The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-06-17

One Of the most interesting features Of the
physical character of this city is the number
of trees which cast their shadows over our
streets. A view Of Richmond from distant
point Of elevation discoses a city that is for
the greater part "bosomed high in tufted
trees" and the addition thus made TO the
charm derived from the picturesquo0ess Of It's
site and the beauty of its architecture IS per-
ceptible at glance.
Not only do the trees on our sidewalks give
grateful relief in the season of summer by
their umbrage, but they act as powerful alb
sorbents Of much that is highly injurious 10
the public health Whether regarded, there
fore from the point Of view Of their shade or
their beauty or their ability to remove morbid
and unwholesome elements from the atmos-
phere of the city, they arc equally useful and
valuable.
No one. however. can examine the rows Of
trees in this city without being struck with
their inequality. In different sections of the
Same street this fact is even observed. There
will be on one square, for instance. a magnii-
cent growth Of linden on the adjacent square
there will either be no trees at all or such
trees as there are are stuntedi in size.
In many instances this is due to the impro-
priety Of the original selections made. There
has been too marked a disposition to plant the
maple, simply because it attains its full growth
with an unusual degree of rapidity. and there
fore furnishes shade at an earlier date than
other varieties planted at the same time
would do. But this is wrong in principle.
and always unfortunate in its final results.
While the maple is a graceful tree and not
devoid of beauty when it is allowed full room
for expansion. it is nevertheless short lived
as compared with other varieties. Not long
after ii reaches it's acme in size it is observed
to show signs of decay in the trunk and in
the limbs. 1t is particularly liable TO break
under the stress of storm, being brittle in
its fibre A line Of naples on the street will
soon become unsightly in consequence Of the
inequality which results from these repeated
breakages.
New naples have to be planted. and it is
rarely that any symmetry in the shape of the
whole number can be preserved for any
length of time owing to the reasons that have
The linden on the other hand, is not easily
broken and 1t attains to great age without
trace of decay An avenue of lindens is a
magnificent sight and furnishes an unbroken
shade The size to which the linden grows
under favorable circumstances may be con
sdered drawback but it is a drawback that
can be easily overlookedin view ofthe obvious
advantages that accompany the presence of
the tree.
The sycamore can also be used in place of
the maple, as it is picturesque in appearance
and furnishes the anplest shade Other
trees Of the same general character might be
named which would subserve the purpose for
which trees are planted on the streets with
an equal degree of efficiency.
The municipal disposition 10 plant only
trees that attain their full growth very
rapidly is a grave mistake, as the only
result is to mar the effect designed to be Sc
cured by their presence on our streets. The
trees planted should be such as are long-liyed
not easily broken. heavy in their foliage and
with natural tendency to expand to q great
size.