root
being eaten by the hogs prevents cholera.
In an isolated spot in east Du2:)lin, a beautiful speci-
men of climbing fern has been found, which is an ev-
ergreen and grows to the height of 4 feet ; it belongs
to the family of climbing ferns found in the moun-
tains of Japan.
There has been found in Pender County a tree or-
chid new to North Carolina. In the same county, in
the interior of Holly Shelter Pocoson, there has been
found a floating plant heretofore only found in Aus-
tralia.
It is more than probable that there are yet other
strange and rare plants to be found in tlie North-East
River basin.
Dr. A. E. Anderson of Wilmington first used Creep-
ing Huckleberry, V. crassifolium, [see Hale's For-
estry, page 142,] in the practice of medicine; but
254c? THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAEOLINA.
now some of the largest druggists in the United States
are using an extract from this plant in a preparation
they put up for the dropsy. The medical virtue of
this plant corresponds with that of buchu ; and could
very properly be termed North Carolina buchu. — W.
L. Y.
THE
Farms of North Carolina.
ACRES OF LAND IN FARMS IN EACH COUNTY OF NORTH
CAROLINA, ACCORDING TO THE CENSUS OF 1880.
County.
Improved.
Unimproved.
The State, . . .
6,481,191
15,882,367
Alamance, ....
77,799
129,269
Alexander,
48,985
97,680
Alleghany, ....
74,747
75,278
Anson,
90,001
192,787
Ashe,
117,174
169,988
Beaufort,
44,887
228,538
Bertie,
85,504
202,533
Bladen,
40,563
310,501
Brunswick, ....
19,399
307,680
Buncombe,
99,603
241,940
Burke,
44,496
140,623
Cabarrus,
90,514
110,129
Caldwell,
47,405
160,174
Camden,
36,757
66,901
Carteret,
22,472
69,660
Caswell,
89,885
147,249
Catawba,
78,080
141,593
Chatham,
126,940
302,306
Cherokee, ....
30,668
152,041
Chowan,
36,052
49,180
Clay,
17,691
71,954
Cleveland,
87,691
176,248
256 THE FARMS OF
NORTH CAROLINA.
County.
Improved.
Unimproved.
Columbus, ....
39,031
363,443
Craven,
52,392
199,199
Cumberland, ....
59,639
314,948
Currituck,
41,170
56,846
Dare,
2,553
23,436
Davidson,
129,664
209,331
Davie,
66,810
85,607
Duplin,
73,061
307,473
Edgecombe, ....
136,015
135,422
Forsyth,
79,350
135,773
Franklin,
90,118
175,132
Gaston,
70,672
130,673
Gates,
49,984
107,702
Graham,
8,551
53,892
Granville, ....
150,127
240,186
Greene,
75,942
86,828
Guilford,
148,392
208,261
Halifax,
137,245
217.,754
Harnett,
42,927
186,107
Haywood,
52,132
118,170
Henderson, ....
45,445
114,818
Hertford,
55,857
130,261
Hyde,
33,153
42,772
Iredell,
112,365
211,716
Jackson,
32,853
140,413
Johnston,
107,585
315,235
Jones,
53,605
139,324
Lenoir,
85,809
128,034
Lincoln,
57,523
112,832
McDowell,
38,795
126,993
Macon,
39,370
178,679
Madison,
69,087
164,488
Martin,
57,030
184,883
Mecklenburg, ....
146,243
147,164
Mitchell,
42,572
108,687
Montgomery, ....
48,117
192,952
THE FARMS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
257
County.
Moore, .
Nash, . . .
New Hanover,
Northampton,
Onslow, . .
Orange, .
Pamlico,
Pasquotank,
Pender, . .
Perquimans,
Person,
Pitt, . . . ,
Polk, . . .
Randolph, .
Richmond,
Robeson,
Rockingham,
Rowan, . . ,
Rutherford, .
Sampson, . .
Stanly,
Stokes, . . .
Surry, .
Swain, . . .
Transylvania,
Tyrrell, . . .
Union, . .
Wake, . . .
Warren,
Washington, .
Watauga,
Wayne, .
Wilkes, . .
Wilson, . . .
Yadkin, . .
Vancey, .
9
Improved.
70,922
85,085
7,715
99,885
56,768
86,401
17,525
51,770
38,699
54,433
76,797
107,255
21,762
100,888
76,067
120,480
84,188
110,178
66,698
121,469
61,279
57,393
81,690
14,275
20,369
19,801
86,428
161,272
87,183
31,695
69,999
123,629
100,151
66,027
60,170
45,689
Unimproved.
