TREES IN TOWNS 53 



(Ulmus latifolia) (7), a tree of hybrid origin always pro- 

 pagated by layers, is magnificent in the streets of Holland 

 and Belgium, but it does not seem to be successful in 

 England ; at least it is very rarely seen in our towns, 

 though it has been imported from time to time. 



Oaks are seldom planted in streets. The common oak 

 requires good deep soil for its proper development, and 

 languishes in the poor soil and bad air of towns. In 

 suburban avenues, the fasligiate or cypress oak (Quercus 

 peduncidata, var. fastigiata), similar in shape to the Lombardy 

 poplar, would be very ornamental, and prove successful, 

 provided the soil were a deep loam or loamy clay. In 

 the milder parts of England, Ireland, and Scotland, the 

 Turkey oak grows well on poor soils and in dry situations, 

 and should be tried in suburban streets, where it grows 

 fast when there is not too much smoke. The American 

 red oak {Quercus rubra) attains a large size in the south 

 of England, where it grows faster than our native species. 

 It does not require a rich soil, and on account of its hand- 

 some foliage, turning red in autumn, should be tried in 

 town parks and wide suburban streets in the milder parts 

 of England and Ireland. Its ally, the pin oak {Quercus 

 palustris), has drooping branches and beautiful leaves, 

 turning a rich scarlet colour in autumn. It requires a 

 moist soil, and is unsuitable for use as a street tree in 

 England ; but it would probably succeed if planted near 

 water in parks and gardens, as there are fine specimens 

 at Kew and in other parts of the Thames valley. 



There are numerous small trees, with beautiful flowers 

 and fruits, which are fairly successful in towns. Amongst 

 these may be mentioned various species of Fyrus and 

 Prunus, as whitebeam, rowan, almond, bird-cherry, and gean, 

 all of which can be freely used in manufacturing towns 

 with a smoky atmosphere. Laburnum and mulberry also 

 do well. The two American species of Catalpa, with 

 conspicuous flowers and large leaves, may also be recom- 

 mended for town gardens. Liquidambar styracijlua, an 

 American tree with maple -like leaves which assume 



