Magnolia. 91 



tree for street planting, and the wonder is that it is not 

 more largely employed in beautifying both streets and 

 parks wherever it can be available. The leaves are large, 

 oval-oblong, coriaceous, and bright glossy green on the 

 upper surface, though somewhat rusty beneath. The 

 blossoms are also large, six to eight inches in diameter, 

 white, with from nine to twelve petals. They are de- 

 liciously fragrant, and continue a long time in perfection. 

 There has recently been more or less discussion as to the 

 northern limits where this magnificent tree may be grown. 

 It used to be said that it could not be depended upon 

 much north of Richmond, but it has been demonstrated 

 that fine specimens can be maintained not only in Wash- 

 ington but even in Philadelphia. Mr. Thomas Meehan 

 gives an account of a tree about thirty feet high, in one 

 of the parks in the latter city, which blossoms and ripens 

 seed every year ; and adds that " it is not the only one, by 

 any means, to be found in the city. In Fairmount Park, 

 near Horticultural Hall, there is a tree which has been 

 flowering and seeding for many years. I could name a 

 dozen trees thriving hereabout, several of them of flower- 

 ing a^e. I would without hesitation lift the line of its 



o o 



hardiness from Richmond, Virginia, and set it at Philadel- 

 phia." Good specimens are reported even farther north, 

 as at Dorosis on Long Island, but they have to be at- 

 tended to with especial care, such as only experts and en- 

 thusiasts have patience to apply. Mr. Meehan reports 

 having seen them growing in England north of London, 

 but in almost every instance they were trained on the side 

 of a building, flat and fan shaped. There are a number 



