COMMUNICATIONS. 



223 



number of pairs of leaflets, which are sessile, with an obtuse 

 base, and by the absence of a calyx in the flowers. It is some- 

 times very difficult to distinguish the species by the bark alone. 

 The Black Ash is much the most abundant kind in Wisconsin, 

 finding many places suited to its growth in the eastern and 

 northern parts of the State. It is a smaller and much less valu- 

 able tree, though it is applied to many useful purposes. The 

 wood is tougher and more flexible than that of the White Ash, 



qualities that render it 

 more valuable for hoops. 

 The thin layers of wood 

 are easily separated into 

 long narrow strips, or 

 splints, formerly much 

 used for baskets and for 

 chair-bottoms. The large 

 knots are used for wood- 

 en bowls, not being lia- 

 ble to crack. The flow- 

 ers appear and the fruit 

 ripens about the same 

 time as the White Ash. 



The Blue Ash [F. 

 quadrangulata^ Michx., 

 is found in Ohio and in 

 Illinois. It is said to be 

 found also about Lake 

 Superior, in upper Michi- 

 gan. If so, it undoubt- 

 edly exists in Wisconsin, 

 although I have never 

 seen it here. 

 The Ked Ash {F. puhesceus, Waltr. — F. tomentosa, Michx.,) is 

 a native of Ohio and Michigan ; and the Green Ash {F. jaglan- 

 difolia^ Lam.,) is also an Ohio species. These are all inferior in 

 useful qualities to the White Ash, and are not very abundant in 

 the places where they are found. 



SLIPPEEY ELM. 



