TREES IN TOWNS 53 
(Ulmus latifolia) (7), a tree of hybrid origin always pro- 
pagated by layers, is magnificent in the streets of Holland 
and Belgium, but it does not seem to be successful in 
England; at least it is very rarely seen in our towns, 
though it has been imported from time to time. 
Oaks are seldom planted in streets. The common oak 
requires good deep soil for its proper development, and 
languishes in the poor soil and bad air of towns. In 
suburban avenues, the fastigiate or cypress oak (Quercus 
pedunculata, var. fastigiata), similar in shape to the Lombardy 
poplar, would be very ornamental, and prove successful, 
provided the soil were a deep loam or loamy clay. In 
the milder parts of England, Ireland, and Scotland, the 
Turkey oak grows well on poor soils and in dry situations, 
and should be tried in suburban streets, where it grows 
fast when there is not too much smoke. The American 
red oak (Quercus rubra) attains a large size in the south 
of England, where it grows faster than our native species. 
It does not require a rich soil, and on account of its hand- 
some foliage, turning red in auturin, should be tried in 
town parks and wide suburban streets in the milder parts 
of England and Ireland. Its ally, the pin oak (Quercus 
palustris), has drooping branches and beautiful leaves, 
turning a rich scarlet colour in autumn. It requires a 
moist soil, and is unsuitable for use as a street tree in 
England; but it would probably succeed if planted near 
water in parks and gardens, as there are fine specimens 
at Kew and in other parts of the Thames valley. 
There are numerous small trees, with beautiful flowers 
and fruits, which are fairly successful in towns. Amongst 
these may be mentioned various species of Pyrus and 
Prunus, as whitebeam, rowan, almond, bird-cherry, and gean, 
all of which can be freely used in manufacturing towns 
with a smoky atmosphere. Laburnum and mulberry also 
do well. The two American species of Catalpa, with 
conspicuous flowers and large leaves, may also be recom- 
mended for town gardens. Liquidambar styraciflua, an 
American tree with maple-like leaves which assume 