294,240
214,716
43,057
172,763
215,932
190,192
90,397
46,464
290,654
63,994
141,884
227,150
77,052
292,996
235,990
403,842
211,458
174,553
205,612
396,479
155,775
168,780
201,616
108,466
80,219
60,293
216,832
316,814
168,553
77,360
139,993
195,664
292,205
118,885
138,011
113,790
THE
Population of North Carolina,
The following statement shows the population of
each county in North Carolina, classified as white
and colored, and also the number of males of 21
years of age and over in each county, classified as
native white, foreign white, and colored, according
to the United States Census of 1880.
In the column entitled " colored " are included
the very few Chinese, Japanese, and Indians.
Population.
Males of 21 years of age
and over.
COUNTIES.
i
o
6
White.
'A
a
be
1
1
o
The state
1,399,750
867,242
532,508
187,637
2,095
105,018
14,613
8,355
5,486
17,994
14,437
17,474
16,399
16,158
9,389
21,909
12,809
14,964
10,291
6,274
9,784
17,825
14,946
9,997
7 458
4,967
8,790
13,471
10,022
6,815
7,598
5,337
18,422
10,088
9,849
8,691
3,791
7,107
7,169
12,469
4,616
897
519
9,204
966
7,452
9,584
8,560
4,052
3,487
2,721
5,115
1,600
2,483
2,677
10,656
2,477
2,174
1,490
1,078
1.901
2,635
2,381
1,576
1.688
1,183
3 783
2,042
2,119
1.732
874
1,700
1,750
2,565
19
4
2
13
23
34
3
7
29
69
13
22
6
12
22
6
23
873
101
1,654
246
Ashe
1,628
1,848
1,570
922
Bertie
Bladen
Brunswick
Buncombe
771
Burke
448
Cabarrus
1 031
Caldwell
'263
505
Carteret
485
Caswell
2,157
449
Catawba
THE POPULATION OF NORTH CAROLINA. 259
COUNTIES.
Population.
Males of 21 years of age
and over.
White.
Chatham
Cherokee
Chowan
Clay
Cleveland
Columbus
Craven
Cumberland....
Currituck
Dare
Davidson
Davie
Duplin
Edgecombe.. .
Forsyth
Franklin
Gaston
Gates
Graham
Granville
Greene
Guilford
Halifax
Harnett
Haywood
Henderson
Hertford
Hyde
Iredell.........
Jackson
Johnston
Jones
Lenoir
Lincoln
McDowell
Macon
Madison
Martin
Mecklenburg. .
Mitchell
Montgomery,..
Moore
Nash
New Hanover..
Northampton .
Onslow
Orange
Pamlico
23,453
8,182
7,900
3,316
16,571
14,439
19,729
23,836
6,476
3,243
20,333
11.096
18,773
26,181
18,070
20,829
14,254
8,897
2,335
31,286
10,037
23,585
30,300
10,862
10,271
10,281
11,843
7,765
22,675
7,343
23,461
7,491
15,344
11,061
9,836
8,064
12,810
13,140
34,175
9,435
9,374
16,821
17,731
21,;<76
20,032
9,829
23.698
6,323
15,500
7,796
3,633
3,175
13,700
8,926
6,664
12.594
4,495
2,875
16,341
7,770
10,587
7,968
13,441
9,476
10,188
4,973
2,123
13,603
4,652
16,885
9,137
7,092
9,787
8,893
5,122
4,424
16,752
6,591
15.996
3.212
7,277
8,180
7,939
7,395
12,351
6,661
17,922
8,932
6,857
11,485
9,417
8.159
7,9S7
6.600
14.555
4,207
7,953
386
4,267
141
2,871
5,513
13,065
11.242
1,981
368
3,992
3,326
8,186
18,213
4.629
11,353
4,066
3,924
212
17,683
5,385
6,700
21,163
3,770
484
1,388
6,721
3,341
5,923
752
7,465
4,279
8,067
2.881
1,897
669
459
6.479
16,253
503
2,517
5,336
8,314
13,217
12.045
3.229
9,143
2.116
3,.383
21
1,490
4
806
5
655
2,832
11
1,864
15
1,634
65
2,669
57
1,063
2
670
1
3,556
18
1,715
3
2,360
14
1,797
27
3,098
32
2,137
8
2 054
44
1,103
4
411
2
3,161
40
1,096
2
3,882
80
2,196
40
1,552
12
1.870
4
1,770
24
1,200
9
1,088
11
3,510
20
1.248
10
3,382
22
771
1
1,588
13
1,719
9
1,566
8
1,476
12
2.401
9
1.514
14
4,006
173
1,696
5
1,469
7
2,527
26
2,068
8
1,802
331
1,815
4
1.492
11
3,310
25
1,00S
6
260 THE POPULATION OF NOllTH CAROLINA.
Population.
