TREES OF UPRIGHT HABIT 



especially the Thuja,s, the branches are actually 

 ascending, but in most the habit is produced by the 

 branches being very numerous, short, and of equal 

 length and radiating at a right angle. In every case 

 these trees assume a different form as they grow into 

 adults, the character being essentially a youthful 

 condition even though in many it obtains for very 

 many years. Some of the more distinct forms are 

 perpetuated by vegetative propagation, and wher- 

 ever these and the parent forms are hardy they have 

 great garden value. In fact, the oldest cultivated tree 

 of upright habit, the Italian Cypress {Cupressus 

 sempervirens), belongs to this class. In some trees 

 both erect and pendulous forms are known in the 

 same species. This is the case in the English Yew, 

 the European Beech and Birch, and in the Nor- 

 way Spruce, yet curiously enough there is no truly 

 fastigiate Willow and no weeping Poplar. 



Let us consider the upright-branched forms of tree- 

 life typified in the Lombardy Poplar and known as 

 "fastigiate trees." Of such there are quite a number 

 that are hardy in the colder parts of this country. 

 They belong to widely separated families and their 

 number is constantly being added to. Probably all 

 known are seminal variations of spontaneous origin, 

 and owe their preservation to man who has propa- 

 gated them vegetatively by cuttings or graftings. 



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