The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-02-21

trees. Many fine specimens are seen about
Boston, BrOokline and other cities and on
private estates. From two causes, fewer
oaks are planted than of other and shorter
lived trees First, good trees require to re-
main in the nursery a longer period than
other trees. They require greater care and
attention from the grower, and, of neces-
slty, must be sold at higher price. While
an erroneous impression prevails in regard
to their rate of growth neither argument
against them should prevent the oaks from
being extensively planted.
Nurserymen grow cottOnwOOds by the
millions Cuttings WILL in two years, make
salable trees and the planter usually pays
90 cents each for them. Besides being OBJ
jectionable for very many reasons, it does
not pay to plant such trees.
To properly plant oak will not cost
any more than to plant the Carolina cot
tonwood while the original cost of the tree
may be Sl.20 to 81 for oak, and 90 cents or
less for cottonwood. The oak will last a
hundred years, making noble tree, while
the lOwer-priced cottonwood will be gone
in twenty-five years. The red oak scarlet
oak or pin oak are grand street trees and
they grow quite rapidly after they have
become established in their new home. An
acorn makes but a feeble growth the first
season. increasing materially the second,
and each year, as its roots extend and Sc
cure greater nourishment, the upward
growth of the trunk and branches keep
pace with the root extension. SO, every
year, the tree grows in compound proper
ton until 1t has reached maturity
Plant the oak or sugar maple in good
ground. having excavated a hole of goodly
proportions. and, if not in good fertile soil.
replacing ii with a CARLOAD of loan, and
you Will never have reason 10 complain
that these trees of slow growth
The sub-trOpic climate of California is
favorable to tree growth, and. as in all
semi-arid regions where irrigation is prac-
tfced, the trees receive an abundance of
water during the growing season. The
splendid lines of eucalyptus rising $50 feet
high are seen in all the valleys OF Cali
fornia. The pepper tree with its delicate
foliage and racemes of crimson berries,
adorn the lowiiest of houses as well as the
palaces of wealth. Palms are abundant at
Pasadena, Los Angeles and all southern
California. Where, quarter of a century
ago. there were only treeless deserts,
parched and brown from summer sun and
absence of rain. now these beautiful tropc
trees are thrftily growing.
II takes work, costs money, requires in
teligent supervision to change a desert
wilderness into a charming garden, but
California has done this and more. Indian
apolis cannot make palms grow in the open
air. nor secure the tropic trees for her
streets, nor can she make a beautiful city
without effort. yet / believe the effort will
be made, and that you will succeed.
A similar condition exists on the table
lands of Mexico. where severe frOSts are
infrequent. A majority of the trees are of
uopic nature. Yet, probably the most COM
mon trees, the one that grows fastest, and.
withal. a handsome shade tree is the ash.
Where il came from 1 could not truly learn.
There are none in forests, and l do not be-
lieve IL TO be indigenous. In every particu-
lar il seems TO be our Northern white ash.
Yet ii is growing among the mangOes,
oranges. palms. along side the rubber tree
and coffee. which grown for ornament
only at this elevation of 5000 to 5000 feet
Even in Mexico the people do not pro-
duce trees without great effort. In a hot
country all plants must be artificially
watered If not i'm the rain beta task
which Indianapolis seldom needs TO per-
form. Probably no city in America has so
many fine roses, Towering shrubs and