386 DECIDUOUS TREES. 



is greatly superior to the lime (linden) tree, which comes nearest 

 to it in the general character of the head, but which forms a much 

 more compact and lumpish mass of foliage in summer, and, in 

 ■ winter, is so crowded with branches and spray, as to prevent in a 

 great measure the sun from penetrating through them. The head 

 of the plane tree, during sunshine, often abounds in what painters 

 call flickering lights ; the consequence of the branches of the head 

 separating themselves into what may be called horizontal undulating 

 strata, or, as it is termed in artistical phraseology, horizontal tuft- 

 ing, easily put in motion by the wind, and through openings in 

 which the rays of the sun penetrate and strike on the foliage 

 below. The tree, from its mild and gentle expression, its useful- 

 ness for shade in summer, and for admitting the sun in winter, is 

 peculiarly adapted for pleasure-grounds, and, where there is room, 

 for planting near houses and buildings. « * * 



" A light deep free soil, moist, but not wet at bottom, is that on 

 which the oriental plane tree thrives best ; and the situation should 

 be sheltered, but not shaded or crowded by other trees. It will 

 scarcely grow on strong clays and on elevated exposed places ; nor 

 will it thrive in places where the lime tree does not prosper." It 

 is one of the latest trees to come into full leaf, but the foliage is 

 less subject to the ravages of insects than that of the sycamore. 



THE WILLOW. SaHx. 



The willow family embraces an immense number of species and 

 -varieties. Loudon describes nearly two hundred. They are of all 

 sizes and forms, from creeping plants a few inches in height, up to 

 the magnificent weeping willow. The branches are uniformly slen- 

 der and flexible, so that some varieties form the chief staple for bas- 

 ket-making. Their growth is generally rapid and upright, the weep- 

 ing varieties being exceptional. The white willow, ^S. alba, and the 

 common weeping willow, 5. babylonica, become large trees in a few 

 years. All the willows grow in moist soils, but the healthiest and 

 most durable trees are grown in a warm well-drained soil, where 

 water can be reached by the roots at no great distance from the tree. 