Males of 21 years of age
and over.
o
8
White.
COUNTIES.
6
>
d
bJD
j
Pa^nnotanlc . -....
10,369
12,468
9,466
13,719
21,794
5,062
20,836
18,245
23,880
21,744
19,965
15,198
22,894
10,505
15,353
15,302
3,784
5,340
4,545
18,056
47,939
22,619
8,928
8,160
24,951
19,181
16,064
12,420
7,694
4,855
5,509
4,795
7,206
10,704
3,918
17,758
8,141
11,942
12,431
13,621
11,910
13,347
9.166
11,730
13,227
3.234
4,823
3,110
13,520
24,289
6,386
4,554
7,746
12,827
17,257
8,655
10,876
7,369
5,514
6,959
4,671
6,513
11,090
1,144
3,078
10.104
11,938
9,313
6,344
3,288
9,547
1,339
3,623
2,075
550
517
1,435
4,536
23,650
16,2.33
4,374
414
12,124
1,924
7,409
1,544
325
1,118
1,318
1,131
1,639
2,468
808
3,854
1,844
2,675
2,787
3,012
2,397
2,884
1,779
2,442
2,778
648
939
730
2,677
5,691
1,424
1,076
1,522
2.884
3,375
1,948
2,197
1,416
18
19
1
4
12
2
4
27
30
39
28
11
13
1,148
1,382
PerQuinians .
891
1,275
Pitt
2,089
Polk
223
582
Iticlimoiid
1,844
2,131
Kockin2h.a.in
1,853
1,329
Kutlierf ord.
567
gampson
1,647
Stanly
253
Stokes
631
399
116
7
12
149
64
10
95
Tyrrell
279
U nion
794
Wake
5,128
Warren
2.995
924
78
52
2
10
1
1
2,382
Wilkes
367
1,479
Yadkin
263
Yancey
67
PART III.
THE RAILROADS
OF
NORTH CAROLINA.
i
THE
Railroads of North Carolina,
The forestry interest has latterly become so impor-
tant in this country, tliat (since this volume went to
press) it has been suggested that some readers may
wish to know something of the people who inhabit
and to see for themselves the territory in which so
great forest wealth has been permitted to remain ;
where also the climate is excellent, the soil fertile,
the mineral wealth inexhaustible, the water power
unlimited. To this end, the information obtained
from the Census Department in regard to the people
and their occupations has been added to Part II. ;
and Part III. compiled that those who wish may
know existing facilities for travel and transportation.
The State of North Carolina covers an area of
52,286 square miles. Its land surface is 48,666
square miles ; that under water (sounds and bays),
3,620 square miles. Thirty railroads, 2,040 miles in
length within the State, make sixty-two counties
which they enter or traverse easy of access. Of the
other thirty-four counties seventeen will soon be
reached by roads now in process of construction.
Nine hundred miles of inland steam navigation on
the Cape Fear, Neuse, Tar, Roanoke and Chowan
Rivers, and on the Sounds and Swamp Canals, add
to the facilities for travel and transportation.
264 THE EAILROADS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
On the very accurate map of North Carolina, pre-
pared for Maury's excellent series of geographies
(adopted by the State for use in its Public Schools),
the several railroad routes are distinctly traced, and
the University Publishing Company of New York,
by which these geographies are issued, has kindly
permitted the use of the plates from which the
accompanying map is printed. The traveller with
the aid of this map and the following notes need have
no difficulty in "finding his way" through North
Carolina, or into any part of it which may invite
his examination. Forty-eight hours of railroad travel
will suffice to convey one from the most distant
points of far New England to almost any county in
North Carolina.
Annexed is a list of the
RAILROADS IN NORTH CAROLINA, 1882.
NAMES. BETWEEN
Asheville and Spartanburg, Hendersonville, N. C, and Spartan-
Atlanta and Charlotte Air-Line, Charlot^tef N." C.*, and Atlanta. Ga.
Atlantic and North Carolina, Goldsboro and Morehead City.
Atlantic, I ennessee and Ohio, Charlotte and Statesville.
Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley, Fayetteville and Gulf.
