The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1909-04-02

NAPLES and elms planted everywhere
and always; and if there are some
poplars added in the Western States,
1t is chiefly because naples do not
succeed there. Films and naples are
unquestionably the best street trees
for the Northeastern States. but they
do not thrive equally we'll every
where, and even in New England
there are many other species which
do well and which ought to be plant
ed for the sake of variety, If for moth
Ing more
These matters ought to be consid-
cred at the return of ArbOr Day.
Children in the schools ought to learn
something about the great wealth
which this country enjoys in its ma
tive trees. 1t is quite as important
as to learn about rivers, railroads and
industries. The tree planting which
Is done on the school grounds on
Arbor Day should be something more
than the setting Of one elm, or even
row of maple trees. This should be
a day for leaving the beaten path
and doing something unusual, espe-
cially if it be unusually good. Let
this be the time for adding to the
collections ON the school grounds
some of those rare and curious trees
and shrubs which are beautiful and
worthy in themselves, but which on
account of their rarity are seldom
seen.
The oaks are neglected more In.
proportion to their deserts than any
other native trees. There seems to be
a notion current that oaks are very
slow-growing trees; but the fact is
that all the best species-the red oak,
white oak, scarlet oak, pin oak,
mossy-cup oak-are all good growers,
and will make large, impressive,
shade-giving trees almost or quite as
soon as naples or ~even elms. The
live oak, of course. enjoys deserved
pre-eminence as shade tree in its
own section.
The native linden, or Eastwood,
makes good tree The buttonwood
or sycamore is even better, and in
middle ATTITUDES can hardly be sur
passed. The tulip tree Is good. So is
the white ash.
However, attention needs to be
called particularly to some of the
smaller and still rarer trees and
shrubs as being especially appropriate
for school grounds and altogether
proper for Arbor Day planting. Such
is the beautiful red bud or native
Judas tree. which bursts into a fame
of blossoms at the first feeling Of
spring in the air. It's beauties come
round while the schools are still In
session. Another small tree, espe-
cially suited to the school grounds.
but never planted on Arbor Day. is
the Towering dogwood. The prairie
crab or native apple (Pyrus coro-
naria) is hardly known even in its
own locality, but it is one of the most
beautiful trees in blossom that can be
found anywhere. 1t thrives almost
anywhere that common apple tree
will grow. The Kentucky coffee tree
is beautiful and curious species
which will grow in almost all parts
or the country, but which thousands
OF honest people have never seen.
This list is by no means complete.
II IS intended only tofbe suggestive.
In the way of shrubs ought to
be planted even more freely than
trees on the school grounds-the OPP
portunity for happy selections is even
greater. There are dogwoods. bar
berries, buffalo berries, native roses,
and other sorts galore. some of which
can be collected in every neighbor-
hood, and all of which can be easily
secured through the plant dealers.
These things ought to be on the
grounds of every school, especially
every rural school; and Arbor Day
is the day to put them there.-The
Country Gentleman