FOREST TREES. 49 
Sugar Maples which had been growing several years 
upon land which, in an ordinary season, was dry 
enough for cultivation. Poor sandy soils are not 
suited to the growth of the Sugar Maple. It will 
thrive on almost any good tillage land, and flourishes 
on the banks of ravines and the sides of bluffs and h 
hills. 
The Sugar Maple was strongly recommended by 
Michaux, for propagation in the North of Europe, as 
superior to any other species. It certainly merits 
cultivation in its native country, both for its utility 
and beauty. Its slow growth in its early stages should 
not discourage its propagation, since it continues to 
increase in size at an age when the Silver Maple is 
nearly stationary. 
4, Acer nigrum—Black Sugar Maple. 
Leaves, three to five-lobed, larger and less bayed 
and cut than the preceding species; slightly downy 
beneath; leaf stalks shorter and stouter. 
This tree, formerly described as a distinct species, 
is now generally considered a variety of A. saccha- 
rinum. Its growth and general appearance are simi-. 
lar, but its leaves are larger, less scolloped and darker 
colored. The whole tree is darker in appearance, 
whence it derives its name. The essential character- 
istics of its wood and sap are so nearly like those of 
the Common Sugar Maple as not to require a separate 
description. Itis propagated in the same manner. 
Some assert that it is to be preferred for the produc- 
tion of sugar. My own experience does not enable 
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