88 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



Avas presented to the College by Mr. Taylor, of Kalamazoo. The tree stands 

 in the grove south of the house of Prof. Cook. It is not quite liardy in this 

 part of Michigan. 



BALM OF GILEAD, I'OVhWi—l'opulms balsaniifera, vai: candicans. 



This rapid growing tree is abundant at Sanford, on the Flint and Pcre 

 Marquette railroad. It is often cultivated, though I can hardly see anything 

 to recommend it except its rapid growth. A few specimens grow in the 

 arboretum. 



BALSAM i'lli— Abies balsamea. 



This tree is a rather small slender evergreen wliicli grows in the swamps in 

 the northern portion of our State. It thrives on dry laud as well as in swamps. 

 In some places it has been much used as an ornamental tree. It usually looks 

 well until it gets to be ten or fifteen years old when the lower limbs become 

 thin and the tree puts on a shabby appearance. It is a good tree to place 

 among others to shade them and produce a temporary effect and then it should 

 be cut out or removed for trees which better retain their beauty in old age. 

 Specimens may be seen in the wild garden. 



BARBERRY, COMMON— Ber6e*ts vulgaris. 



This interesting hardy shrub comes from Europe, but has become naturalized 

 in some of the older portions of New England. Some 8pecimens can be seen 

 a few feet south east of College hall, also in the grove south of Professor 

 Cook's house. 



BASSWOOD— 7'i7(a Atnericana. 



This tree abounds in the rich woods of many portions of the State, where it; 

 is well known. It is a favorite tree with those who keep bees. The timber is 

 valuable for a variety of purposes. It is a fine ornamental tree of rapid growth 

 and fine habit. At the College si)ecimens may be seen on the flats in numerous 

 places, also south of the east end of tlic road bridge by the chemical labora- 

 tory, also south and also east of the house of Professor Cook. 



BEi:CH, AMEUIC AX— /iTafirKs ferruginea. 



TMiis well known tree is very widely distributed in our State. It grows 

 slowly and the timber decays rapidly if allowed to become alternately wet and 

 dry. Its chief uses are for fire wood, some tools, roof boards, etc. The roots 

 run near the surface of the ground, so the tree will not thrive well in the grass 

 unless there Js a liberal toj) dressing. The most beautiful tree on the College 

 farm is in the pasture northeast of the house occupied by Professor Eairchild, 

 also one near the east end of the rustic road bridge, and several others which 

 are slowly dying in various spots on the lawn. 



BEKCH, BLUE— Crtr/»iut<« Americana. 



This small tree is abundant along streams. Its chief uses are for whip- 

 stocks, withes, and iu former times to switch the naughty boys and girls. With 

 room eiunigh for development in proper soil it becomes a compact, beautiful 

 and symmetrical shrub, especially when bearing its fruit, which is inclosed by 



