228 WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE. 



ern limit of the Sycamore. It attains its greatest dimensions in 

 the valley of the Ohio river. The low bottom lands of that 

 stream, annually overflowed with water, appear to be the proper 

 habitat of this tree. Until the discovery of the immense conif- 

 erous trees of California and Oregon, the Sycamore was regarded 

 as the largest tree in the United States — attaining a circumfer- 

 ence of 47 feet. 



The wood is used for cabinet work ; the grain is irregular, 

 giving it a fine appearance when polished. It would be much 

 more extensively used for this purpose, but for the abundance 

 and cheapness of other more esteemed kinds. It is becoming a 

 very common shade tree along the streets of the eastern cities 

 and towns, and appears to be much admired. The growth is 

 rapid ; it bears transplanting well; and for supplying the prairie 

 lands with fuel, shade, etc., in the shortest time, it is said to be 

 inferior only to the Locust. As the Sycamore is not attacked by 

 the borer, it may be deemed the most valuable of the two for 

 this purpose. It may be propagated by sowing the seed in the 

 spring, or by cuttings. The very young seedlings should be 

 protected from the heat of the sun. 



Order VIU. Juglandace^. — The Walnut Familt. 



25. Juglans cinerea, of Linnceus. — Butternut — White Walnut. 



The Butternut is far less common in the woods of this State 

 than the Black Walnut, next to be noticed, and its wood is less 

 valuable. It has, however, some very desirable qualities, ren- 

 dering it worthy of attention. It is useful on account of the 

 medicinal virtues of the bark; and the sap affords an inferior 

 kind of sugar. The nuts should be gathered for pickling, in 

 the last week of June ; and for winter use, in September. This 

 is the appropriate and agreeable business of the boys, who can 

 thus supply themselves and tlieir friends with luxuries at the 

 same time that they are having a "fine time" in the woods. 

 The nuts are much esteemed, and command a good price in the 

 shops. The forms assumed by the Butternut tree are usually not 

 those of beauty, being ill -shaped and uncouth. It is, therefore, 



