4G MASSACHUSETTS HOKTICULTUUAL SOCIKTV. 



sometimes asked whetlier the tendenc}' of a young tree, in regard 

 to form, can be discovered early enough to ensure the kind desired 

 for phxnting ; also whethev seeds from a particular variet}' 

 will produce the same shape in its progeny. In regard to the first 

 point, the tendency for the decidedly drooping, or weeping, habit 

 can be recognized in a tree twelve or fourteen feet high, if the tree 

 has had proper space for development. Concerning the second 

 point, we have the testimony of experienced nurserymen that 

 seeds from differently shaped trees cannot be lelied upon to pro- 

 duce the same forms. The "Parasol" form is plainly the result 

 of an early growth among other trees finally removed, leaving the 

 elm alone, by which great height is made before the sudden expan- 

 sion of the limbs at the top. The "Plumose" variety is not 

 common, but of striking effect when seen. Some regard this form 

 as the result of injury' or accident occurring when the tree was 

 young, while others think it the effect of location. Certain it is that 

 numbers of this form may be seen in nature in certain low-ground 

 localities ; while, again, one might ride for miles among the elms 

 and not meet with one of this habit. The plumose tendenc}' can 

 be discovered before the tree is too large for successful removal. 



The " Fringed " elm, which usually takes the " Parasol " shape, is 

 a sample of what nature can do when in a mood for sylvan adorn- 

 ment. I do not care to reason about it but gratefully accept it as 

 one of the most charming objects of our New England landscapes. 



In planting elms, two things should be recognized : that they 

 require a great deal of space for full growth, and that they are 

 voracious feeders, the roots extending at least twice as far as the 

 limbs. A century grown elm, overspreading the ample ilooryard 

 of one of our old New England homesteads, is a magnificent 

 ol)ject ; so too avenues of elms, with plenty of room, are a joy 

 to all who view them or walk beneath them. But setting them 

 closely together, or where in a few years heading-in or other 

 mutilation or entire removal will become necessar}', from their 

 inlcilcrencc with buildings or with each other, is a mistake often 

 committed. Plant elms, but not too many of them, nor too closely 

 togetiier. 



Of the other tiees which I shall notice, time will permit but a 

 brief m^ntiou. 



The Hickories are quite abundant in central and southern New 

 England. There are four species in Massachusetts, all of which 



