16 



county's primeval forest. The forest of to-day is second growth 

 timber and very inferior to the forests the white man found. 

 Because of our fertile soil, trees in Illinois grow much faster 

 than in New England and are consequently less compact and 

 shorter lived. 



The important timber trees of Illinois were the black wal- 

 nut, the oaks, the hard maple and the red cedar. The black 

 walnuts w^ere almost exterminated. Some of the old houses 

 have black walnut framework that would be worth much 

 to-day, were it not for the nail holes. For interior finishing 

 butternut was often used.- 



The red cedar (Juniperus Virginiana) was at one time 

 abundant and a fine large tree. To-day we find only low, 

 straggling bushes. This is the only native gymnosperm. 

 The Virginia cherry-tree (Pruniis serotina Ehrhart) was 

 very abundant. It was largely used by the settlers for the 

 making of furniture. It has practically disappeared. It re- 

 sembles mahogany, having the brownish red tinge that we 

 enjoy in old pieces of cherry furniture. 



To-day little lumber is cut in the county, most of that 

 being oak. Considerable hickory is cut for firewood. The 

 pecan has become a valuable nut tree. 



Cornus florida has almost disappeared, though it was very 

 abundant fifty years ago in places. 



In conclusion I would wish to express my thanks to Mr. 

 John C. Andeas, of Manchester, for much assistance in securing 

 facts for this paper. 



NATIVE TREES OF MORGAN COUNTY 



Pinacese — 



Juniperus Virginiana L. Red Cedar. 

 Salicacese — 



Populus tremuloides Michx. American Aspen. 



Populus balsamifera L. Tacamahao. 



Populus deltoides Marsh. Cottonwood. Necklace Poplar. 



Salix nigra Marsh. Black Willow. 



Salix lucida Muhl. Shining Willow. 



Salix humilis Marsh. Prairie Willow. 



Salix petiolaris J. S. Smith. Slender Willow. 



Salix glauca L. Northern Willow. 



Salix phylicifolia L. Tea-leaved Willow. 



