52 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



itself; but it heightens the cheerfulness of otlier trees in judicious 

 grouping. 



The White spruce, A. aWa, is a tree often mingled in the same 

 forest with the black spruce. It is of moderate size, slender and 

 more tapering than the black spruce, more graceful in its habits of 

 growth, and a far better tree for ornamental purposes. It is highl}' 

 recommended by nurserymen. 



The most beautiful of the spruces is the Abies Canadensis, 

 usually termed the Hemlock. A well developed tree of this 

 species combines symmetry, gracefulness, and a certain refined 

 freedom in its appearance which readily charms the lover of sylvan 

 beaut}'. It will repay critical study. It is hardly reliable for 

 hedges, but fine for standard growth. In nature it is one of the 

 greatest charms of our northern woods. 



Our native Cedars and Junipers and our American Larch are 

 worthy of attention ; but at this time I am compelled to omit 

 further mention of them. 



So much, then, for what remains of our native forest growth 

 for the protection of our wind-swept hills, for the renewal of our 

 desiccated plains, for refreshing shade along our highways and 

 around our homes, and for pleasing landscape eflTects everywhere. 

 We do not meet in our woods that luxuriant growth and those gor- 

 geous blooms which distinguish the tropical forests ; but the variety 

 in habit and form of growth among our native trees, and the deli- 

 cacy and beauty of their foliage afford never-ending delight to 

 those who have been led to note their attractions. Said a friend 

 to me, "God be praised for the beaut}' of an oak leaf!" He 

 spoke well ; and he might have multiplied his praises a thousand- 

 fold, as applied to all the varied beauty of our woods. But to get 

 the best of a thing we must know it thoroughly ; so to derive the 

 fullest enjoyment and largest benefit from our trees we must be 

 led to know them ; to see wherein they are useful, picturesque, 

 or beautiful. Emerson says, "A tree which furnishes a cooling 

 shade to the inhabitants of a house, is at the same time and on 

 that account its best ornament." So people should be educated 

 to recognize the fitness of various trees to serve different purposes ; 

 and tluis their value and beauty will grow upon them. Hence I 

 say that back of all the planting should be a knowledge of the 

 tree itself; of what it is going to be and to do, if it grow. 

 Springing up before us at almost every point, as we walk or ride. 



