Canadian Forestry Journal, October, 1919 



419 



This Chinese tree, also, was brought to the 

 notice of European tree-lovers by a religious 

 sect. It was introduced into Europe about the 

 middle of the eighteenth century by Jesuit mis- 

 sionaries, who believed it would serve as a suit- 

 able food for a certain species of silkworm. The 

 purpose for which the trees were originally im- 

 ported was never carried out successfully, but 

 they soon became great favorites for ornamental 

 purposes ,and were grown extensively. Brought 

 to the United States, they were planted at first 

 near Philadelphia, and are now under cultiva- 

 tion throughout the Eastern States and parts of 

 Canada. 



A Tropical Appearance. 



As the flowers of the tree are inconspicuous, 

 the beauty of its foliage is all the more striking. 

 The leaves, often three feet in length, drooping 

 over from the vertical branches, give to the tree 

 a graceful and tropical appearance. The at- 

 tractiveness of the leaves is further enhanced 

 by their coloring, which is even more splendid 



tha nthat of the Ginkgo. The seasonal varia- 

 tions in the foliage tints of the Ailanthus are 

 pleasing. As the many pairs of leaflets unfold 

 from the opening buds, there is displayed an 

 iridescence of bronzy greens, pale greens and 

 madder browns, a gorgeousness of tinting truly 

 oriental. When fully displayed, the leaves are 

 vivid green in color, and their characteristic 

 brilliancy they retain throughout the summer. 

 In autumn, the bright, lemon-yellow color of the 

 foliage contrasts beautifully with the deeper 

 yellows and orange to reddish tints of the large, 

 drooping clusters of fruit. 



In addition to its beauty of foliage the Ailan- 

 thus has other characteristics that make it a 

 favorite for cultivation. It never roots deeply, 

 and, in consequence, is a very rapid grower. 

 From the shallow roots off-shoots frequently 

 spring up that can be readily transplanted. The 

 seeds, also, provide an easy means for securing 

 new stock, as a large percentage of them will 

 germinate. 



Indian Uivcr. Ahiskoka F^Mkt 



(iranil Trunk Kailway Systoni. 



