90 FOREST TREES. 
point, serrate, obtuse or rounded at the base, green 
and smooth both sides; fruit, linear, oblong, or 
narrow elliptical, blunt at both ends. 
The Black Ash is sometimes sixty or seventy feet 
high, and two feet in diameter. It is found in the 
same latitudes as the White Ash, but commonly 
grows in a wetter soil; hence it is often called Swamp 
Ash and Water Ash. It will, nevertheless, thrive in 
soils that suit the White Ash. The wood is more 
elastic than that of any other species. It divides 
easily into thin, narrow strips, which are used for 
making baskets and hoops for flour, salt, and fruit 
barrels. For the latter purpose, it is the most 
economical wood that can be procured, and it is, 
perhaps, the most important use to which the Black 
Ash is applied. It is less durable than other 
species of Ash when exposed to the changes of 
dryness and moisture. It makes good fuel when dry, 
but when green can scarcely be burned atall. The 
ashes are extremely rich in alkali. 
The Black Ash may be recommended for planting 
on grounds that are too wet to produce other valuable 
kinds of timber. Its uses are important, though less 
varied than those of other species of Ash. Propaga- 
tion same as the preceding species. 
4. Fravinus pubescens—Red Ash. 
Branchlets and petioles, velvety-pubescent; leaflets, 
seven or nine, ovate, or oblong-lanceolate, taper- 
pointed, almost entire, pale, or more or less pubescent 
