In the " Ramble " — Fourth Excursion 



further advantage of growing rapidly. This is an 

 *'extra-Hmital " tree, native to Texas and the south- 

 westerly part of the country. 



Papaw. — In the shade of other trees grows the 

 papaw, from instinct or from its darksome situation 

 oftener a shrub than a tree. It belongs to the great 

 custard family of the tropics, and is one of only three 

 species that have wandered hither from the far South. 

 It is abundant in the Mississippi valley, and, though 

 rare, has spread eastward to Pennsylvania. Tropical 

 foliage is so typical that one will rightly guess from the 

 leaf that the plant is kindred to the magnolia. The 

 blossom, in early spring, has the pecuHarity of being 

 first green, then brown, and finally a deep purplish red. 

 It is rarely seen, even in cultivation, and is an interest- 

 ing specimen for anyone in search of novelties. 



SiLVER-BELL-TREE. — One who has never seen the 

 silver-bell-tree in bloom might naturally think that the 

 name is a foolish bit of poetry applied by an over- 

 ardent admirer. But so far from being extravagant, it 

 is the only appropriate name that could be given. In 

 spring, before the leaves develop, this tree puts forth its 

 supreme effort of the year, and swings on every twig a 

 silvery set of chimes, burying trunk and branch beneath 

 the innumerable mass. The bells, an inch long, are of 

 elegant form and texture, and it is worth a visit to the 

 Park to see the brief but exquisite display. The largest 

 cluster is a little east of the Webster statue, grouped 

 with paulownias, magnolias and a red-bud. Of south- 



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