Around the " Pond " — First Excursion 



of Europe's favorite trees. It lacks, however, the mag- 

 nificent sweep of over-arching branches that makes an 

 ancient white elm seem like a silent benison of the 

 Almighty. Although called ^^Enghsh " elm, it is not 

 a native of that country, but was introduced many cen- 

 turies ago, and in its several varieties has spread over 

 all Europe. 



No arboreal blossoms are more insignificant than the 

 elm's; but it needs no transient glory of bright color; 

 noble form, commanding size, an extremely graceful 

 leaf, and luxuriant foliage have given it an assured pre- 

 eminence in elegance and dignity. Quite inferior as 

 timber to oak and maple, its chief utility is ornament. 

 One of the fleeting pleasures of spring is to note the 

 first budding of the elm, as its tiny leaves expand 

 and fringe more deeply, day by day, the lace-like 

 filigree of minute twigs, until a filmy green spreads 

 over all. 



KoELREUTERiA. — Probably the most ornate compound 

 leaf in the Park belongs to a species from Japan, which, 

 for want of any popular synonym must be introduced to 

 the reader under the formidable scientific name of Koel- 

 reuteria paniculata. Never a large tree, it is a charming 

 adornment of small grounds, and its bloom, late in 

 August, of showy panicled yellow flowers materially em- 

 phasizes its worth. Heavy foliage on large trees gives 

 strong tones to a broad landscape ; but such trees as 

 this, with elegant leaf-configuration in light sprays, give 

 to a limited area a pleasant shade without deep obscurity. 

 It will be found on the south border of the walk, south 



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