74 HAND-BOOK OF TREE-PLANTING. 



the same, on account of the promise it gives of 

 pecuniary returns. 



Another tree may well be spoken of also in 

 connection with the catalpa, viz., the ailanthus, 

 or "tree of heaven," as it is sometimes called. 

 This tree, originally from China, has become 

 quite domesticated with us. It grows as far 

 north as Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It is of 

 rapid growth, is propagated easily from seeds 

 or cuttings, and attains a height of seventy feet. 

 The wood is very hard and compact, has a 

 beautiful grain, and the tint of fresh mahogany. 

 It is valuable for the cabinet-maker's use. The 

 ailanthus was a fashionable tree formerly, and 

 was much planted in door-yards and on the 

 streets of many of our cities, but the disagreeable 

 odor of its flowers, and perhaps also its dispo- 

 sition to throw up suckers freely, led to its being 

 discarded. But the bad odor of its blossoms 

 pertains to the trees of the male sex only, and 

 may be avoided by a proper selection in this 

 respect. The odor, however, will be no special 

 objection to a tree when it is to be planted not 

 as an ornamental tree, and near the house, but 

 for forest purposes. The ailanthus has a high 



