SHADE, LAWN, AXD PAKK TREES. 341 



avenue tree, and the same is true of M. grandiflora in the 

 South. 



326. The Larches. The common European and Amer- 

 ican larches are peculiar in their adaptation to varied soils 

 and climates. The American species grows naturally in 

 swamps and the European in moist climates as compared to 

 ours. Yet they both make rapid growth on almost any 

 soil from the Atlantic to the Missouri. They are valuable 

 in giving an expression of boldness which, as Downing says, 

 'seems to have been caught from the wild, rugged chasms, 

 rocks, and precipices of its native mountains." But he 

 adds: " It should be introduced sparingly and always for 

 some special purpose." 



But at this time we have in the nurseries a weeping va- 

 riety (pendula), a Japan species (L. Kaempferi) with light- 

 green foliage, changing gradually to yellow in autumn, and 

 Larix Sibirica, with rounded head in open exposure and 

 much denser foliage than other varieties and species. The 

 latter appears to stand drought in the West as well as any 

 of our native trees. 



327. Some Other Desirable Trees. The maiden-hair tree 

 (SaMsburia adiantifolia) is a specially desirable tree from 

 Japan and central Asia that does well over a large part of 

 the Union. Even in southern Iowa it seems to thrive as 

 well as in Georgia. The fern-like, half-tropical foliage is 

 charming, as shown by a single specimen on the lawn. 



The yellow- wood (Chionanthus Virginica) is another 

 peculiar ornamental tree in its adaptation to varied soils 

 and climates. It seems perfectly hardy on the prairies, yet 

 it is not found native in severe climates in this country or 

 Asia. It makes a handsome small tree with dark-green 

 foliage and very showy white flowers. 



Pliellodendron Amnrense also has a wide range of adap- 

 tation. It is a success east and west of the lakes. Its 



