TREES AND SHRUBS FOR PLANTING IN TOWNS. 133 
flowering small tree. Few soils come amiss to it, and even where 
it is hemmed in by taller-growing trees, and constantly subjected to 
their drip, it grows and blooms with the greatest of freedom. In 
many of the back streets and slums of London may be seen well- 
grown specimens, which clearly demonstrate how well suited it is 
for withstanding smoke and dust. 
The Sugar Maple (Acer saccharinum) is a handsome, hardy, and 
fast-growing tree of moderate dimensions, and one that can justly 
claim a place in any list of town trees. It will not succeed where 
constantly subjected to smoke and fumes, but planted in the 
suburban districts it soon forms a really handsome and distinct 
tree. 
Sophora japonica is worthy of recommendation as a tree that is 
admirably suited for planting in towns. It is of large and rapid 
growth, with elegant dark green pinnate leaves. Being a native of 
China and Japan, it may not be perfectly hardy in the colder 
portions of the British Isles, but it succeeds well in southern 
England and Ireland, and it thrives admirably in the most smoke- 
infested parts of London. 
Thorns of various kinds succeed in town parks and gardens, but 
they are not to be recommended for the most smoky and confined 
localities. In Glasgow, however, I have noticed how well suited 
for planting in the squares and public gardens many forms of the 
thorn are; indeed, even in London, and where smoke and dust are 
by no means wanting, they gladden the eye with their wealth of 
flowers and bright green leaves. The single and double scarlet 
would seem to be best adapted for withstanding soot and smoke ; 
and these may not unfrequently be seen of large size and in perfect 
health. 
The Tansy-leaved Thorn (Crategus tanacetifolia) is another 
excellent member of the family for town planting. A noble 
example may be seen near the entrance to the Glasgow Botanic 
Garden. 
The English Yew (Zaxus baccata) can hardly be recommended as 
a suitable tree for smoky localities, although in suburban districts 
it grows freely, and there forms a dense, healthy dark green mass. 
From this it must not, however, be inferred that the yew cannot sur- 
vive in smoky towns, for it grows freely wherever it is not’subjected 
to an inordinate amount of atmospheric impurities. Soil of fairly 
good quality should be used when planting the yew, particularly 
where the surroundings are unfavourable. 
