26 



STREET AND HIGHWAY PLANTING. 



monkey puzzle. The chief beauty of these trees lies in perfection of 

 form. In order to attain this the tree should have room to develop 

 the lower branches. This consideration makes them quite useless for 

 street work, though in a few rare cases A. excelsa has actually been 

 planted on a parking space. 



These species all do well through the central and northern parts of 

 the State, excepting in exposed localities or where the frost is severe. 

 The Norfolk Island pine is most commonly found in the bay region, 

 though there are many good specimens of the other two species. 

 Besides these three there are other araucarias to be found in the State, 

 but their occurrence is not general. 



BAUHINIA FORFICATA. 



Bauhinia forficata is a rare tree which will hardly ever gain a place 

 as a street tree, on account of its tenderness. The tree as it grows in 

 Santa Barbara is a tree which would hardly recommend itself for 

 street work. It has peculiarly shaped leaves and very showy flowers, 

 which attract considerable attention, but its tenderness makes it use- 

 less for street work, though highly desirable for private grounds where 

 special care can be given. 



THE BIRCHES. 



Betula alba laciniata pendula (Fig. 8), the weeping cut-leaved birch, 



is fairly common in parks and private 

 yards, but, in the south, is not planted as 

 a street tree, as is often done farther north. 

 "Wherever it has been planted it has grown 

 fairly well, and in the north it is one of 

 the more popular trees for narrow streets 

 or positions where a marked contrast in 

 growth has. been desired. 



This is a tree, and all the other varieties 

 of Betula alba, which needs care while it 

 is young to insure a good strong leader 

 which will carry the drooping head well 

 out of the pedestrian's way. If this has 

 been cared for, the tree forms a good head 

 and makes a fine small tree for a narrow 

 street where a light shade is desired. Un- 

 fortunately the tree is not a long-lived one 

 and has to be replanted from time to time. 

 The tree is also subject to diseases which 



at times render it untidy. In most places, however, the tree is as yet 



in good condition. 



