PRACTICAL ARBORICULTURE 63 



THE ASH TREE. 



The ash family is noted for the economic value of their wood. With the 

 exception of the European Mountain Ash, the beautiful clusters of red berries 

 of which are attractive, the ash is not a specially desirable tree for ornament. 

 Its flowers are small and without beauty. In botanical language the flowers 

 are inconspicuous. 



The foliage is of good color, and makes a good shade. 



But as timber trees this family Fraxinus hold a high value. 



The white ash, Fraxinus Americana, is noted for the whiteness of its wood, 

 making excellent lumber for furniture and numerous uses. 



Having great strength combined with lightness, it is prized for making 

 agricultural implements, handles of various tools, etc. 



This tree prefers rich land, well drained, yet not too rough or steep. It 

 grows rapidly when in good soil, having sufficient water and not too closely 

 crowded. 



The wood of blue ash has a bluish cast. The young branches are 

 square, hence the name F. quadrangulata. 



The quality of the wood is also excellent, and is used for the same pur- 

 poses as the white ash. 



BLACK ASH. 



F. sambucifolia is of greater value for making hoops and basket splits, as 

 the wood is pliable, tough, and may be split into layers. It grows on flat 

 land, in swampy locations, requiring much water. 



There are several other varieties of ash, but above are the principal kinds 

 used for lumber. 



Much of the cheaper grades of furniture are made from ash, but it is be- 

 coming quite scarce in the market. 



In the West some varieties of the ash are planted for shade and for tim- 

 ber, and with considerable success. Although at times before the newly 

 planted trees gain hold upon the ground and begin a vigorous growth, the sun 

 scalds the bark, and borers enter. Newly transplanted trees should be pro- 

 tected from the sun by hay bands, or tree boxes, or even a board secured to the 

 trunk which will prevent the hot sun from reaching it. 



In the City of Mexico are many large ash trees as also in other Mexican 

 towns, but I found none in native forests of the republic. 



HOW TO GROW THE ASH. 



The ash can only be produced from seed, which, however, is produced in 

 greatest abundance. It begins to fall soon after ripening in the autumn as 

 they are loosened by frost, yet many seeds cling to the branches until early 

 winter. 



Seed should be gathered before it begins to shatter, as it is quite tedious 

 to pick up from the ground ; besides, much is scattered and lost if the wind is 

 blowing. 



