CATALPA. 



(Catalpa.) 



Many kinds of wood that were formerly plentiful are now 

 much less so. Attention is being turned to trees that give 

 best results under artificial conditions. Catalpa, formerly but 

 little known, now bids fair to become of some importance in 

 this connection. The tree is one of which excellent results can 

 be expected when the right conditions prevail. The Hardy 

 Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) is most desirable. 



Catalpa trees grow readily and are often used in land- 

 scape effects. The trees may be planted along streams, since 

 they are not seriously injured by occasional inundations. 

 The soft, weak, brittle, smooth wood works w<*ll, and is fitted 

 for many constructions. It is very durable and attractive. 

 Catalpa wood can be used in indoor finish. Trees are 

 being planted by railways, although some question exists 

 as to whether ties will stand sufficiently under heavy traffic. 

 Mr. John Brown* mentions specimens sixteen inches in 

 diameter seventeen years after planting. Numerous examples 

 could be given of an awakened interest in this species. The 

 soft wood may require plates to resist cutting when in ties 

 under heavy traffic, but no uncertainty exists as to durability. 

 Sufficient tests have placed it in the front rank as resisting 

 decay. Prof, von Schrenk states that final disintegration of 

 weathered wood will not be due to the usual fungus causes, 

 since no single fungus has yet been found to grow in the dead 

 timber. The limited supply has restricted use. No wood is 

 better for posts and poles. 



* The Forester, October, 1900, and November, 1902. 

 Kansas Agricultural College Experiment Station, Bulletin 108. 

 Forestry Quarterly, Vol. Ill, N. Y. 



