The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-12-01
FOR THE CHARLOTTE DEMOCRAT.
Shade and Ornamental Trees.

TO make preparations Tor It's eH3OyHeHC. Inc
many heated terms" of political excitement, as
well as the sultry days of Summer, loudly call
for some cooling and tronqui2izing influence
some delightful retreat where ssthe sober second
though may quietly indulge in its own musings
The noblest objects of the vegetable kingdom are
the trees of the forest. They rear their lofty
heads Of shining foliage, to be ruffled by the
passing breeze in simple but majestic grandeur
as if conscious of their firm and rooted posi-
ton liz society,"" and claim admiration, not
only by the beautiful aspect they impart to
nature, but by their genial and protective shade.
The earliest records of civilization have numer
Gus references to the usefulness Of trees. The
patriarch Abraham, we are informed, entertained
three angels unawares, during 'the heat of the
day, beneath the tree" probably one of the IA
nous hoaks of Bashan." King Solomon "spake
of trees, from the cedar tree which is in Lebanon
even unto the hyssop that springcth out of the
wall" During the illustrious era of the Roman
Empire, the poet Virgil composed some of his
lovely pastorals beneath the covert Of the wide
spread beech And thus downwards through
tie track of succeeding time other illusions,
which cannot stop to particularize, attest the
Importance of s. Ivan shades.
In nothing has nature been more prodigal of
her charms than in the beautiful forest scenery
with which We are surrounded-the living pam
oran,ic view which grcets the eyes on every side.
Next to a well-regulated farm it is particularly
pleasing to see q choice selection Of shade trees
and ornamental shrubbery around the family
mansion. The humble log cabin, as well as the
costly palace, are thus both improved in appear
ance and enhanced in value through the simple
agency of natural association. How uninviting
is the prospect around that dwelling where no
trees seen to adOrn the surroundings, and
comfort with the shade during the ardent heats
of summer! The tack is apparent-the naked
ness felt as we approach such habitation.
Below are briefly pointed out few of those
trees and shrubs, indigenous to the Southern
States, which arc best adapted for shade or orna-
ment, with their popular and scientific names
attached:
American Elm (LZo,us Anler,cona) This is
our most common and widely diffused species,
being found from Maine to Florida. 1t has
graceful out-spreading branches, and forms a
magnificent shade tree, frequently attaining
large size-abundant in low-grounds, and thus
within the reach of all. Small-lcaved Elm { L.
sd3dtd), grows in situations similar to the pre-
ceding. In some places it is better known by
its Indian name ITahoo. 1t is not found North
of Virginia It's smaller leaves and corkv excre-
SCIENCES along the young branches will readily
distinguish this from any other species of Elm.
Red Maple (Acer rubrum) -common in
ewamps and low-grounds. About the middle of
February it throws out numerous scarlet flowers,
before the appearance of the leaves. thus giving
pleasing aspect to the surrounding naked forest,
and presenting the first cheering evidence of re-
turning Spring Though more aquatic in its
habits than the Elms it will grow well in the
damp and shaded corners of enclosures. Sugar
Maple Il. sacchdrfnum)-This interesting and
valuable species is found from Canada to Florida
In North Carolina it IS only found abundantly in
a few of the high mountain counties. Along
the water-courscs Of Lincoln Castor, Catawba,
and other Western counties it may be occasion
ally seen. Its Symmetrical top of compact BRAN
ches, and dark green foliage make it one of the
most beautiful and desirable trees for public or
private grounds Nothing but its scarcity, in
remote situations from the mountains prevents
its general introduction in the South.
White Ashe (Frdrinus Americanus)-well
known and common throughout the United States.
1t makes handsome, snowy tree, and should be
introduced wherever pleasing variety is de-
sired. Other interesting species of Ashe and
Maple are occasionally found in State, but
as they cannot be easily procured, their names
are omitted. Wherever found they should be
brought into cultivation
Magnolia (IHagnolia grandifora)- This ma
jestic tree is sparngly indigenous to the lower
portion of North Carolina. In Florida, Southern
Alabama and Georgia it is abundant Its erect
column or trunk, from 30 to so feet high with
out limb; its pyranidal crown of evergreen
leaves, and white, fragrant flowers, to iuches
broad, make this perhaps the most beautiful aud
magnificent tree in the United States 1t is now
found in the catalogues of forests, and is worthy
of more extensive cultivation.
Large-leayed Magnolia (M mdcrophWn)-a
beautiful tree, more circumscribcd in its limits
than the preceding. 1t is found sparingly on
the Chattahoochie in Georgia in middle Florida.
and in Lincoln and CASTOR counties in this State
1t delights in cool, moist and fertile situations,
and is frequently found on rugged hlsides of
northern exposure Its leaves, clustered on the
extremities of the branches, are from 20 to 3G
inches long, and radate in the form of an UNI
bresia. The flowers are of a snowy whiteness
from 10 to ii inches broad, and somewhat fra
grant Its leaves and flowers surpass in size
those of any other tree or shrub in North Amer
lea. About the last week of May it unfolds its
large and snow-like flowers, for the admiration of
all, and is then an imposing object of grandeur
and beauty.
Umbrella Magnolia (M NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
in all the Southern States and is generally called
Cucumber Tree, name, however which more
properly applies toa different mountainous species
IN. acunaindta) The four remaining species of
Magnolia, are all natives of North Carolina.
One of these, the Sweet Bay, en- gIanco J is the
smallest, but most widely -diffused of our Maeno-
lias. The flowers are or inches broad. pure
white, and of grateful odor. The other species
are only found ON the ravines and decvties of
our high mountains This is a most beautiful
genus of trees, and may all be made useful in
ornamenting public or private grounds.
Tulip Tree or White Poplar (Isr;o,7eu67rou