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THE BEECHES. 



MONG ornamental trees peculiarly fitted for lawn planting 

 the European beech and its numerous varieties are unex- 

 celled. The species itself (Fagus sylvatica) is not, as 

 many suppose, of slow growth, but when once established 

 increases rapidly. With ample room, it is a widely spread- 

 ing umbrageous species of clean growth, strong constitu- 

 tion and apparently not very partial to any one kind of 

 soil. On the outer edge of a group of mixed trees it is 

 especially noticeable for its long drooping branches, 

 densely clothed with bright green foliage. The weeping beech, so called from 

 the curious pendulous branches and numerous slender branchlets, is a tree 

 which we can not too highly praise. It is not adapted for massing, for its 

 peculiar structure fits it for a solitary position where it may have the benefit of 

 the air on every side. To form a first class specimen the branches must receive 

 due attention in its earlier years, both by severe pruning and tying into shape. 

 The owner of a small lot would make a great mistake by introducing the weep- 

 ing beech into his little collection, as it is assuredly a tree " to which distance 

 lends enchantment to the view." 



With the purple or blood-leaved beech the case is different, provided there 

 is sufficient space for its development. The regularity of its growth and strik- 

 ing rich plum color of the foliage render it acceptable in almost any well 

 regulated place. With a background of evergreens it is particularly charming 

 and forms a living picture of which one never tires. An avenue of this form, 

 alternated with some silvery-hued conifer, will create a rich effect where such a 

 system of planting is admissable. 



The next variety in point of usefulness is the fern leaved beech, which is of 

 slower growth than either of the above To enhance its beauty the branches 

 should be encouraged to start out from the ground. It will also bear clipping 

 equal to a box and thicken up under the process into a dense ball. Without 

 this artificial assistance it is still an exceedingly graceful tree, with long, horizon- 

 tal branches, clothed with attractive fern like leaves. It seems equally adapted 

 for massing or as an occasional single specimen on the lawn. 



The form known as the cut-leaf beech is similar in growth to the above 

 but has its foliage in curious green strips of different sizes and outlines. 



The curled-leaf beech is extremely odd in appearance, but is only grown, 

 as an object of curiosity. There is no beauty whatever in such a monstrosity 

 It may be said, however, in its favor that the tree grows well and is usually well 



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