Trees, Shrubs and Vines 



twenty-six characteristic native and foreign varieties, 

 ornamental and strikingly different, comprised in a ten 

 minutes' walk. In connection with such of them as 

 we are now to describe particularly, we will speak of 

 their kindred species, elsewhere in the Park, or in the 

 country, and their especial differences. 



Staghorn Sumach. — On the border between tree 

 and shrub stands the staghorn sumach, aptly named 

 from the striking resemblance of its velvety forking 

 branches to the young antlers of a stag, a resemblance 

 visible only when the tree is leafless. Though of low 

 growth it is yet the tallest of the family, the only mem- 

 ber aspiring with any success to arboreal dignity — and 

 generally failing in the attempt. But occasionally one 

 finds a specimen with an erect and rigid trunk, type of 

 masculine singleness of purpose ; a few such are in the 

 Park. 



The large cluster of these sumachs at this point sug- 

 gests a dense growth of ailanthus saplings, having the 

 same form of compound leaf, but closer inspection shows 

 the marked difference. The foliage is so dense, droop- 

 ing and luxuriant as to present quite a tropical effect. 

 It is finest in large shrubby masses, especially when blaz- 

 ing in autumn coloring, with a volume and intensity of 

 scarlet that puts to the blush every other attempt at 

 brilliancy save that of the sour gum or tupelo, which is 

 a veritable sheet of flame. 



Oaks. — The oak is perhaps our greatest hero, the Ju- 

 piter of all trees, as the white elm, " tall and divinely 



58 



