The Magnolias and the Tulip Tree 



America. Splendid as they are, tropical in foliage and magnifi- 

 cent in flower compared with everyday forest trees, the family 

 is to-day but a shadow of its preglacial greatness. Forests of 

 magnolias flourished in the midcontinental plains of Europe and 

 America, extending northward even to within the Arctic circle. 

 Fossil forests, uncovered by erosion and by volcanic forces that 

 seam and split mountains apart, reveal the trunks and even the 

 leaves and seed cones of these ancient trees. Amethyst Mountain, 

 in Yellowstone Park, has such a story to tell, and European 

 geologists can match it. Even in its decline, the magnolia 

 family holds first rank among the ornamental trees of the North 

 Temperate zone. 



Magnolias are of peculiar interest because they have the 

 largest flowers of any trees in cultivation. This is not saying that 

 they are the showiest trees when in blossom, for an apple tree 

 or a flowering dogwood may completely cover itself with blossoms. 

 But the individual flowers of such trees are relatively sm.all, while 

 a magnolia blossom is often 6 inches, and sometimes a foot in 

 diameter. Magnolias have several other points which make 

 them a most attractive group; certain kinds bloom before the 

 leaves in early spring; the flowers of most sorts are deliciously 

 fragrant; the texture of the petals is notable, being thick, waxy 

 and lustrous, and the colouring is exquisite. In many species 

 the leaves axe of extraordinary size, some exceeding a yard in 

 length. In all, the foliage mass is luxuriant and tropical looking. 

 Some have shining, leathery evergreen leaves just the thing 

 for Christmas decorations. Last, but not least, there are 

 the curious cone-like fruits which make the trees so attract- 

 ive in midsummer and autumn. As they ripen they take 

 on rosy tints, and later they open in a peculiarly interesting 

 fashion, and hang out their scarlet seeds on slender, elastic 

 threads. 



Magnolias are not hard to grow. The essential thing is to 

 choose the right kinds and to put them in the best locations. 

 As they are, first and last, ornamental trees and shrubs, they are 

 usually grown as single specimens on lavv^ns, and the placing 

 of them is important. Such a tree should have room enough to 

 attain its full development. A solid mass of evergreens is the 

 most effective background for a fine symmetrical specimen, 

 especially when it is in bloom.. The soil should be rich and well 



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