Ornamental. 415 



half the shade trees die because of not being properly handled. JSTot 



one tree in fifty should die if properly dug. We never lose more than 



this in our large orchard planting. We discard every tree that is doubt- 

 ful. But I think I have seen plantings of street trees where not one in 



fifty lived. 



Planting should be well and carefully done. Dig good large holes, 

 use plenty of good top soil (no manure), put around and among the roots, 

 and above all pack down well so that every root is in contact with good 

 firm soil. A failure to do this often results in a failure to grow or to 

 live during the summer if the tree even starts to grow. Care must be 

 exercised and judgment used in not handling the soil when it is too wet 

 or sticky. It should crumble nicely. 



Mulching is a great help in holding the moisture about the tree, and 

 it always pays to use it during the first two years after planting. 



Water. — If the ground is in proper condition, no water need be used, 

 but if too dry, then it is best to use one pailful of water when planting. 

 Wrapping or shading the bodies of the street trees for the first year is 

 indispensable. Those long, naked trunks need something to break the 

 force of the July sun in order that the trees may make the proper growth. 



Varieties. — Undoubtedly the tree for use is the elm. It is long 

 lived, hardy, and a beauty at all times of the year and at all ages, l^ext 

 comes the ash leaved maple or box elder. It is more hardy than the 

 soft maple and nearly as rapid a grower. ]!*Text in order comes the white 

 ash. It is hardy, medium growth, making a close compact shade. I 

 can not omit the soft maple because of its rapid grgowth and quick shade. 

 If properly trained it will not break or split except in extreme cases. 

 The linden or bass wood is a good one. The tulip or poplar is a beautiful 

 tree also. Use the catalpa where flowers are wanted. I want also to call 

 atention to the sycamore, because of its resistance to the smoke of our 

 cities. Properly trained it makes a beautiful tree and it will stand more 

 smoke and thriA^e better than any other tree we have. Not all people 

 understand that the scraggy appearance of our trees and shrubs is due to 

 the coal smoke, and if man were fastened like the trees are, to one posi- 

 tion, he would soon die also. It is because he can move that he lives. 

 If we want beautiful trees we must discard the use of soft coal in our 



