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THE CATALAPA FOR MINNESOTA. 257 
genera or species in relation to hardiness. With us the only question of 
much importance is that of hardiness. 
I would call your attention to one tree which is growing on my lawn, 
that seems to be a little different from others, in that it is of more rapid 
growth, more spreading and robust, with larger leaves and spikes of bloom; 
but this may all be owing to the soil and care in cultivation. It was brought 
from Terre Haute, Indiana, when a small seedling of one year’s growth, and 
planted in the spring of 1889. It now stands in height eighteen feet, in ex- 
tent of branches, sixteen feet, and in circumference around the trunk, two 
feet and one inch. Thus it seems that the head of the tree is nearly round, 
and its breadth of shadow nearly equals the height. It has blossomed for 
several years past, but has only.produced two or three bean pods, enough to 
prove that it is not a pistillate or sterile tree. It seems to be perfectly hardy 
without protection, and is also free from insects, which would indicate that 
it was also perfectly healthy. Hence, it follows that our trees are not of 
that tender variety of which we have heard so much. Could it have been 
that they originated from the seed of that lone tree which Col. Stevens 
found growing upon the shores of Lake Minnetonka, and which, no doubt, 
had been planted there many moons gone by, and watched with tender care 
by the Maid of the Laughing Water? Of course, this is an allusion drawn 
from the legend of Longfellow’s Hiawatha, Minnetonka being the source 
and supply of that beautiful stream made famous in history as well as in 
poetry by the bold leap of sixty feet over the falls of Minnehaha. 
Would it not be well for all botanists, horticulturists and others who 
claim to know whereof they affirm, to tread lightly upon the soil of Min- 
nesota before they condemn the catalpa to destruction before the cold 
northern blasts of our winter winds? 
If Col. Stevens has made out his case and proven the hardiness of the 
catalpa in Minnesota beyond reasonable doubt, and Dr. Warder, from his 
standpoint of observation, says it is no hardier than the peach, and we here 
assume each to be correct in the premises, then it seems to me that the 
time has come when the peach and the catalpa should be seen growing side 
by ‘side in our orchards and on our lawns. If not, why not? 
My ’talpa tree, my ’talpa tree; 
’Tis Minnesota boasts of thee; 
Though foreign born, yet thou art free 
To roam around, my ’talpa tree, 
My ’talpa tree! 
What if my ’talpa should depart, 
And leave some space within my heart 
Untouched by love; or envy’s dart 
Should aim to strike my ’talpa tree, 
My ’talpa tree? : 
The sages say that you belong 
To nightingale or cuckoo’s song. 
From peep of day to close of dawn 
Sing praise to God, my ’talpa trée, 
My ’talpa tree! 
Note.—The last verse refers more particularly to the tree as the home 
of the song birds. The catalpa, with its broad leaves and dense foliage, so 
