Morning journal and courier., 1884-10-01
PyramfdaI Trees.

Samuel Parsons, jr., in the Philadelphia Press ] The distinct, symmetrical tree form c which the Lombardy poplar is well-known type, and which may be otherwise defined as 1 columnar, spire-ike, or torch-ike, is com paratively rare among trees suited to this climate. Artists are apt to seek to complete the composition of their pictures of com bined landscape and architectural structures by the introduction of what are little better than conventional forms of pyramidal trees derived from imperfect recollections of the Lombardy poplar. The fact that the Lom- bardy poplar is widely used throughout the continent of Europe will readily explain it's general employment in this way in pictures. Its familiar vertical effect, moreover, ''com- poses" we'll, as artists say, with the many horizontal lines of buildings.
 Unfortunately, however, the Lombardy poplar, excellent as pyramidal tree for sym metry, vigor and striking outline, has become prey to the borer, so that, except while young, it is deemed an unsatisfactory orna- mental tree. It should not, indeed, be dis carded, for pruning can be employed to Ie new and sustain healthy vigor for many years,
 but it is sufficient, according to the old ad- age, to give dog bad name to ruin his rep utation.
 Recognizing the value of pyramidal trees in connection with buildings and at points in groups of trees where the artist requires phasis in his design, it becomes important to consider what other trees may be used to take the place of the Lombardy poplar as a pyramidal tree, and also what may be said in favor of the several pyramidal trees suited to American lawns. I think we may say, considering all things, that the pyIamldal oak best takes the place of the poplar for the 1111rT If law TN1antinp TfS OTOwfh vigorous and lofty, its form is symmetrical and distinctly pyramidal, and, at the same time picturesque, and, above all It IS, as far as yet appears, entirely free from attacks of the borer. For an oak it transplants easily and is hardier than most trees considered we'll suited to this climate. Perhaps the cu rious pyramidal form of the Chinese cypress (Glyptoetrobus) should be prized quite much As the pyramidal oak, on account of it's delicate light green, cord-like foliage, which is unique in it's soft, dainty massing. Cy- press leaves, however, drop much sooner than those of the pyramidal oak, which often hang on the branches far into winter. The cy press, moreover, Njs of slower growth than the pyramidal oak.
 dainty, delicate, graceful tree is the pyr- amidal birch, with Is white stem and narrow spire of close set foli>ee, but again we meet a slower growth and nNre fastidious habit as we'll as tendency to slit down it's brittle pyramid of branches with the weight of su- perincumbent masses of sf0w It is never theless charming tree ana worthy of ex- tended employment. 1
 There are, of course, pyraSaidaI forms of l most deeiduous trees, whetherNmaples. elms | or lindens, but they lack the Sarked char | acter of those we have considerd.
 Among evergreens we should n4ntion the | pyramida1 form of the American Abor vitae l as the most generally satisfactory fo, lawn | planting. This evergreen is somewhathard- | fer than the ordinary American arbor v4ees, and strikingly narrow and spire-likeNjn | form It grows well and is quite effectiv\ The Irish juniper would be our most valuS& able pyramidal evergreen tree, as it is our' most effective one both in color and form, if it were only hardy. For spire-like shape and rich blue tints we should mention the glaucous variety of the red cedar as unex celled in it's way, and the same may be said of the golden, faky, torch-like form of the elegant oriental arbor vite (Biota aurea ell egantissima) The Lawson's expresses are fine pyramidal evergreens, but, unfortunately, they are not as hardy here as in England. In sheltered places we should also try to grow the excellent pyramidal form of the yew, termed Taxus Hibernica or Irish yew. This form is also specially distinguished by the dark green color of it's foliage.