Trees, Shrubs and Vines 
twenty-six characteristic native and foreign varieties, 
ornamental and strikingly different, comprised in a ten 
minutes’ walk. In connection with such of them as 
we are now to describe particularly, we will speak of 
their kindred species, elsewhere in the Park, or in the 
country, and their especial differences. 
STAGHORN SUMACH. — On the border between tree 
and shrub stands the staghorn sumach, aptly named 
from the striking resemblance of its velvety forking 
branches to the young antlers of a stag, a resemblance 
visible only when the tree is leafless. Though of low 
growth it is yet the tallest of the family, the only mem- 
ber aspiring with any success to arboreal dignity—and 
generally failing in the attempt. But occasionally one 
finds a specimen with an erect and rigid trunk, type of 
masculine singleness of purpose ; a few such are in the 
Park. 
The large cluster of these sumachs at this point sug- 
gests a dense growth of ailanthus saplings, having the 
same form of compound leaf, but closer inspection shows 
the marked difference. The foliage is so dense, droop- 
ing and luxuriant as to present quite a tropical effect. 
It is finest in large shrubby masses, especially when blaz- 
ing in autumn coloring, with a volume and intensity of 
scarlet that puts to the blush every other attempt at 
brilliancy save that of the sour gum or tupelo, which is 
a veritable sheet of flame. 
Oaxs.—The oak is perhaps our greatest hero, the Ju- 
piter of all trees, as the white elm, ‘‘ tall and divinely 
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