COMMUNICATIONS. 



205 



ed for on the supposition that a former tree has been destroyed, 

 and that the present clump is the grown up sprouts that always 

 succeed such destruction. 



Although the wood is soft, destitute of strength and durability? 



and has but little value as fuel, 

 it i' '■ or many use- 



ful purposes. It splits easily 

 into rails, and will last a long 

 time if not used for those that 

 lie on the ground. Basswood 

 is extensively used for laths, 

 and t is the material for carv- 

 ing and for wooden shoes. As an 

 ornamental tree it has few superiors, 

 especially where reguhrity of form, 

 density of shade, etc., are desirable. 

 This is the case along the side- walks 

 in our cities, towns and villages, 

 where, however, we but seldom see 

 this tree. The fine fragrance of the 

 jflowers and great rapidity of growth 

 are other recommendations of this 

 tree for such purpose. The very cur- 

 ious contrivance by which the seeds 

 are held up in the air so as to afford the wind an opportunity to 

 waft them a considerable distance before they reach the ground 

 is worthy of notice. 



The fruit-stalk hangs from middle of a long narrow leaf, has a 

 kind of spiral twist, like a plow-share ; so that in falling, this 

 leaf is constantly whirling round and round like the arms of a 

 boy's wind-mill, which very much retards the fall to the ground. 

 This is another of those beautiful contrivances by which the 

 great Creator accomplishes his all-wise purposes. Such contri- 

 vances might be found every where in nature, if we would take 

 the trouble to look for them. When the eastern counties of 

 Wisconsin began to be settled twenty years ago, and when of 

 course the resources of the country had been but very little de- 

 veloped, resort was had to the basswood trees to sustain the 



COMMON BASSWOOD. 



