FOREST TREES. 45 
The Silver Maple is found on the banks of rivers 
from Maine to Georgia, though it is less common 
near either extreme than in intermediate latitudes. 
It is abundant along the Western rivers. According 
to Michaux, trees twelve or fifteen feet in circumfer- 
ence were common in his time along the banks of 
the Ohio. Its ordinary height may be stated at fifty 
or sixty feet, with a diameter of two feet. 
The rapid growth, graceful branches and fine silvery 
foliage of this tree have induced its extensive plant- 
ing for ornament and shade. It is, however, liable to 
be broken by high winds, and by ice or snow accu- 
mulating on the branches. When closely planted in 
groves or belts, this is less likely to occur. I know 
no forest tree, except, perhaps, the Box Elder, that 
will make so speedy a return of equally valuable wood 
for fuel as the Silver Maple. It is preferred to Oak 
for kitchen fuel, particularly for summer use. It is 
used in the manufacture of Windsor chairs, and for 
some other purposes. I have seen floors made of it 
which were esteemed for their smoothness and ease 
of cleaning. The wood is fine grained, but light and 
of little strength or durability. 
The seeds ripen in two or three weeks after the 
leaves are fully developed, and must be gathered and 
sown soon after. They are usually planted in drills 
about one inch deep. If the ground is dry it should 
be rolled after sowing. The plants will appear in 
from six to ten days. If very hot, dry weather occurs 
soon after sowing, the young plants are apt to be 
scorched by the sun as they emerge from the soil. 
