THE COUNTRY HOME [chapter 



One white cut-leaved birch is admirable near the 

 house, but do not be tempted to plant two or three 

 of these unique trees in juxtaposition. I have a 

 golden poplar which I highly esteem as a remark- 

 able tree for color, and for close proximity to the 

 house; but for shade it is not eminently good. Pos- 

 sibly, however, we have not one tree for single 

 planting more complete, when we estimate both 

 foliage and flowers, than the catalpa speciosa. 



I am strongly tempted to go somewhat beyond 

 the restrictions of this chapter and give you a list 

 of trees much longer, including many that are sel- 

 dom seen about our country homes, but that well 

 might be planted. I shall content myself with 

 naming a very short list of choice trees, from which 

 a selection may be made. There are several vari- 

 eties of the Norway maple — all of them exceedingly 

 beautiful. I think the best of these is Schwedler's, 

 which differs from the common sort in the purplish 

 green of its older leaves, following a crimson shade. 

 The European alder is a remarkably rapid grow- 

 ing tree, with roundish foliage, and adapted to 

 moist positions. The hybrid catalpas I cannot 

 recommend too strongly, both on account of their 

 superb foliage and equally fine flower. The golden- 



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