WIER'S CUT-LEAVED MAPLE. 



(ACER DASYCARPUM VAR. WlERII LACINIATUM.) 



In thr American Af/ricultn.rist.] 



To acquire a really valuable new tree is nowadays of such rare occurrence 

 that, when a novelty like Wier's Maple is introduced, there is cause for 

 congratulation among admirers of beautiful trees. As this tree was 

 brought to notice in 1873, giving sufficient time to prove it thoroughly, we 

 may now safely venture an opinion as to its worth. Like its parent, the 

 native Silver Maple, it has a vigorous constitution, and makes a remark- 

 ably rapid and luxuriant growth ; the leading shoots push directly upwards, 

 while the lateral branches, being slender, fall in graceful curves towards the 

 ground. This half drooping habit is an interesting feature in this tree, 

 while its deeply and variously cut leaves constitute one of its greatest 

 charms, and fully justify us in ranking it among the most valuable of orna- 

 mental trees. This variety, as well as the typical form, possesses a great 

 advantage as an ornamental tree which is not sufficiently appreciated, that 

 is. its freedom from disease and the attacks of insects. Not alone in 

 Spring, but all through the Summer, its clean, bright, delicately cut foliage 

 has a peculiar freshness which delights the eye ; though the leaves do not 

 assume the brilliant colors for which some of our maples are so justly ad- 

 mired, nevertheless the rich golden autumnal tints of this tree make it a 

 desirable object in scenery. The extremely rapid and spreading growth 

 of Weir's Maple makes vigorous pruning absolutely neccessary, and a 

 judicious use of the knife gives the tree a pleasing outline, and tends 

 greatly to increase its beauty. I think all who know this Maple will join with 

 me in commending it, on account of its graceful habit, as a fit companion for 

 the Cut-leaved Birch. It is especially suited for planting singly in conspic- 

 uous places on the lawn, and introduced among other trees, it imparts to a 

 group an effective variety and expression. 



