The National tribune., 1882-05-20


PLANTING STREET TREEs-In former
paper selection of the best street trees was
given. A list of trees adapted for this pur-
pose might be considerably eztended-all of
them having some commendable character
istic. Without desiring to unduly extend
the list On the one hand OF making it too
limited on the other, we note few desirable
plants as a secondary list to those which we
consider entitled to a first place, as before
mentioned.
1. Ash-leaved maple, (Etgundo occroi3c8,)
also known as the Box-eld lder.-The greatest
drawback to this tree for city planting is its
liability to be devoured by caterpillars :;
otherwise it Is desirable on account of its
rapid growth and not over-dense shade; it
is readily transplantod, and forms shapely
tree when not pruned.
2. Horse-chestnut, (4ESco5as hppoeastG
aum-The horse-chestnut is a well known
heavy-foliaged tree, surprising most Others
in the beauty of It's early spring verduTe, and
superb pyramidal clusters Of flowers. On
account of its density it should not be
planted very close to dwellings. On poor,
thin, gravelly, or sandy soils, it makes but
feeble growth, and lapses into brown study
and loses its foliage before the end of sum-
mer, end makes much litter by its falling
leaves. On strong, deep clay, or moist,
loamy soils, it is more satisfactory.
3. Sycamore, (PLGtGRu8 0ccjdcRtq7is. This
+,as, oy,I
wide streets or broad avenues, where the
soil is good, 1t makes desirable tree. In
dry, warm seasons it is much infested with
thrip-lille insects, which turn the leaves
brown and disfgures the tree. In some
parts Of Europe, notably in the City Of Paris,
1t is very popular as a street tree, probably
because 1t agrees well with the system Of
close pruning which is practiced on street
trees there Even old trees can be cut closely
back and then form a dense growth of
healthy foliage. Ii is readily transplanted,
which is an important matter where uni
form growth is necessary, as in city trees.
T. American ash, (FrGTiHus americana. )
The white ash is better fitted, as a street
tree. to northern districts than in the south
ern parts of the Middle States where it is
liable to be attacked by boreTs in the stem
and branches, which are then easily broken
off by gusts Of wind, which are more fre-
quent and more intense in cities than in the
open country. In moist rich soils it forms
q good shade, although its pinnated leaves
impart a certain expression Of lightness. It
is also easily transplanted, even when the
plants have attained considerable age ana
size
5. Carolina poplar, (P9pu7us rnoniIfra)-
This may be termed the American Eucalyp-
tus so far as rapid growth and large foliage
give sanitary value to a tree. Although pop
lars are not popular as street trees, this
species has many desirable qualities to rec
ommend it. It is a clean tree, full of vigor-
GUS branches and bright-green, glossy leaves.
It has not the troublesome propensity to
throw up shoots from its roots, so eminently
possessed by some of its family, to the great
annoyance of city yards, when planted in
their vicinity. AS 4 street tree this poplar
deserves attention, especially in low situa-
tions which are inclined to be wet and
marshy.
g. Honey locust (G1e1ascEia hiaoaathos.)-|
Objections have been made to this tree for
streets on account of its formidable thorns,
but this objection can only be made by those
who are thus prevented from climbing
among the branches; in all respects it is q
very suitable tree for wide avenues, and its
airy, acacia-like foliage, hanging gracefully
on the young shoots, renders it one of the
most attractive plants during early summer.
This list, together with that formerly
given, is sufficient for al practical purposes.
In planting a line of trees on q street or
straight avenue, it is III best taste TO confne
them TO one species or kind as far as the
line extends. Variety in planting of this
kind only tends to irregularity and confusion.
The beauty or grandeur that is produced by
continuity and repetition Of the same objects
is destroyed when a mixture of varieties of
trees of different forms and foliage is intro
duced, and is as much at variance with GOOD
taste rs would be a mixture Of orders in the
columns Of building.
As taste improves, and planting trees in
cities becomes a recognized necessity, we
NAV expect that the kinds TO be planted
and the rules regulating the setting and care
Of trees, viii be as much a matter of control
by city authorities as the sewerage, intro
duction of gas and water, the setting of curb
stones, and paving Of sidewalks are at the
present time.
SORGHUM As a SUGAR PRODUCEE.-It is