46 Wisconsin State Horticultural Society. 



unobstructed plains. But now it seems to have few advocates ; 

 if for no other reason, because the locust tree borer has made such 

 inroads upon it that comparatively few healthy specimens re- 

 main. We will not plant the locust tree. 



If we are from Old England we shall have a bias in favor of 

 the oak, that tree which has long been the emblem of strength, 

 and grandeur. — For in England many 



"A cottage chimney smokes 

 From betwixt two aged oaks." 



Divine honors were formerly paid to this tree by the ancient 

 Druids, and it is now hardly less sacred in the eyes of the inhab- 

 itants by reason of its usefulness to the human family, as well as 

 from its classic and historical association?. Many species of oak 

 are indigenous to the American Continent. The whits oak bears 

 most resemblance to the classical tree; the red oak, the most 

 northerly species, exceeds all others in size; the common black 

 oak is used for fuel, while the evergreen oak, a common wayside 

 tree at the South, is one of the most beautiful. IndeeJ, it may 

 be said, that to the majority of the human race the oak is the 

 favorite tree. Let us plant oaks. 



If we are natives of New England, we associate all that is de- 

 lightful in scenery and much that is dear to memory with the 

 elm. It has for us a sacredness which no other tree possesses. We 

 remember the low-roofed cottage over which that venerated tree 

 spread it broad and benevolent branches, as though it would' 

 shield from sin and sorrow all who dwelt under its shadow. We 

 remember the spreading elm on the village play-ground, where as 

 happy children we gathered during the sultry hours of summer 

 and talked of what we should do when we should be men and 

 women. And can we ever forget that long, noble avenue, formed 

 of elms, the favorite resort of old and young alike ? Oh, if we 

 would keep our hearts fresh and young as the years go by, let us 

 plant elms. 



We must not forget the Maple, of which there are ten species 

 enumerated by Gray as belonging to the United States ; a tree 

 of rare beauty of outline, and whose autumnal tints of gold, scarlet 



