105 



it puts on its foliage late and loses it early, and in its 

 earty years is a slow grower," and he does not consider it 

 a very desirable ornamental tree. 



Its wood is, however, useful, and while we find that its 

 main stem is generally healthy, may not the facts he states 

 against it as an ornamental tree, make it a good tree for 

 thick planting as a forest crop? I know of Ashes being 

 planted by a gentleman of Middlesex county as such a 

 crop. 



It may be true that we have a sufficient proportion of 

 woodland compared with open land in Massachusetts, 

 viewed from the standpoint of usefulness ; but there can 

 be no harm in increasing that proportion in favor of wood- 

 land, provided there exists land which can be made more 

 useful by planting it with trees. I am one who believes 

 that there are few farms in this good Commonwealth 

 where there is not some land, even if the quantity may 

 sometimes be small, that could be improved, to the benefit 

 of itself and surroundings, by a judicious planting of trees. 



There is a sufficient amount of good and interesting 

 literature upon this subject, which can be placed in every 

 public library at small cost, and which would give useful 

 advice, not only upon the characteristics of the different 

 kinds of trees and shrubs suitable for the different pur- 

 poses of planting, but the interest promoted by their 

 perusal would probably result in an increased planting on 

 farm lands, as well as for the more ornamental planting 

 of home grounds and roadsides. 



These last are a most useful, simple and delightful 

 work to undertake, and especially in our climate where 

 the heat of summer is often very severe. We all know 

 how grateful is the shelter from the rays of the sun, when 

 returning from or going to work, and in resting from the 

 toil of the day; and those who j)lant to provide it, should 

 and must receive the appreciative thanks of all who share 

 in its protection. 



Let us also aim to encourage our Surveyors of High- 



