36 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



President Parkman remarked that Mr. Muzzey had touched a 

 subject of very great importance, and one which has engaged the 

 attention of European governments. In many European countries 

 which have been denuded of trees, it is only by very great care 

 that some parts have been preserved in a state of fertility. La 

 Mancha and the valley of the Po are examples, the latter being 

 subject to alternate inundations and droughts. 



Mr. Strong agreed with the views expressed bj^ Mr. Muzzey 

 and the President. He did not yield to Mr. Hovey in admiration 

 of the maple, in its place. He wondered that Mr. Hovey should 

 cite a single tree as proof that no dampness was caused by the 

 thick shade pf the maple. He knew of rows of maples which had 

 had an exceedingly injurious effect in making the ground damp 

 beneath them, and of rows of horse chestnuts which he should 

 have voted to cut down, if he had lived in the streets where they 

 grew. 



Marshall P. "Wilder said that he was pleased with Mr. Muzzey's 

 remarks. Countries without trees would become deserts, and he 

 was glad to find a better sentiment than formerly existed, now 

 prevailing, especially in the West, where many towns were offer- 

 ing premiums for forest tree planting. Mr. Wilder referred with 

 commendation to the extensive planting on the line of the Kansas 

 Pacific Railroad, and to the successful planting on the alkaline 

 soils on the Union Pacific Railroad, where, not long since, it was 

 supposed that nothing would grow. It gave him a feeling of pain 

 to see a tree taken down, even when necessary. 



John B. Moore said that the streets in Concord, where he 

 resides, were entirely lined with trees. The town chooses a 

 Superintendent of Public Grounds, without salary, but makes an 

 appropriation for the purpose of taking care of the cemeteries and 

 school-house yards. He agreed with Mr. Strong in regard to the 

 maples, and knew of streets which had been made muddy by 

 planting them too closely with maples. He was surprised at Mr. 

 Hovey's statement that the roots of elms do not run deep ; he had 

 found the bottoms of cellars filled with them, and had found them 

 in a well twenty-five feet deep. He could grow nothing well 

 under elm trees, but preferred them to any other trees for streets. 

 The rock maple is very beautiful, but they must be planted far 

 enough apart to let in the light and air. 



Benjamin G. Smith wished to say a word on the utility of for- 



