CHAPTER XXIV. 

 TREES FOR SHADE AND ORNAMENT. 



Obviously we can take but a glance at the trees just as every 

 garden-visitor does after his attention has been concentrated for a 

 long time upon the flowers which his host has been commending to 

 his enjoyment. It will do to remember that California has not only 

 "big trees," but many trees which are distinctly her own by birth "an 

 unusually large number of them," says Dr. Jepson, and the reader who 

 wishes to know their unique characters and their wonderful history, will 

 of course study Dr. Jepson's books mentioned in the footnote upon 

 page 8. California has also many trees which are hers by adoption 

 hundreds of them, whose introduction has been compelled by all 

 motives of beauty-loving and wealth-winning which have actuated our 

 cosmopolitan population. We shall assume the duty of mentioning 

 only a few which have achieved wide popularity, thus demonstrating 

 suitability for choice by the amateur who wishes to be assured first of 

 all that the few he plants shall be thrifty and satisfactory. Although 

 occasional reference may be made to the desirability of a tree for 

 highway and avenue planting, this suitability will not be systematically 

 pursued. The chief purpose will be to indicate trees from which selec- 

 tion may be made for shade or ornament in connection with door-yard 

 planting or for the shaded areas which may be provided in the environ- 

 ment thereof. 



Acacias. These evergreen flowering trees, chiefly from Australia, 

 constitute an important feature of our exotic silva. Scores of species 

 have been introduced and if one desires to pursue them botanically and 

 descriptively it is now possible through the contribution by Miss Katherine 

 D. Jones of the University of California to the 1914 edition of the 

 Standard Cyclopaedia of Horticulture. The following are very widely 

 grown: 



Acacia decurrens; variety, normalis. The well-known "black 

 wattle" tree of Australia, a medium-sized tree of rapid growth, with 

 beautiful fern-like foliage and brilliant yellow blossoms. 



Acacia melanoxylon (blackwood acacia). An upright, symmetrical, 

 pyramidal tree, of rapid growth, with dense foliage. Very neat and 

 trim in appearance, making an excellent sidewalk tree. 



Acacia pycnantha (golden wattle). A medium-sized or small tree, 

 well branched, with heavy foliage, and dense clusters of beautiful 

 yellow flowers, borne very profusely in spring time. Bark also very 

 valuable for tanning purposes. Tree of rapid growth, but often suffers 

 from breakage by wind. Very ornamental when in bloom. 



