REPORT OF THE BOTANIST. 165 



The elms. — Of our elms, the white and the red are the most import- 

 iint. For an ornamental tree for parks, lawns, and streets, they have a 

 national reputation. They are hardy, grow vith. tolerable rapidity, and 

 are readily transplanted at almost any age. The wood of the white elm 

 is rather inferior in quality ; that of the red is stronger and more dur- 

 able, and is much used for the manufacture of wagon-hubs, carriage- 

 wheels, &c. 



The ichite icillon-. — ITotwithstanding the prejudice which exists 

 against this tree, on account of the extravagant representations made 

 of it a few years ago, as a hedge-plant, it deserves attention from its 

 rapid growth, as well adapted for wind-breaks and screens. It may be 

 planted in low grounds which are unsuited for most trees, and will thrive 

 best in such situations. Its light and graceful foliage affords an excel- 

 lent contrast with most other deciduous trees, and in places where fuel 

 IS scarce, it is deserving of cultivation for an early and abundant pro- 

 duction of wood. 



Evergreens. — By evergreens is commonly understood the family of 

 coniferous trees, because in northern latitudes these are the only trees 

 which retain their foliage throughout the year. The deciduous trees 

 give us shade and shelter during the summer ; but in our jirairie regions, 

 during the coldest half of the year, they are leafless and afford only 

 partial i^rotection from the fierce blasts of winter. This consideration 

 alone should recommend the cultivation of evergreens to every dweller 

 upon i^rairie soil, for not only is the comfort of man and beast concerned, 

 but also practical economy, as it is well known that the abstraction of 

 animal heat by cold winds must be counterbalanced by an increased 

 supply of food. But the fact that these coniferous trees furnish our 

 most valuable building-material, that our native sui)ply of them is 

 rapidly diminishing, and the market value advancing, affords strong 

 and urgent argument for the attention of tree- growers. 



Fines. — The White, Austrian, and Scotch x>ines are considered the 

 best for general cultivation. Mr. Bryant says of the white pine: "Ko 

 one of our native forest-trees is more generally useful, and no one better 

 merits careful i)reservation and extensive culture. As an ornamental 

 tree, it is surpassed by few, if any, of the genus. Its foliage is soft, its 

 hue agreeable, and the whole appearance of the tree graceful." 



The Scotch pine is one of the most rapidly growing si)ecies, and suc- 

 ceeds in very variable soils, being perfectly hardy, even in the most 

 northern parts of the country. It bears transplanting with more facility, 

 perhaps, than any other species. Its thick, dense foliage adapts it well 

 for screens or belts for the protection of orchards. On account of its 

 rapid growth, its valuable wood, its hardiness, and its adaptability to 

 different soils, it is strongly recommended for cultivation. The Austrian 

 l)ine has much, resemblance to the Scotch, having longer leaves, of a 

 darker color. It grows vigorously, and from its stiffness and strength 

 resists the most violent winds, and does not suffer under the heavy ac- 

 cumulations of sleet and ice, which sometimes greatly injure more slender 

 species. It has been extensively planted for ornamental purposes, and 

 although rigid and ungraceful in habit, its dense and dark foliage in 

 winter renders it very pleasant to look upon. 



Spruce or fir. — The white and black spruces, the Norway spruce, and 

 the hemlock or hemlock-spruce, are the most important species of this 

 genus, Ahies. The Norway spruce in particular has been highly recom- 

 mended by several western horticultural societies as the most suitable 

 tree for belts for the ijrotection of orchards. It is perfectly hardy, bears 

 transplanting-, is vigorous in growth, and adapted to all common soils. 



