456 OBSERVATIONS OF MR. SEYMOUR. 



let seed-vessels, wbich should be introduced into groups on lawns and ornamented 

 grounds. 



Our American shrubs and minor trees have been too much neglected. 



I should state hero that while it is somewhat difficult to move the pine and hem- 

 lock, yet if they once take root, if they are highly manured, they will grow with great 

 vigor. 



Forest trees to he raised for profit. — When it is proposed to raise trees for profit, regard 

 must be had to climate and soil. Many which are vigorous iu Central New York do 

 not grow well upon the sea-coast, and it may be they would not be suitable for the 

 Western States. 



I speak of the results I have seen in the county of Oneida. On the farm on which I 

 live, about forty acres of woodland were cut over twenty-five years ago. The trees 

 were allowed to grow up agaiu from the seeds which were in the ground. They did 

 not grow from tho stumps, but were all new growth upon their own roots, and started 

 at the same time. The tree which outstripped the others is the eoft-shell or pig-nut 

 walnut. The next iu size is the black cherry, and then comes the basswood ; then the 

 elm, the ash, the maple, the birch, and the beech, iu the order I have named. The wal- 

 nut and the black cherry arc not only the largest, but most valuable trees in other re- 

 spects. Their wood is heavy and firm, and they areuseiul for carriage and cabinet makers 

 as soon as the trees are a foot in diameter. None of the foi-est trees in this section 

 will bring as large a price as these in market. There is also a great advantage iu the 

 form of their growth. They usually grow up with a single stem, even when they stand 

 in open grounds. 



This gives to the trunk of the tree more length and value. If the maple or the birch 

 or the beech stand where they can take their natural forms after they have grown to 

 the height of ten or twelve feet they will divide into a great number of small branches. 

 So that while the trunk may be two feet in diameter for a short length, above that 

 tho numerous branches will be of no value iu the arts and not of great value as fuel. 

 When the trees grow compactly of course they will all be inclined to grow with a single 

 stem. But the walnut and the black cherry will still be much the most valuable. The 

 hickory nut does ? «-t grow upon my land. ' The ground of which I speak is mostly clay 

 mixed with gravel. 



I find that the black cherry grows equally well upon this ground and upon sandy 

 soil if it is not too dry. It will grow readily from the seed and so will the walnut. I 

 find them springing up in my grounds where the pits and nuts have been carried by 

 birds and squirrels. 



I think the European larch can be raised here with great advantage. Those I have 

 planted have grown rapidly with a single stem. I think they are valued iu Europe 

 lor the durability of their timber. I do not know how they will prove in that respect 

 in this conntry. The small seedlings can be got at reasonable prices, and if they are 

 taken care of when young they will make fine trees as soon as any variety I have 

 ever cultivated. They will grow well on sandy soil. They have some beauties as an 

 ornamental tree. In early spring their smaller limbs take the yellow color which 

 marks the willow. 



Urlike their cousins, our tamaracks, their foliage is soft and abundant. Their limbs 

 are flexible and graceful, aud drop down long slender branches which wave very 

 beautifully in tho winds. Its foliage in autumn turns to a rich golden yellow aud 

 remains long after other deciduous trees become bare. 

 I am, truly yours, &c., 



HORATIO SEYMOUR. 



Dr. Fraxklix B. Hough, 



Lowi'iUe,N. Y. 



Results of tree-culture at Hamilton College {Clinton^ Oneida County), Xcw 



York. 



A park of fifteen acres is conuected with this college, and in 1853 

 tbe committee in charge resolved to obtain specimens of every tree and 

 sbrub supposed to be hardy in the climate of Central New'York. A 

 l)iuetnm was begun, and a large variety of conifers has been i^lanted. 



Labels have been affixed to many of the rarer trees and shrtibs, show- 

 ing the botanical and common names, aud habitat. Tbe curators of tbe 

 grounds are Prof. Oren Eoot, John C. Hastings, aud Rev. l)r. A. D. 

 Gridley. The list is printed annually with tbe college catalogue, and 

 the one for 1876-77 gives the names of 94 species of deciduous trees, 34 

 evergreens, and 61 shrubs that bad proved hardy and desirable. Amoug 

 these were a considerable number of exotic species. 



