THE COUNTRY HOME [CHAPTER 
One white cut-leaved birch is admirable near the 
house, but do not be tempted to plant two or three 
of these unique trees in juxtaposition. I have a 
golden poplar which I highly esteem as a remark- 
able tree for color, and for close proximity to the 
house; but for shade it is not eminently good. Pos- 
sibly, however, we have not one tree for single 
planting more complete, when we estimate both 
foliage and flowers, than the catalpa speciosa. 
I am strongly tempted to go somewhat beyond 
the restrictions of this chapter and give you a list 
of trees much longer, including many that are sel- 
dom seen about our country homes, but that well 
might be planted. I shall content myself with 
naming a very short list of choice trees, from which 
a selection may be made. ‘There are several vari- 
eties of the Norway maple — all of them exceedingly 
beautiful. I think the best of these is Schwedler’s, 
which differs from the common sort in the purplish 
green of its older leaves, following a crimson shade. 
The European alder is a remarkably rapid grow- 
ing tree, with roundish foliage, and adapted to 
moist positions. The hybrid catalpas I cannot 
recommend too strongly, both on account of their 
superb foliage and equally fine flower. The golden- 
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