414 



DECIDUOUS TREES. 

 FIG. 131. 





striking that the tree became famous and in great demand imme- 

 diately after its introduction. A large proportion, however, of those 

 which have been planted north of New York during the last twenty 

 years are either dead, or annually shortened back by our severe 

 winters, presenting the appearance of decrepit or damaged trees. A 

 few good specimens have survived, proving the possibility of accli- 

 mating the tree in the northern States. Fine specimens may be seen 

 in the New York Central Park, where, with the excellent judgment 

 characteristic of the management of that ground, these trees seem 

 to have had no check in their healthy growth, and they stand in the 

 most open and exposed localities. The early growth of the tree is 

 very much like that of the catalpa and ailantus, and if planted in 

 rich soils the leaves and canes are immense. All such growth 

 should be carefully guarded against by planting the tree in a poor, 

 well-drained soil. An excessively rank development during the 

 first years after planting will generally prove the death-warrant of 

 the tree in all the northern States, while if a moderate growth can 

 be obtained, and the top and roots be protected for a number of 



