of the Northern Forest 65 



the greater trees. For noble shade, rapid growth, smoke- 

 enduring, stately stem, and picturesque form, there is 

 no better tree, and among its many good qualities is 

 freedom from insect pests which worry most trees. It 

 is also easy to increase by seed, layers, or cuttings ; the 

 first being the best way, the seed coming freely in other 

 countries, if not in ours. The Eastern Plane is not 

 a lover of mountain land, but thrives in river-carried 

 soils in plain and valley. In Eastern countries it seeks 

 the waterside ; in our land that is not so essential, still 

 the best growth is always in warm valleys or alluvial 

 soil. Though so much in our midst, the Eastern Plane 

 was for many years mistaken for the Western or Ameri- 

 can Plane, which does not thrive in our country. 



The Locust tree. From a planting and landscape- 

 gardening point of view this tree is precious for its fine 

 fresh verdure in summer and autumn, distinct in that 

 way from any trees, and the form of old Locust trees in 

 groups is very good, and quite distinct from that of other 

 trees. 



It is of rapid growth, reaching in good soil a height 

 of 70 to 80 feet, with a girth of 15 feet, though such a 

 size is uncommon, the average height of mature trees 

 being 60 feet. When once established it spreads rapidly 

 by suckers, which thrive even in the shade of other 

 trees. When it can be had of fair size its wood is of 

 value, being very hard and lasting, free from knots, 

 working well, and taking a high polish; for making 

 posts, door and window frames, and similar uses, it is 

 equal to Oak, standing exposure better than most kinds 

 of timber. Growing freely in poor and dry soils and 

 fearless of drought, it is often used to plant on railway 

 banks in Europe, and has even proved its value in fixing 



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