Peet Cw. SPPORICU LTT RE 63 
THE ASH TREE. 
The ash family is noted for the economic value of their wood. With the 
exception of the European Mountain Ash, the beautiful clusters of red berries 
of which are attractive, the ash is not a specially desirable tree for ornament. 
Its flowers are small and without beauty. In botanical language the flowers 
are imconspicuous. 
The foliage is of good color, and makes a good shade. 
But as timber trees this family Fravrinus hold a high value. 
The white ash, Frarinus Americana, is noted for the whiteness of its wood, 
making excellent lumber for furniture and numerous uses. 
Having great strength combined with lightness, it is prized for making 
agricultural implements, handles of various tools, ete. 
This tree prefers rich land, well drained, yet not too r ugh or steep. It 
grows rapidly when in good soil, having sufficient water and not too closely 
crowded. 
The wood of blue ash has a bluish cast. The young branches are 
square, hence the name F. guadrangulata. 
The quality of the wood is also excellent, and is used for the same pur- 
poses as the white ash. 
BLACK ASH. 
F. sambucifolia is of greater value for making hoops and basket splits, as 
the wood is phable, tough, and may be split into layers. It grows on flat 
land, in swampy locations, requiring much water. 
There are several other varieties of ash, but above are the principal kinds 
used for lumber. 
Much of the cheaper grades of furniture are made from ash, but it is be- 
coming quite scarce in the market. 
In the \West some varieties of the ash are planted for shade and for tim- 
ber, and with considerable success. Although at times before the newly 
planted trees gain hold upon the ground and begin a vigorous growth, the sun 
scalds the bark, and borers enter. Newly transplanted trees should be pro- 
tected from the sun by hay bands, or tree boxes, or even a board secured to the 
trunk which will prevent the hot sun from reaching it. 
In the City of Mexico are many large ash trees as also in other Mexican 
towns, but I found none in native forests of the republic. 
HOW TO GROW THE ASH. 
The ash can only be produced from seed, which, however, is produced in 
ereatest abundance. It begins to fall soon after ripening in the autumn as 
they are loosened by frost, yet many seeds cling to the branches until early 
winter. _ 
Seed should be gathered before it begins to shatter, as it is quite tedious 
to pick up from the ground; besides, much is scattered and lost if the wind is 
blowing. 
