346 THE CATALPAS 



seed early and generally annually. Its fruit which is a 

 pod, sometimes eighteen inches long, containing seeds with 

 wings hangs on until midwinter, or later, and can be 

 easily gathered and kept, until time to plant, in the same 

 manner in which Pine or Ash seeds are cared for. They are 

 quite fertile, and a good stand of seedlings a foot or more 

 high may be expected by fall. They can be successfully 

 transplanted into the forest the following spring or allowed 

 to remain in the seed-bed another year, but a longer period 

 would not be advisable, as they are rapid growers in early 

 as well as in later life. Little loss should occur in trans- 

 planting. 



Any effort to plant it extensively outside of its natural 

 habitat should be carefully considered, and it will cer- 

 tainly be advisable to plant a limited area at first. Experi- 

 ment alone can determine whether it will succeed. The 

 name " Hardy Catalpa " is a misnomer for a portion of the 

 northern part of the United States. It is but little hardier 

 than the other species, and that is known to be winter- 

 killed in many sections. It appears to be exempt from 

 fungus diseases, but a caterpillar destroys its leaves in 

 some sections. In many places outside of its natural range 

 it appears to lack vitality and dies as of old age. Any one 

 proposing to enter upon its cultivation should secure a 

 copy of the United States Forest Service Circular, No. 82, 

 entitled " Hardy Catalpa," where its character and natural 

 habitat and the best methods of culture are exhaustively 

 and intelligently discussed. Its rapid growth and great 

 durability when exposed to the soil make it a very desir- 

 able tree to grow if the right conditions of soil and climate 

 prevail. 



The other species Catalpa bignonioides is a trifle 

 less hardy than the speciosa, but it will accept conditions 

 of soil that the latter will not. Its propensity to grow 

 branched, with crooked stem and specialized limbs, seems 

 to be greater, if possible, than with the speciosa. Like that 

 tree it is a rapid grower, and the young trees may be killed 



