25 



used at? vine props; in the vineyard, and as stakes for supporting the 

 riders of our worm-fences. It will prove very valuable on account of 

 its durability, if used for the permanent label tallies of the nurserymen. 

 Add to this its lightness, and the thinnings after six years' growth may 

 be \vell utili/ed as poles in the Imp-yards. 



PBOPAGATKWS 



The multiplication of the tree is very easily accomplished. Though it 

 has been grown from cuttings and layers, the better mode is to sow the 

 seeds. The pods should be collected after the fall of the leaf, when suf- 

 ficiently dry, and before the seeds fall from the opening valves. They 

 should be stored in a dry place, and may very easily be threshed or 

 tramped out at any time during the winter, and the seed separated from 

 the piths'and shells. It must be secured from the mice. 



The seeds should not be planted until the earth is warm and well pre- 

 pared. They may then be rather thinly strown in shallow drills, about 

 an inch or two apart, with sufficient intervening space, for cultivation be- 

 tween the rows; the covering of the see* Is should be light, from a quarter 

 to half an inch, according to the present and probable amount of mois- 

 ture in the seed-bed. They vegetate at once, and will need to be kept 

 clear of weeds and <rrass while small, but their broad foliage soon over- 

 comes all intruders. 



The leaves fall with the tirst frost, and so soon as the tips have harden- 

 ed oh", it is well to take up the plants with a spade or with the small tree- 

 digger plow, and they are ready for storing in cellars, or they may be 

 snugly heeled-in out doors, unless immediately shipped or planted out in 

 their permanent stations. It is most desirable at this time to assort the 

 seedlings according to their si/e, so that all of equal vigor maybe planted 

 together and make an even growth in the grove. 



PLANTATIONS. 



Having made a propel' selection of The variety, no one need hesitate 

 attempting si plantation of the catalpa tree within the limits that have 

 been pointed out. Though in its native habitats the tree is found in the 

 richest bottom lands of our rivers, it seems to thrive equally well on the 

 uplands and on soils of very different texture and constitution, when 

 planted singly or in avenues, and, so far as we can yet judge from limited 

 observations in the artificial groves, which have been seen in very differ- 

 ent situations. 



The question of grouping or mingling of species arises with this, as 

 with every other tree, nor have we yet had sufficient experience to de- 

 cide whether the catalpa should be massed alone or mingled with other 

 kinds, but the brief experience already had would induce a conclusion 

 in favor of the former plan. "Because of the rapid growth and of the 

 I") road foliage of these young trees, and perhaps because of their odor, 

 other trees do not thrive with them. Several experiments instituted 

 for a solution of this problem are now in progress, and seem to show that 

 most other species will die out when crowded among these, being unable 

 to compete successfully for air and light. 



In the prairie countries, where this tree will be largely planted fora 

 supply of ties, posts, and other timber, land should be selected that is 

 deep and rich, and such as has already been in cultivation for one or 

 more crops. This should be well plowed in the fall, and may then at 

 once be planted, or left to lie fallow over winter. Where practicable, the 

 former course is recommended, as the soil is generally in better condition 

 then than in spring. 

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