FOREST TREES. 235 
is well fitted to supply its place. It is very hard and 
close grained, and takes a fine polish. It was formerly 
used by the Indians and backwoods settlers for mak- 
ing wooden spoons, and was often called Spoonwood. 
No one who has ever seen the Laurel in bloom 
needs to be reminded of its beauty. ‘The flowers are 
always numerous, varying from pure white to a 
beautiful rose color. They are arranged in corymbs 
at the ends of the branches, and their brilliant effect 
is increased by the richness of the surrounding 
foliage. The bloom continues several weeks. 
The Laurel withstands the winters of Northern 
Illinois perfectly well; but care is necessary te pro- 
vide it with a suitable soil. It is said not to live long 
in limestone clays. I have found it to thrive in the 
black mould of the prairies, particularly if mixed 
with swamp muck and rottenchips. A cool northern 
exposure, or shaded situation, suits it best; in such 
places its foliage is more brilliant, and fresher than if 
exposed to the full rays of the sun. 
Plants of considerable size, transplanted from their 
native localities, seldom survive. Those growing in 
open ground are to be preferred, and if small, well- 
rooted plants are selected, they will generally succeed. 
The seed is minute and the skill of a gardener is 
required to raise plants from it. Michaux remarks 
that many years are necessary to obtain plants from 
the seed in a condition to bloom. This may be the 
case, but I have received plants which did not appear 
to be very old, that began to flower when less than a 
foot high. 
