STREET TREES 191 



and ornamentation consist of the Plane. True, the 

 Lime, Poplar, Acacia, Horse Chestnut, and Ailanthus 

 are all occasionally planted, but the Plane holds sway, 

 and though it is peculiarly suitable for town planting 

 the limit of its endurance for the ornamenting of our 

 streets and squares has long been reached. Most of 

 the trees towards the centre and West End are planted 

 with the Plane, the other species referred to being 

 found farther out, where also occur the Birch, Sycamore, 

 dwarf Acacias, Pyrus of sorts, Bird Cherry, and Almond 

 in limited numbers. The Birch thrives well and is 

 highly graceful and ornamental as a street tree in 

 several districts of Hampstead, especially to the north 

 by Mill Hill, where also the Rowan or Mountain 

 Ash may frequently be found, as well as several species 

 and varieties of Thorn. Poplars, too, are now and then 

 used as street trees, but with the exception of the 

 upright growing and White and Grey species they are 

 not to be recommended. Of Elms, the upright forms, 

 particularly the Cornish and small-leaved kinds, are 

 to be preferred, and are occasionally found in 

 both urban and suburban districts. The Purple- 

 leaved Sycamore is an excellent street tree and may 

 be found in good form in some of the by-streets of 

 Hampstead and other principally out-lying districts. 

 Both the Sweet and Horse Chestnut occur as street 

 trees, but not, the former at least, to any great extent, 

 and one occasionally meets with the White Willow in 

 the suburban districts. Frequently three varieties 

 of the Acacia are found either by the street side or in 

 gardens adjoining. These are inermis, a small-growing, 

 mop-headed, but most useful form ; Bessoniana, a 

 capital and highly ornamental street tree ; and De- 

 caisneana, with rose-coloured flowers. Scarcer than 



