PRACTICAL ARBORICULLURE 267 
who have had an acquaintance with this Southern tree, and suppose it to be 
the C. speciosa of which we are writing.” 
A consideration of the various points above brought out indicates that 
the proper planting and growing of Catalpa trees for use as railroad ties 
would not be only profitable from a financial standpoint, but would give a 
most satisfactory supply of cross-ties, provided tie plates are used in con- 
nection with the same. 
It is hardly probable that railroad companies will go into the business of 
tree planting upon a large enough scale to produce ties sufficient for their 
requirements, but it appears to be a matter of great importance that they 
should plant trees in considerable numbers upon lands in their possession 
to afford object lessons to farmers and others, and that great future benefit 
will result from such course. Respectfully submitted, 
CoMMITTEE ON Roabway aNb BALLast, 
