PRACTICAL ARBORICULTURE 49 



with alcohol, hence the everlasting character of catalpa wood under condi- 

 tions which cause other timbers to decay quickly. 



The duration of telegraph poles may be greatly extended by dipping 

 the lower end in a hot solution of asphaltum, allowing the wood to absorb a 

 considerable quantity of the mineral. It is absolutely essential that the wood 

 be well seasoned before applying the solution, otherwise the fermenting sap 

 will cause a more rapid decay since moisture cannot escape. The poles should 

 be coated two feet higher than the surface when the poles are set. 



DWARF OAK NEAR PALMEK LAKE, COLORADO. 



