112 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Tlu' European linden {Tilia vulgaris), as its name indicates, is 

 from Europe, and has a Avell-deserved reputation as a fine shade 

 tree. Planted in good soil, it will grow under very crowded con- 

 ditions of street life. In South Boston it can be found growing in 

 brick-paved sidewalks, and persistently putting forth leaves each 

 spring, which are as persistently eaten off by the caterpillar of the 

 tussock moth. It forms a tree of stately growth, holding its leaves 

 well into the. fall; while, in early summer, with its near relative, 

 the American linden, its flowers charge the air with a delicious 

 perfume. 



The tree of heaven (Ailanihus glandulosa) is a tree of the tene- 

 ments. No city conditions, be they ever so hard, seem to discourage 

 its growth altogether. It can be found in narrow courtyards on 

 Beacon Hill, throwing up its foliage to the housetops; while in 

 other parts of Boston it can be seen in corners by the stoop, thriving 

 equally well. Apparently it has not been used as a street tree in 

 Boston, probably from the reputation that the male floMers have 

 of emitting a disagreeable odor. I have lived on Long Island 

 where the Ailanthus is naturalized, and where some fine specimens 

 are found as street trees, and I have never been able to detect any 

 odor from them unless I placed the flowers to my nostrils. This 

 objection, however, can be obviated by using pistillate trees. In 

 rich soils there might be kill-back in winter, from under-ripened 

 wood ; but in poor soils this trouble would not occur. I am con- 

 fident that no mistake can be made in planting this tree where hard 

 conditions exist. 



The white willow (Salir alba, variety coerulea), introduced from 

 Europe, was, undoubtedly, a favorite with the early settlers, as fine 

 trees are to be found generally throughout the coast of New Eng- 

 land. The variety coendea is the one best suited for street planting. 

 It is not particular as to soil, and, if a little care is given to the train- 

 ing of a leader, it forms a fine tree. The willow does not lend itself 

 to neat and precise, or formal work. Its value as a street tree lies 

 in its adaptability to adverse conditions, its early budding forth in 

 spring, and its holding its bright, shining green leaves until late in 

 the fall. 



The tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is another good tree for 

 suburban and wayside planting. It is impatient of restraint or 



