ORNAMENTAL TREES AND SHRUBS. 47 



white or soft Elm makes a grand and imposing tree, improving with 

 age. Of this we seem to have three subvarieties, which have distinctive 

 features. One being more upright in growth, with smooth bole. One 

 which is literally covered with small, vine-like branches or twigs, and 

 another which has a drooping habit. 



The sllppery-bark Elm, while young, is a nice tree, with a large leaf, 

 and may be distinguished by its rougher leaves and branches. With 

 age it becomes less graceful, more rigid and sparse in branch and 

 foliage. For economic uses it is more valuable, yet it is not so desir- 

 able as an ornamental tree. 



As a shade tree and for economic purposes the different varieties 

 of Oak should be more generally used. The Red Oak, notwithstanding 

 the opinions of some that it is slow growing, as most of the hard woods 

 are supposed to be, will, I find, under favorable conditions, keep pace 

 with and outstrip some of those which we call fast growers. It is less 

 troubled with insect pests, and will withstand a gale which will de- 

 moralize an Elm or Maple. The same is true of other varieties of Oak. 

 The Hackberry makes a good, dense shade and is a symmetrical tree, 

 and ought to be more largely planted by farmers, as its wood is tough 

 and tenacious, making good handles, eveners and wagon tongues. 



Honey Locust makes a graceful shade tree, not too dense. It ought 

 to be more largely planted as a street tree. It is almost exempt from 

 noxious insects, and makes a good hedge plant. The other Locusts, 

 Yellow and Black, are quick growing, and may be utilized on steep 

 bauKS, and, where not troubled with borers, will be found a good in- 

 vestment, if but for their lasting qualities as fence posts. 



The Kentucky Coffee Bean makes rather a unique and pleasing ap- 

 pearance, as most of the pinnate foliage trees do, and when given room 

 to develop while young is a symmetrical tree. 



The Basswood, Linden or Lime tree, is an excellent shade tree, es- 

 pecially for low situations, although we find it growing well upon the 

 sides of some of our bluffs here. It is tardy leafing out in spring, and 

 among the first to fall. 



The Hickories are almost a thing of the past, owing to the ravages 

 of a small weevil some years past. Its enemy seems to have disap- 

 peared, so we should now make efforts to increase its distribution. 



The Ash makes a good shade from youth upwards, but will not do 

 very well on high ground. 



The Black Walnut makes a good, fast growth while young, and makes 

 a pleasing addition to our collection, and should be encouraged for its 

 economic uses. 



The Boxelder is one of the most abused trees here. It has been 

 one of the pioneers probably. It will grow thriftily and gives good 

 shade from youth to age. The tent caterpillers are fond of its foliage, 

 but with a small amount of exertion is easily exterminated, but this 

 requires united effort to accomplish. 



The Cottonwood Poplar makes a fine, sturdy pioneer, and should 



