218 NEBRASKA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 



been ol" the opinion that the increase in the number of layers of palisade 

 tissue is an indication of the ability of the tree to endure dry conditions. 

 For myself I am pretty well convinced that there is something in this 

 opinion, and yet I have to point out that at best this can hold only 

 between varieties of the same species, or very closely related species. 

 I know of genera in which the leaves of some species have but one or 

 two palisade layers, while others have the leaf tissue nearly all palisade, 

 and yet there is no appreciable connection between these structural facts 

 and the ability of the plants to endure drouth. 



I have now accomplished the purpose I had in view in preparing this 

 preliminary paper, namely, that of analyzing the problem, and indicating 

 where investigations and studies are necessary. This I trust I have done 

 in such a manner as will suggest to the morphologists and physiologists 

 among our foresters the necessary lines of work for the final solution of 

 the problem. 



NATIVE NEBRASKA SHRUBS DESIRABLE FOR DECORATIVE 



PLANTING. 



By Melvin Randolph Gilmore. 



In would seem most desirable to conserve and utilize all our native 

 growths which suit themselves to our purpose for decorative planting 

 for two principal reasons, hardiness from natural adaptation to physical 

 conditions, and to give distinctive local character to our plantings. This 

 second reason is no inconsiderable item, for individuality with grace and 

 beauty of form and color is most charming. 



A native shrub of Nebraska which, for these and other reasons, is 

 highly desirable to plant where low-growing shrubs are wanted is Prunus 

 besseyi, first described in botanical literature by our veteran botanist, 

 Doctor C. E. Bessey, and named in his honor by Professor Bailey. This 

 shrub is a dwarf cherry, peculiar to the sandhills of the Great Plains, 

 the adult bushes varying from a few inches in height to three feet, accord- 

 ing to more or less favorable local conditions. The shrub is of partly 

 procumbent habit, thus adjusting itself to the unstable condition of 

 the wind-blown sands in which it grows. It is beautiful at all seasons. 

 Denuded of its foliage the dark purplish or reddish brown bark gives a 

 touch of warmth. In early spring the very prolific bloom, which precedes 

 the coming of the leaves, forms airy, fairy masses and drifts of white 

 whose fragrance, similar to that of the wild plum, not too heavy but 

 pervasive and evanescent, suggestive and reminiscent of the cleanness 

 and sweetness of the unspoiled prairies, is most entrancing. Then come 

 the beautifully glossy green leaves which maintain their color and sheen 

 throughout the summer, varied in July and August by the presence of the 

 large and profusely abundant, glistening purple-black fruit. In the fall 

 the leaves remain till quite late, taking on a most beautiful coloring from 

 scarlet to purple and bronze. 



