122 Practical Forestry 



Amongst the Birches are at least two desirable weeping 

 forms in the cut-leaved (Betula pendula Youngi), Young's 

 weeping Birch, and the weeping white Birch (B. alba pendula), 

 both of which are admirably adapted for lawns, even 

 where space is restricted. The Birch will thrive on poor, 

 light soil, and is, therefore, peculiarly suitable for planting 

 in gravelly or rocky formations. 



The distinct habit of the Weeping Mountain Ash, or 

 Rowan tree, has made it a favourite in the embellishment of 

 small grounds, and the wealth of conspicuous fruit produces 

 a telling effect, especially if the tree is backed up by darker 

 foliaged trees or shrubs. There are other forms of Pyrus 

 well worthy of attention, such as the pendulous Siberian 

 Crab (P. pruni folia pendula) and Salicifolia pendula, the 

 latter in particular being a distinct and graceful small 

 growing tree. The Weeping Mulberry (Morus alba pendula) 

 is occasionally seen in good form when it is a desirable 

 acquisition, so is the Weeping Laburnum (L. vulgar e pendu- 

 lum) and the curious and scarce Gleditschia triacanthos 

 excelsa pendula. In the silver-leaved Weeping Holly we 

 have one of the best of evergreens for confined situations ; 

 and Cornus florida pendula is a strikingly beautiful tree 

 in which the weeping habit is decidedly pronounced. 



Among Weeping Elms some varieties are most pronounced, 

 but there are several others all equally worthy of culture. 

 Of the English Elm, probably the best is Ulmus campestris 

 Petersii pendula, while of the Mountain or Scotch, that 

 known as U. montana pendula is the most desirable. Weep- 

 ing thorns are by no means common, but they are probably 

 the most natural and graceful of all drooping trees of modern 

 growth. In the flower garden at Regent's Park is growing 

 a beautiful specimen of this tree. 



Perhaps the most common of weeping trees is the Weeping 

 Ash (Fraxinus excelsior pendula), and its strong, vigorous 

 growth causes it to be employed where others would not 

 succeed. Even in smoky localities it is quite at home, as 

 many fine old trees throughout London clearly prove that 

 the deleterious effects of an impure atmosphere have but 

 little effect on its hardy constitution. It is one of the best 



