l86 SEVENTH RKPORT OK THE KOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 



among the last to fall, and, without displaying brilliant colors, they contribute mate- 

 rially to the variety of autumnal tints. Its immunity from insects, fairly rapid 

 growth, and the satisfactory results that have hitherto attended its use, make it a 

 desirable tree. The famous Oaks that beautify the streets of Flushing include a 

 large number of this species. 



The White Oak is superior in vigor and longevity. It does not grow as tall as 

 the Red Oak, but attains a greater spread. Its red and russet-colored leaves are 

 very persistent, often clinging to the tree during the entire winter, a feature 

 regarded by many with unfailing interest. It is to be hoped that, with the revival 

 of tree planting in our towns and villages, the Oaks will receive the consideration 

 which their many good qualities deserve. 



The Honey Locust is the latest of our trees to put forth its foliage. This is the 

 only thing that can be said against it, and that is not always a disadvantage. When 

 its pinnate leaves do appear the beauty of their waving, feathery spray fully excuses 

 any complaint of tardiness. It is a tall, graceful tree, free from insects thus far, 

 unaffected by smoke or dust, and well entitled to a place along our streets and in our 

 parks. Where a dense, cool shade is wanted the Honey Locust would not answer 

 the purpose, owing to its open foliage through which the sunlight streams freely; 

 but this peculiarity makes it desirable for lawns or places where plants or grass 

 might suffer from too much shade. A distinctive feature may be observed in the 

 sharp, stout thorns, three to five inches long, often three-forked or growing in 

 clusters on the trunk. The tree takes its common name from the sweet contents 

 of the long, purple bean pods that hang conspicuously on the branches after the 

 leaves have fallen. 



The Common or Yellow Locust is one of our most beautiful trees on account of 

 its profusion of pinnate leaves, and the pendant racemes of white flowers which in 

 June fill the air with an agreeable perfume. The Locust is reputed to be a favorite 

 nesting place for birds, its spiny stipules furnishing protection from many of their 

 enemies. Prof. Sargent, in his Silva of North America, notes that the Yellow Locust 

 continues to grow until the beginning of autumn, and that the ends of the branches in 

 summer are covered with young light yellow-green leaves which stand out conspicu- 

 ously against the dark background of the older foliage. This tree grows rapidly, 

 and its size makes it available for streets of medium, rather than narrow width ; but 

 owing to the brittle character of its branches it should not be placed where it will 

 be exposed to strong winds. This species has one peculiar advantage as a lawn or 

 roadside tree in that the grass beneath its shade is always green owing to the fertil- 

 izing property of its leaves, which like all leguminous plants enriches the soil. But 



