Norwich bulletin., 1911-04-01

woodchopper,s axe and to atone for what Is often wanton destruction ef timber. T mended. because it is largely day of education for the young. The child Whoshas grown up in fhe shade around his home early learns to appreciate the beauty and majesty of the great trunks and spreading branches. But the ay- craze city child too often requires sug- gestton and prompting to: make nlm understand fully the value of the tree as an element of beauty and conven- fence. Therefore it is that the schools, as imparters of knowledge, have been particularly selected as a medium for encouraging the great work for which ArbOr day was created.
 The Porteous & Mitchell company proposes to get into communicat1qn with school boards and thc teachers in the various schools in this vicinity and ascertain the number of trees that will be required to supply ansthe pupils in each school with 9 tree. SSeyerai or the school boards and superintendents of the local school districts have all ready been consulted about this plan and are enthusiastically in favor of 1t. The catalpa tree, botanically known as catalpa speciosa, according to emil nent foresters, is tree that will play a great part in the reforestatlon or the United States.
 It is a tree that natures within four years. Groves of the tree grown Tn Indiana have reached an almost uni form height of 2S feet, crowned with shade giving umbel. and bearing beau tifu1 flowers for ornament and even pee pasture.
 The United States forestry depart ment has recognized the value of the catalpa tree and has recommended Its use for everything other woods are used for pending the reforestation of pine and other wood bearing lands. The catalpa possesses a unique anti septic value. No tree germ can live on it. Its leaves produce follicles laden with antiseptic fiuids the effect of which is apparent even to the ground along the tree trunks. It will grow in all soils and demands no professional manipulation.
 The catalpa as a wood is described as the most durable known. Cross ties made out of it have been experimented with by the Pennsylvania and other railroads. which have declared that they will endure for fifty years.
 The trees have been used living for telegraph. poles in Indiana.
 The regular telegraph poles cut from the talpa are said to be superior to any others. The wood is also used by Grand Rapids furniture houses for veneers and is declared to be superior to oak for furniture.
 The tree mas been deScflDed Dy ex- pert gardeners as lighter than pine, stronger than oak, tougher than nick ory and free from warping, as it neither shrinks nor swells.
 Forests of talpa are now being plant ed in eastern states for use in the manufacture of paper pulp, in which the tree is expected to take the place of spruce.
 Another advantage of the tree for city planting is the fact that the roots never clog sewers. In outlying parts little grove acts as a most effective wind shield and snow break.
 The Porteous 6 Mitchell company deserves a special word of commenda- ton and acknowledgment in making this liberal offer to the school children. It is 8 splendid illustration of the spitft of the day and stands as an offek not only to be accepted but to be appreciated and commended.
 The schools which carry out the spirit of the day and the enterprising mercantile establishment which so periodically and unselfishly make it possible for every school child to do their share in encouraging tree culture are doing a work the importance of which cannot be Oyerestimated