Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-08-01
D. c. TREE WIZARD
WOULD SAvbGIANT
Britain Engages Landscape
Architect W. A. Frederick
to Help NaSsau'S Kapok.

William A. Frederick, lanscape
architect of the Capitol, will embark
this week on a unique life-saving
journey to the Bahama Islands.
Mr.. Frederick. one of the Govern
ment's leading horticulturists, has
been requested by the British au-
thorities governing those troplcal
islands to save the life OF a gigantic
silk cotton" or Kapok tree, which
has been a landmark for more thah
200 years in Nassau, capitah OF the
Bahamas.
The colonial governments request.
was made, however, before the re-
cent West Indian hurricane desolated
Nassau and other settlements OF the
romantic island group. Mr.. Fred
erick in the meantime is anXiopslE
awaiting word as to the tate OIL tne
venerable tree, which stood in the
rear Of the government building.
Gets Leave of Absence.
David Lynn, architect of the Cap
itoJ. has granted Mr. Frederick two
weeks leave for the mission, all ex-
penses Of which will be borne by the
British colonial government. The
imperative nature of that govern
ment's request indicates the value
which is placed by the Nassau au-
thorities on its giant OF the Tor
est. reputed to have been transplant
ed in Nassau from North Carolina
nearly a century before the declara-
ton of American Independence.
The tree, Mr.. Frederick has been
informed, has a diameter at its base
Of 80 feet, and it's imposing, gnarled
- oh nj
OF recent years the old tree has
shown signs of senility, and officials
have become apprehensive lest 1t die.
Because of the trees widespread
fame among tourists, island officials
have used every means at their dis
posal TO give the tree a new lease on
life, but to no avail AS last re-
sort it was decided to appeal 10
American ingenuity for aid and adj
vice.
Mr. Frederick has gained a Ma
tion-wide reputation for his culture Of
the many varieties Of trees in the
Capitol grounds. and, prior TO that
service. in the Paramount Park
tropical Conservatives in Philadel-
phia. He is considered an outstand-
ing authority on tropical trees. A
majority of the trees in the Capitol
grounds were transplanted from
chimes foreign to Washington, and
through the excellent care they have
received are f1ouriishing as well here
as in their native habitats.
Will Inspect Others.
While in the Bahamas Mr.. Freder.
ick will look over other trees in need
Of expert attention, and will render
what further services he can in this
connection. He expects to return to
this country August II.
From his understanding Of the
situation, Mr.. Frederick believes the
Nassau tree may be saved from an
early doom by proper treatment Of
the soil from which it draws its
nourfshment. He will examine and
test the soil and inspect the struc-
ture of the tree itself, with a view to
diagnosing its trouble and prescr1b-
ing a remedy.
Mr.. Frederick says the history of
the tree antedates NasSau'S official
records. Tradition has it that it was
brought to the Bahamas from North
Carolina, but this story has been
questioned. because Of the fact that
the kapok tree is not native TO
North America 1t thrives, how
ever. in Mexico, South America and
the Philippines. 1t is Of the decidu-
Gus family. and it's technical name
is "Ceiba pentrandra" or "ErIoden-
dron.'