ORNAMENTAL TREES AND SHRUBS TN NORTH AMERICA. 381 



the ornamental planter of the present day may realize almost imme- 

 diately what was formerly the slow and regular production of 

 years. 



Additional Note. The beauty of our autumnal foliage is well 

 known to the whole world : it has long been the theme of admira- 

 tion with the poet and the painter, and, to a foreigner, it appears to 

 be one of the most superb features of this fresh " green forest land." 

 Yet, every year, the axe of the woodsman erases wide masses of the 

 rich coloring from the panorama. Will it not be worth the consid- 

 eration of persons who are now making, or who, in many parts of 

 the country, before much time has elapsed, will make extensive plan- 

 tations of forest trees for ornament, shelter and profit, to consider 

 how splendid an effect may be produced, by a disposition of the 

 most brilliantly colored of our indigenous trees in separate groups 

 and masses, on the parks and lawns of extensive country residences ? 

 It is true, that autumn's gay colors remain with us but for a short 

 time, but is this not also true with respect to the vivid greenness of 

 vernal foliage, and the still more fugitive beauty of blossom which 

 constitutes one of the chief points of attraction in ornamental trees ? 

 We feel confident that, when landscape-gardening shall arrive at that 

 perfection which it is yet destined to attain in this country, this will 

 be a subject of important consideration. The high beauty with which 

 the richness of our autumnal tints may invest even the tamest scene, 

 we were never more deeply impressed with, than in travelling 

 through New Jersey, during the months of September and October 

 of the present year. Every one is aware of the tame, monotonous 

 appearance of a great portion of the interior of that State ; but only 

 those who have seen the same landscapes in autumn, can imagine 

 with what a magic glow even they are enshrined in that season. 

 The following are some of the trees we noticed, as assuming the 

 richest hues in their foliage. Scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea) bright 

 scarlet, dogwood (Cornus florida), and the tupelo and sour gum 

 (Nyssa villosa, etc.) deep crimson, different species of Acer or ma- 

 ple, various shades of yellow and deep orange ; the sweet-gum (Li- 

 quidamber) reddish purple, and our American ash, a distinct sombre 

 purple. These are but a few of the most striking colors ; and sX. 



