PRACTICAL ARBORICULTURE 327 



ASH. 



Ash is planted in all the plazas, and frequently upon the streets, making a 

 handsome shade and beautiful trees. It is said to have been indigenous to Mex- 

 ico, but close observation has failed me in finding any ash except where planted 

 by man. The variety much resembles Fra.i-inus Alba of the Northern United 

 States. One reason for not thinking it an indigenous tree is the habit of casting 

 its leaves at various seasons ; one tree in full leaf, another almost bare ; one tree 

 with seed ripe and falling, another quite immature. Since this tree has become 

 naturalized, as it were, and is of high value in the arts, it should be planted in 

 forest as a timber tree for profit. 



SAUZ (WILLOW). 



All along many ditches and in moist localities large numbers of willow trees 

 have been planted, Sali.r Babylonica being common. As an ornamental tree for 

 shade, it is well adapted, but it posseses no economic value for timber. It would 

 be better were the eucalyptus planted in such places, if only for fuel, cutting out 

 alternate trees from time to time. These trees are not killed by cutting. They 

 are soon reproduced from the stump. 



CHARCOAL. 



Owing to the slight need of fuel for heating purpose? there are no stoves, fur- 

 naces or fireplaces in Mexican homes. In the kitchen ranges and ovens charcoal is 

 preferred, and in this form the fuel is brought in on burros and is on sale every- 

 where. 



ARTIFICIAL FUEL 



is imported from Wales, made from coal screenings, with asphalt or coal tar as a 

 binder, and compressed into uniform blocks 5x6x8 inches, with rounded edges, 

 one railway, the International, using this exclusively. Although handled fre- 

 quently, on shipboard and cars, it holds its form without much breaking. This has 

 a high heating power. 



Nature has been very profuse in her gifts of plants to Mexico. The flora is 

 very extensive. Climate, soil moisture, continuous growth, all combine to favor 

 arboreal creations. Magnificent flowers, varied foliage, delicious odors, grand dis- 

 plays of tropic and semi-tropic plants, but in economic timber trees there seems 

 to be a serious scarcity. 



ARBORICULTURE IN THE REPUBLIC. 



My investigations have not been entirely satisfactory along this line, yet the 

 trip was not by any means fruitless. 



Mexico possesses comparatively few trees of great economic value, and little 

 attempt is made at improvement. There is considerable pine on the higher moun- 

 tains, but it is scattered ; there are no dense pine forests. Near the railway, 



