THE SYCAMORE. 25 



and encouraged to grow as fast as possible, so as to get 

 healthy and straight sterns. The grafting may be done 

 near the ground, or at the top of the stock at an ad- 

 vanced age, as for the Apple or Pear. March or April 

 is a good time to do this. 



The wood of the Thorn, when come to maturity and 

 thoroughly dry, is nearly as hard as bone, and is excel- 

 lent for mallets, &c. 



The Sycamore (Acer pseudo-platanus). 



The S} 7 camore is a species of Maple, all of which are 

 very ornamental-foliaged trees, but the common Syca- 

 more is one of the most splendid ornamental park trees 

 to be found. Now many persons no doubt will wonder 

 at such praise being given to the common Sycamore, 

 who may not have noticed the -beauty of it as I have. 

 This consists, not in the habit of the plant, but in the 

 flowers and the seed, which consist of splendid long 

 racemes suspended from the branches in abundance and 

 in a most graceful manner. After these come the 

 singular Samara-like bunches of seed, suspended in a 

 very conspicuous manner from the long footstalk, and 

 which continue for a long time. 



The leaves of this tree are large and ample, affording 

 a good screen from the heat. This tree should no doubt 

 be planted freely in public gardens, for shade in streets, 

 and along public walks, &c. It may be multiplied by 

 seed freely. Gather the seed as soon as ripe, and lay it 

 in a heap, or bury it for a short time to rot the husk 

 off ; then clean, and sow it in drills 2 inches deep, in 

 some light, good ground. Plant the seedlings out the 

 first or second year 1 foot by 6 inches asunder ; replant 

 them again after two seasons, in rows 3 feet by 2 ; here 

 they may remain for specimen plants, to be planted 

 where they are to be for life. 



The Maples are a splendid class of forest trees, and 

 are, moreover, very serviceable for the wood, which is 

 used for fine cabinet-work, and has a beautiful light 

 grain. 



