Summer Meeting, 87 



acteristics of the trees in front, and are improved by the contrast. 

 It is here that the landscape gardner needs to study form and color. 

 With these he arranges his different groupings and plantings, so 

 when the plan is finished it produces a panoramic effect, and, at 

 the same time, does not destroy the individual beauty of the differ- 

 ent trees. It is well to study Nature's method of planting on the 

 mountain sides, in the valley, or at the edge of a forest. Nature 

 has made these groupings so artistic, so natural and pleasing that 

 they can never be excelled by the skill of man. 



In conclusion, let me urge that we get better acquainted with 

 our native ornamental trees. We have the best in the world, and 

 they are adapted to our needs. Then, after we have exhausted our 

 home supply, it is then time to plant those of foreign birth and 

 blood. Let us stick to the American tree in preference to their 

 foreign cousins. European Horse Chestnut, Birch and Linden have 

 their beauty, yet we have the same things in our own country, if 

 not identically the same, in much better form. Why experiment 

 with foreign trees when right at our very doors can be found those 

 equal, if not superior, in form and foliage ; which have been proved 

 by decades to be perfectly hardy and adapted to our soil and cli- 

 matic conditions? Then, when our list is exhausted and other va- 

 rieties are needed, it is time enough to look abroad for the best to be 

 found there. But for the present let us develop our home resources, 

 get better acquainted with the natives at our very door, and we will 

 be fully satisfied with the results. 



REMARKS. 



Secretary Goodman — To the list given in this paper, I would 

 add two native trees grown here. One — the Sugar Maple — is one 

 of our most beautiful trees, and the Cork Elm, which is also very 

 beautiful. Specimens grow wild in the south part of the State 

 and also hardy along the Missouri river. 



President Dutcher — I want to know if the European Linden 

 has a tap root in this country, and if there is any difference between 

 this and the American Linden as to roots. The American Linden 

 grows side roots only. 



Col. Evans — The writer has done full justice to the subject. 

 If I were to name the prettiest trees, would say first the Sugar 

 Maple, then the American Linden. The Coffee Tree is prettier in 

 some parts of the year. There are many pretty trees if well grown. 



W. D. Maxwell — Prefer the White Elm for yards. It is beau- 

 tiful and has no objectionable features. 



