562 FRAXINUS 



frequently alternate. The inflorescences \;ary considerably in beauty in 

 different species. In the most ornamental groups, the "flowering" ashes, 

 both corolla and calyx are present, and the flowers are borne very 

 numerously in panicles from the end of the young shoot and from the 

 axils of the terminal pair of leaves. This is the manna ash or ORNUS 

 group, sometimes made into a distinct genus. In another group to which 

 our common ash belongs FRAXINASTER the flowers have no beauty, 

 being without calyx or corolla; they are borne in short panicles from the 

 buds of the previous year's wood. The remainder of the species have a 

 calyx, but no corolla. 



The flowers are sometimes perfect, sometimes unisexual; and perfect 

 male and female flowers may be found either altogether or separately on 

 one tree. It is said that the flowers of a tree may sometimes be all or 

 mostly one sex one year, and the other sex the next. Stamens usually 

 two. Fruit one- or two-celled, one- or two-seeded, developing at the end 

 a long, flattened wing or membrane, usually from f to ij ins. long and 

 ^ to J in. wide. Many of the species hereinafter described do not flower 

 in this country, and even those that do, like the common ash, do not 

 carry crops of fruit every year. From all its allies in gardens, except 

 Jasminum and one species of Syringa, Fraxinus is distinguished by its 

 pinnate leaves. 



In gardens and parks, the ashes are welcome for their stately form and 

 fine pinnate foliage. Some of them, like excelsior and americana, yield 

 an admirable timber. They are frequently found in nature on a limestone 

 formation, and should be especially noted by those whose ground is so 

 situated. For the rest, they are gross feeders, and like a good loamy soil 

 and abundant moisture. They should always, if possible, be raised from 

 seed, which may be sown in cold frames or shallow boxes, and thinly 

 covered with soil. Grafting for the weeping, coloured, and other garden 

 varieties has, perforce, to be resorted to, but the stock should always be 

 of the species to which the variety belongs. The ashes produce a very 

 fibrous and extensive root system, which renders their transplanting safe 

 and easy. The only species at all unsatisfactory in cultivation are those 

 like nigra and mandshurica, which, being excited into growth by un- 

 seasonable warmth early in the year, are almost invariably cut back by 

 later frost. Some species, like dipetala, need rather more warmth than 

 our climate affords. But given a good soil, and not too exposed a 

 position, the ashes generally are satisfactory. 



The following is a selection of the more desirable species : 



For timber. Excelsior, americana. 



For beauty of foliage and habit. Angustifolia, americana, biltmoreana, 

 oregona, pennsylvanica, excelsior, ex. var. heterophylla, ex. var. pendula. 



For flower. Ornus, Mariesii. 



For interest. Spaethiana, anomala. 



For small gardens. Bungeana, dimorpha, excelsior var. globosa. 



F. AMERICANA, Linnceus. WHITE ASH. 



A fine timber tree up to 120 ft. high in a wild state, with a trunk 5 or 6 ft. in 

 thickness ; young shoots smooth, dark polished green or brownish, becoming 