Carolina Central Wilmington and Shelby.
r!!!vf Tf """^^ VVadesboro Cheraw, S.C , and Wadesboro, N.C.
Chailotte, Col.iinbia and Augusta, Charlotte, N. C. and Augusta, Ga.
SfiML^'^i' ^^"''.V;' . c I^^"^''-- N. C, and Chestlr. S. C.
mnville, .MocksvilleandSouthwes'n, Danville, Va., and Leaksville N C
5fitn>in"r--^/''^ and Western N.C, Johnson C'y,Tenn.,and Cranberry.N.C.
Elizabeth City and Norfolk, Edenton, N. C . and Norfolk, Vaf
Halifax and Scotland Neck, Halifax and Hill's Ferry
Jamesville and Washington, Jamesville and Washington.
S.^"o "'^'^^^^•^^'''"'• Milton, N. C. and Sutherlin, Va.
^orth Carolina Goldsboro and Charlotte.
Northwestern North Carolina, Greensboro and Salem.
North Carolina Midland, Goldsboro and Smithfield.
Oxford and Henderson, Oxford and Henderson.
Petersburg, Petersburg, Va., and Weldon, N. G.
^oi ™i! '^ A . .... Greensboro. N.C, and Danville, Va.
Kaleigh and Augusta Air-Line, Kaleigh and Hamlet.
Kaleigh and Gaston, Raleigh and Weldon.
THE RAILROADS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 265
NAMES. BETWEEN
Seaboard and Kaleigh, "Williamston and Tarboro,
Seaboard and Koauoke, Portsmouth, Va , and Weldon, N. C.
Tarboro Branch, Kocky Mount and Tarboro.
University, University Station and Chapel Hill.
Wiliniugton and Weldon, Wilmington and Weldon.
Wilmington, Columbia and Augusta, Wilmington, N. C, and Columbia, S. C.
Western North Carolina, Salisbury and Paint liock.
The Asheville and Spartanburg Railroad
has its present terminus at Henderson ville, N. C.
Twenty miles of track are yet to be laid to complete
it to Asheville, where it will make connection with
all the North Carolina Roads and with Roads to the
north and west; at Spartanburg, S. C, it already
connects with the through lines of travel. Its pres-
ent completed length is 49 miles, passing from Spar-
tanburg, S. C, into Polk and Henderson counties, N.
C. The Richmond and Danville Company controls
it, and the Asheville connection will soon be made.
The Atlanta and Charlotte Air-Line Rail-
road, 269 miles in length, reaches Charlotte, N. C,
from Atlanta, Ga., through Cleveland, Gaston and
Mecklenburg counties, N. C. At Charlotte, a thriv-
ing railroad centre, the traveller finds railroad con-
nections north, south, east and west. The Road is
the property, by lease, of the Richmond and Danville
Company.
The Atlantic and North Carolina Railroad,
95 miles in length, passes from Morehead City (Beau-
fort Harbor) on the Atlantic coast, through the
counties of Carteret, • Craven, Jones and Lenoir to
the thriving town of Golclsboro in Wayne county,
where it connects with the great lines of railway
north, south and west.
266 THE RAILROADS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
The Atlantic, Tennessee a^^d Ohio Railroad,
47 miles long, connects Charlotte with the Western
North Carolina Road at Statesville, passing through
the northern half of Mecklenburg and the southern
half of Iredell county. It is leased to the Richmond
and Danville.
The Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Railroad
is in operation from Fayetteville, the prospering head
of steam navigation on the Cape Fear River, to Gulf,
Chatham County — a distance of 47 miles — passing
through Cumberland, Harnett and Moore into Chat-
ham. Its further route is graded and bridged from
Gulf through Chatham and Randolph to Greensboro
in Guilford county, 52 miles ; and is graded from
Greensboro to Walnut Cove in Stokes County, 30
miles beyond. The Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley
Road also owns the graded route of the Fayetteville
and Florence Road from Fayetteville to the South
Carolina line, 48 miles. The whole route will be
rapidly completed after a slight change in the charter,
to be made by the Legislature in January, 1883, and
when finished will pass from a point on the Carolina
Central Railroad through the counties of Robeson,
Cumberland, Harnett, Moore, Chatham, Randolph,
Guilford, Forsyth, Stokes, Surry, Yadkin, Wilkes,
Caldwell and Mitchell.
