years it will grow into a low, very wide-spreading tree 
twenty feet in height and thirty feet across, with a 
trunk diameter of sixteen inches. This habit of spread- 
ing limits its use to large gardens, and perhaps its use 
along the street. It is extremely drought resistent and 
not especially subject to insect attack. The wood is 
very soft, and storm breakage is often severe. Great 
quantities of seed are produced each year and are quickly 
harvested by the birds. The seeds germinate readily and 
produce vigorous seedlings. 
COTTONWOOD 
There are about thirty species of Cottonwoods; a 
number of which are used ornamentally. The most common 
one, of course, is Lombardy (Populus nigra italica). This 
tree is so common that it hardly needs much comment, and 
any tall, very narrow, spire-like tree is usually this 
species. Several native ones are used; most of them are 
varieties of the Northern Cottonwood (P. deltoides) . Any 
of this group are important largely because of the speed 
of which they grow. The Cottonwood has no place as a 
Street tree and should be grown on our lawn only when 
full knowledge of its short life and its propensity to 
enter sewers is given consideration. The symmetrically 
balanced leaves and the construction of the petiole cause 
the leaves to flutter in the slightest breeze. Some mem- 
bers of the family, the Quaking Aspen (P. tremuloides) 
for instance, derives its name from this habit. But all 
Cottonwoods create the impression that there is a pleasant 
breeze blowing, even on the stillest and hottest day. 
the whole, the Cottonwoods have not many enemies, but 
they are short-lived and should be interplanted with bet- 
ter species. 
On 
CRAB APPLES 
The Asiatic species and varieties should find room 
in every garden. They are never large enough for street 
trees, but they can be used on the lawn or in borders, 
many 
either singly as specimens, or in groups. There are 
varieties available with flowers ranging from white 
through pink to red and foliage with green or some vari- 
ation of red to purple. It is suggested that the Asiatic 
species and varieties only should be used, since they 
alone are immune 
This disease is 
6 
