exceptions, but as a rule these trees have hollow or badly scarred 

 trunks, decayed limbs, and a generally neglected appearance. 

 Much can be done for them by proper treatment. The results of 

 the survey seem to prove that in future trees might be planted 

 which would maintain their health with less attention than this 

 elm requires. The Wing Elm, for instance, an exceedingly 

 graceful tree, has proved hardy in Columbia and is recommended 

 by the North Carolina Geological and Economic Survey in its 

 bulletin entitled "Shade Trees for North Carolina", as being 

 preferable to the American Elm. Experience in Charleston 

 would seem to substantiate this opinion. The Slippery Elm, 

 while planted to some extent of late, is represented by so few 

 large specimens that no estimate as to its enduring qualities can 

 be formed. 



Poplars. The Carolina Poplars (Populus deltoides), which 

 were so extensively planted some fifteen years ago, have proved 

 not so valuable as was expected. They have grown rapidly, 

 it is true, but are already beginning to show signs of old age. 

 The short season of leafage, the attraction which they possess for 

 caterpillars, and the ughness of their shape when not well clothed 

 in green, render them far from desirable as city shade trees. 

 They can be used advantageously, however, in alternation with 

 more slowly growing trees, the poplars being cut down when the 

 other trees are large enough to furnish shade. If this method 

 had been followed when Charleston's poplars were set out, many 

 streets would now be ready to have their poplars removed. As it is, 

 alternating poplars may still be replaced with better trees which 

 will furnish shade when the poplars have become not merely 

 unsightly but dead. A wholesale sacrifice of poplars should in no 

 case be advocated until they can be at least in part replaced. 



Oaks. The oaks constitute the finest trees in the city but un- 

 fortunately they are not abundant. The Live Oaks at the Battery 

 and about the College of Charleston, and the Laurel Oaks on Wragg 

 Square show the magnificent effect which these trees can produce. 

 The Live Oak (Quercus Virginiana) is not suitable for narrow streets 



39 