The Carolina Central Railway passes from
Wilmington, the largest city of the State and a sea-
port of great and growing foreign and domestic trade,
242 miles to Shelby. It traverses the counties of
THE IIAILRO.VDS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 267
New Hanover, Brunswick, Columbus, Bladen, Robe-
son, Richmond, Anson, Union, Mecklenburg, Gaston,
Lincoln and Cleveland. At Wilmington, it connects
with roads leading north and south and with the Cape
Fear River and Ocean steamers ; at Hamlet with the
Raleigh and Augusta Air-Line, which is under the
same management ; at Wadesboro with the South
Carolina Roads; and at Charlotte with roads in every
direction.
The Cheraw and Wadesboro Road connects
Anson county with the South Carolina Roads, and
the Carolina Central at Wadesboro gives it an outlet
to all parts of North Carolina. Its present length in
North Carolina is 11 miles. Its projected northern
terminus is at Salisbury, Rowan county.
The Charlotte, Columbia and Augusta Rail-
road is another of Charlotte's connections with the
outside world. Its length is 191 miles, 14 of which
are in Mecklenburg county. It is part of the Rich-
mond and Danville System.
The Chester and Lenoir is a narrow gauge
railroad, at present 63 miles long, passing from Ches-
ter, S. C, on the Charlotte, Columbia and Augusta
Road, through Gaston and Lincoln counties, N. C,
to Lincolnton. Twenty-seven miles remain to be
built to its terminus at Lenoir, Caldwell county.
The Danville, Mocksville and Soi^thwest-
ERN Railroad is completed from Danville, Va., to
Leaksville, Rockingham county, N. C. It is part of
the North Carolina Extension of the Virginia Mid-
268 THE RAILROADS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
land, is controlled by the Richmond and Danville,
and will be completed across the State to its southern
border at Charlotte.
The East Tennessee and Western North
Carolina Railroad, 34 miles long, connects the
celebrated Cranberry mines in Mitchell county, N.
C, with the East Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia
Road, at Johnson City, Tennessee.
The Elizabeth City and Norfolk Railroad is
in operation for 75 miles, passing from Norfolk, Va.,
through Currituck, Camden, Pasquotank, Perquimans
and Chowan counties, N. C, to Edenton on the Al-
bemarle Sound. The Road will probably be contin-
ued across the State through the eastern counties.
At present, Edenton's other connections are by in-
land steam navigation on the rivers and sounds.
The Halifax and Scotland Neck is a branch
road from the Wilmington and Weldon at Halifax to
Scotland Neck, Halifax county. Its length is 20
miles and it connects with Roanoke River steamers
for Norfolk, Baltimore, etc.
The Jamesville and Washington Road, 29
miles long, connects Jamesville, in Martin county,
with inland and ocean navigation at Washington,
Beaufort county.
The Midland North Carolina Railroad, a
road projected from Goldsboro to Salisbury, is in
operation from Goldsboro, in Wayne county, to
Smithfield, Johnston county, 22 miles.
The Milton and Sutherlin Narrow Gauge Rail-
THE RAILROADS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 2G9
road, 9 miles long, connects Milton, Caswell county,
with the Richmond and Danville Road at Sutlierlin,Va.
The North Carolina Railroad, 223 miles in
length, passes from Goldsboro through Wayne, John-
ston, Wake, Durham, Orange, Alamance, Guilford,
Davidson, Rowan, Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, to Char-
lotte. At Goldsboro it connects with the great lines
of travel north and south by the Wilmington and
Weldon Railroad ; at Raleigh by the Raleigh and
Gaston (north) and the Raleigh and Augusta Air-
Line (south) ; at Greensboro with the Richmond and
Danville System by its junction wdth the Piedmont
Road ; at Charlotte with the Carolina Central, east
and west, and with the Richmond and Danville Roads,
heretofore noted, going south and west. It also
forms part of a line of completed road, 526 miles in
length, reaching from the Atlantic coast at Morehead
to Paint Rock on the western State line and to Pig-
eon River in Haywood county, and traversing the
twenty counties of Carteret, Craven, Jones, Lenoir,
Wayne, Johnston, Wake, Durham, Orange, Alamance,
Guilford, Davidson, Rowan, Iredell, Catawba, Burke,
McDowell, Buncombe, Haywood, Madison. The
Road is leased to the Richmond and Danville, which
also owns the Road from Salisbury to Paint Rock
and Pigeon River.
The Northwestern North Carolina Road is
a branch of the North Carolina Road, owned l)y the
Richmond and Danville Road, and passing from the im-
portant and prosperous town of Greensboro, through
270 THE RAILROADS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Guilford and Forsyth, to the thriving manufacturing
centre at Salem-Winston. Its length is 25 miles.
