DECIDUOUS TREES USEFUL IN LANDSCAPE FORESTRY. 99 



We introduce tliem, however, for the varieties with golden or 

 variegated foliage, which are well worth the special attention of 

 planters, from the bright colouring they give to groups of small 

 trees, and along the mai'gins of plantations. 



The Beech (Fagus). 



The species of this genus form a limited but important group 

 of evergreen and deciduous trees, with a wide geographical distri- 

 bution over the temperate and colder regions of both the old and 

 new world. They are famous alike for their highly ornamental 

 character, and we need not say for the excellence of their timber, 

 which is employed for a great variety of purposes. 



The evergreen species are not found to do much good as trees 

 in this country. They are natives of both sides of the Straits of 

 Magellan, and occur in vast forests in Tierra del Fuego, w^here they 

 extend from the sea-side up to the snow-line of the mountains, and 

 vary in height from about 40 feet in the more sheltered situations, 

 to mere scrubby bushes, 2 or 3 feet in height, in the high and 

 exposed sites. It is therefore to the common Beech, Fagus 

 sylvatica, with its numerous varieties, that the planter has to 

 look for his supply of ornamental trees. 



The Ash [Fraxinus). 



The large array of species and varieties which compose this 

 group are widely scattered over Europe, some of the temperate 

 regions of Asia, and many parts of America. They are, for the 

 most part, of large growth, and more or less valued for their 

 timber. "With few exceptions, they form remarkably handsome 

 trees, and have long been favourites in our parks and other orna- 

 mental grounds ; even the common form F. excelsior, commends 

 itself to the attention of lovers of fine trees, by the warm green 

 colour and elegant form of its leaves, its soft symmetrical outlines 

 while young, and its picturesque grandeur in old age, all of which 

 qualities render it a favourite in any arrangement of trees for 

 landscape effect. 



The varieties are many and very varied, and are all worthy of 

 a place in any collection of choice deciduous trees. 



The Tulip Tree (Liriodendron). 



Of this genus the only species with which we are acquainted is 

 L. tulipifera, one of the handsomest, whether as regards habit of 



