DECIDUOUS TREES. 41 



generally, when wild, found growing in moist or wet land, but 

 it will thrive in any good deep soil. The tree has no particular 

 claims to beauty in its habit of growth, but from its dark green 

 glossy foliage in summer, and the brilliant fiery tinge which it 

 takes on when ripening its leaves, it is extremely valuable for 

 forming groups in the picturesque style. A single tree of it 

 even, standing at some distance from the house, and where 

 its brilliant autumn tints can be readily seen, often forms for 



FIG. 17. PERSIMMON. 



weeks a feature of beauty surpassing that of any other on the 

 place. 



PERSIMMON Diospyros. The persimmon or Virginia date 

 plum makes an open, irregular, half round-headed, rather erect 

 tree of pleasing character and of a medium size, that fits it well 

 for grounds of limited extent. It groups well with the English 

 elm, the bird cherry, and others ; and when the value of its fruit 

 is regarded, deserves a place in almost all grounds. In the 

 southern sections of Illinois, Missouri, etc., there are varieties of 

 it that ripen their fruits long before frost ; but the wild trees of 



