In the ** Ramble ’—Fourth Excursion 
further advantage of growing rapidly. This is an 
‘‘extra-limital’’ tree, native to Texas and the south- 
westerly part of the country. 
Papaw.—lIn the shade of other trees grows the 
papaw, from instinct or from its darksome situation 
oftener ashrub than a tree. It belongs to the great 
custard family of the tropics, and is one of only three 
species that have wandered hither from the far South. 
It is abundant in the Mississippi valley, and, though 
rare, has spread eastward to Pennsylvania. Tropical 
foliage is so typical that one will rightly guess from the 
leaf that the plant is kindred to the magnolia. The 
blossom, in early spring, has the peculiarity of being 
first green, then brown, and finally a deep purplish red. 
It is rarely seen, even in cultivation, and is an interest- 
ing specimen for anyone in search of novelties. 
SILVER-BELL-TREE.—One who has never seen the 
silver-bell-tree in bloom might naturally think that the 
name is a foolish bit of poetry applied by an over- 
ardent admirer. But so far from being extravagant, it 
is the only appropriate name that could be given. In 
spring, before the leaves develop, this tree puts forth its 
supreme effort of the year, and swings on every twig a 
silvery set of chimes, burying trunk and branch beneath 
the innumerable mass. The bells, an inch long, are of 
elegant form and texture, and it is worth a visit to the 
Park to see the brief but exquisite display. The largest 
cluster is a little east of the Webster statue, grouped 
with paulownias, magnolias and a red-bud. Of south- 
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