56 THE GOLD MINE 



is very attractive where you can get it into shape. But 

 growing it is the terror of the nurseryman. It re- 

 quires more training, trimming and scolding than 

 any other tree. It is inclined to sprawl and branch 

 and grow bushy. But once they get it in shape, it is 

 one of the finest we have. It has four silvery tints, 

 one on the upper and another on the under side of 

 the leaves. ' The growing twigs have yet another and 

 the fruit is burnished silver. You watch it when the 

 breeze is playing with it and mingling all these shades, 

 and you will deem it one of the finest you ever saw. 

 In the spring it is covered with little golden flowers 

 and each one seems a tiny phial uncorked to fill all the 

 air with a delicious fragrance. It is a delightful bee 

 pasture and a grove of them is filled with the hum 

 and roar of the delighted honey makers. 



The Buffalo Berry belongs to the same eleagnus 

 family. They have an affinity and I have grafted one 

 onto the other successfully. It does not become as 

 large a tree as the other. In some localities it bears 

 enormously. This also has sweet scented flowers. The 

 fruit is excellent, fully equal to our currants, with the 

 advantage of holding on till midwinter. In some lo- 

 calities they are shy bearers, but on the University 

 experiment grounds at St. Anthony Park the limbs 

 were bending with their burdens of fruit. 



The Regalis or Regal Willow is the most beautiful of 

 all the willow family. Two kinds bear this name, but 

 the real one has leaves burnished satiny silver, delicately 

 veined. I think it will prove hardy anywhere. 



