FOREST TREES. 87 
_ The White Ash abounds in the Provinces of the 
Dominion, in most parts of New England, New 
York, and the Northern States generally, but is fast 
becoming scarce. It is common, but not abundant, 
in Northern Illinois and Iowa, and becomes less 
frequent in proceeding southward. A cold climate 
appears to suit it best. I have never met with very 
large trees of the Ash in the vicinity of the prairies 
of Illinois and Iowa, although the soil is well suited 
to its growth; but this may readily be accounted 
for from the fact that itis one of the trees most easily 
destroyed by the fires which annually ravaged these 
countries previous to their settlement. I have been 
informed that in Southern Kansas the White Ash 
is small, crooked, and worthless for any purpose 
except fuel. 
The White Ash will not thrive in very poor, dry 
lands. A cool, deep, moist soil seems most congenial 
to its growth. The trees which have grown most 
rapidly afford the best timber; that taken from 
stunted, slow-growing trees, is comparatively weak 
and brittle. The prairie soils of Iowa and Northern 
and Central Illinois are well adapted to the growth 
of the White Ash. Other species would, perhaps, be 
of more value further south. 
Besides its employment in the manufacture of 
agricultural implements, Ash timber is extensively 
used in the construction of carriages and furniture. 
It is esteemed for fire-wood. The supply is fast 
diminishing, and the demand increasing, aitd those 
