28 MAINE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 



pleasing. It is, however, of very rapid growth and will thrive 

 in a variety of soils. A variety of this species, Wier's cut 

 leaved weeping maple, is also valuable. The red or scarlet 

 maple {Acer rubrum) is not so widely planted as its merits 

 deserve. Like the silver maple, it grows naturally on low wet 

 ground, but it will thrive in any soil or situation. Its bright red 

 buds in spring and its scarlet foliage in fall, combine to make it 

 specially desirable. All of the maples named, except Wier's, are 

 to be found growing wild in the forests throughout the State. 



The Beech: Although of very different style, the beech 

 (Fagus ferruginea) ranks with the elm as a hardy and attractive 

 ornamental tree. Its roots grow near the surface and it will 

 thrive in rocky soil. 



The Chestnut: The native chestnut (Castanea Americana) ,. 

 one of the glories of the rocky hill-sides of Southern New Eng- 

 land, is perfectly hardy in Maine and is well worthy of attention. 

 It is particularly adapted to rocky situations or loose gravelly 

 soils. The horse chestnut {Mscnlus Hippocastanum) is hardy 

 and grows rapidly. It is valuable for planting by the roadside. 



The Linden: The American linden or basswood, (Tilia 

 Americana) , is valuable for use where an immediate effect is 

 desired. It is hardy, of good form, and grows rapidly. The 

 European species (Tilia Europcca), is of smaller size and has 

 smaller, darker foliage than the other. 



The Birch: The lightness, grace and delicacy of the birches 

 commend them to the attention of every planter. The cut- 

 leaved weeping birch (Betula Alba var.) is a general favorite 

 wherever planted. The American species start into leaf very 

 early in the spring and many of them wall grow under the most 

 untoward circumstances. The best are the black or cherry birch 

 (Betula lenta), the yellow (B. Intea), and the gray (B. populi- 

 folia.) 



The Poplars: The poplars are all rapid growers and are val- 

 uable for giving an immediate effect — some species often making 

 a growth of six feet in a single year. All are short lived, how- 

 ever, and their greatest beauty is attained while young. 



The Oak: While oaks which have attained large size are 

 among the most attractive of trees, the finest species are late in 

 leaf and of slow growth. The most valuable native species are 



