Forest Trees and Shrubs of Meriden, Conn. 63 



62. SYRINGA VULGARIS. (Linn.) 

 Lilac. 



This is a native of Persia, etc., and is one of our most common 

 ornamental shrubs. Grows from ten to twenty feet high, in dense 

 clumps. There are are several marked varieties. 



63. FRAXINUS AMERICANA. VAR. F. ACU- 

 MINATA. ( Lamarck, j 

 \Vhite Ash. 



A large, handsome tree, with gray, furrowed bark on the main 

 stem. Grows from seventy to eighty feet high, and from two to 

 three feet in diameter. This is one of our most valuable timber 

 trees, the wood being very tough and hard, ultimately brittle, 

 coarse-grained. Is of rapid growth. Used in the manufacture of 

 agricultural implements, carriages, oars, and for interior and cabi- 

 net work. Specific gravity, 0.6543; ash, 0.42. 



64. FRAXINUS PUBESCENS. (Lamarck.) 



Red Ash. 



A small, but rather slender, tree, in swamps and along streams. 

 Grows from twenty-five to fifty feet high, and ten to eighteen 

 inches in diameter. Is much less valuable than the F. Americana. 

 Wood strong, brittle, coarse-grained, compact; color, rich brown. 

 Specific gravity, 0.6251; ash, 0.26. 



65. FRAXINUS SAMBUCIFOLIA. (Lamarck.) 

 Black Ash. Hoop Ash. Ground Ash. Water Ash. 



Mostly confined to swamps or wet soil. Grows from twenty-five 

 to fifty feet high, and ten to eighteen inches in diameter. The 

 wood is very tough, rather coarse-grained, separating easily into 

 thin layers. Used in the manufacture of baskets, hoops, seating 

 chairs, cabinet making, and interior finish. Specific gravity, 

 0.6318 ; ash, 0.72. 



XIII. AQIFOLIACE^. The Holly Family. 



66. ILEX OPACA. (Aiton.) 



American Holly. 



A tree from fifteen to forty feet high. One of the most beautiful 

 broad-leaved evergreen trees. Not common in Meriden. The 