The Oxford and Henderson Railroad is 13
miles long. It runs from Henderson, the rapidly
growing county seat of Vance, on the Raleigh and
Gaston Road, to Oxford, the prosperous county town
•of Granville.
The Piedmont Railroad, 49 miles, passes from
Danville, Va., through Caswell, Rockingham and
Guilford counties to Greensboro, where it makes con-
nection with the whole system of North Carolina
Roads. It is owned by the Richmond and Danville,
and is part of one of the great through routes from
north to south.
The Petersburg Railroad, 63 miles long, passes
from Virginia through Northampton county, N. C,
to the noted railroad centre, Weldon, in Halifax
county, where it connects with the Raleigh and Gas-
ton and Wilmington and Weldon through routes.
The Raleigh and Augusta Air-Line Railroad,
99 miles in length, passes from Raleigh, the State
Capital, through Wake, Chatham, Moore and Rich-
mond counties, to Hamlet, where its connection with
the Carolina Central (under the same management)
makes a through route east and south by Wilming-
ton and west and south by Charlotte. At Sanford,
Moore county, it crosses the Cape Fear and Yadkin
Valley Road, thus connecting with Fayetteville and
the river steamers on the Cape Fear.
The Raleigh and Gaston Railroad is 98 miles
long. It runs from Weldon through Halifax, War-
THE RAILROADS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 271
ren, Vance, Franklin and Wake counties to Raleigh,
where it connects with the Raleicfh and Auofusta
(under the same management) and with the North
Carolina Road east and west. At Weldon it con-
nects with the Wilmington and Weldon, going south,
and with the Petersburg Road and the Seaboard and
Roanoke Road, going north. The last named is
under the same management, which owns a line of
travel from Baltimore to Wilmington and Charlotte.
The Seaboard and Roanoke Railroad is 80
miles long. Coming from Norfolk, Va., it passes
through Northampton count}', N. C, to Weldon,
where it makes connection Avith the Wilmington and
Weldon and Raleigh and Gaston Roads.
The Seaboard and Raleigh Railroad is in op-
eration for 45 miles, from Tarboro, through Edge-
combe, Pitt and Martin counties, to Williamston on
the Roanoke. At Williamston it finds deep water
and steam navigation ; at Tarboro, railroad connec-
tion with
The Tarboro Branch, which passes through
Edgecombe, 17 miles, to Rocky Mount on the Wil-
mington and Weldon through line.
The University Railroad, 11 miles long, is owned
by the Richmond and Danville, and runs from Uni-
versity Station on the North Carolina Railroad to the
immensely valuable iron mines near the State Uni-
versity at Chapel Hill, Orange county.
The Western North Carolina Railroad, now
the property of the Richmond and Danville, is in
operation from Salisbury through Rowan, Iredell,
iiY^ THE RAILROADS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Catawba, Burke, McDowell, Buncombe and Madison
counties to Paint Rock — a distance of 189 miles.
At Salisbury, the eastern terminus, it connects with
the North Carolina Road; at Paint Rock with the
East Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia Road. The
Ducktown Branch is completed from Asheville to
Pigeon River, Haywood county, and rapid progress
is made in grading the remainder of the route through
Jackson, Swain, Macon and Cherokee counties.
The Wilmington and Weldon Railroad trav-
erses the State from north to south. It passes, 163
miles, from Weldon through Halifax, Nash, Edge-
combe, Wilson, Wayne, Duplin, Pender and New
Hanover counties to Wilmington. It owns and ope-
rates a branch road from Halifax to Scotland Neck,
20 miles ; another from Rocky Mount to Tarboro, 17
miles ; and is now locating a road from Wilson to
Florence, S. C, which will pass thrqugh the North
Carolina counties of Wilson, Johnston, Harnett,
Cumberland and Robeson, and connect with river
and rail at Fayetteville. This road connects at Wel-
don with the Raleigh and Gaston, the Petersburg,
and the Seaboard and Roanoke Roads ; at Goldsboro
with the North Carolina and the Atlantic and North
Carolina; at Wilmington with the Cape Fear River and
Ocean steamers, the Carolina Central Railway, and
The Wilmington, Columbia and Augusta
Railroad, which is 189 miles in length and^part of
the great Seaboard through route. It passes from
Wilmington into South Carolina through Brunswick
and Columbus counties, N. C.
m^C Stai^ College
JAN 7 4
W^iMr N. MANCHESTER,
INDIANA
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