Street and Shade Ttees. 35 



The silver maple has apparently fulfilled these requirements, all in 

 all, more generally than any other tree, for it is the one most gener- 

 ally planted. If in rich soil with sufficient moisture, its growth is too 

 rank for strength ; it does not hold its head erect, and its long, slen- 

 der branches do not bear well the strain of high winds. 



The white elm is next in popular favor. In many of its traits it is 

 far superior to the white maple. Its tall trunk, lofty head, wide 

 sweep of the branches and pendent spray make it an ideal street tree 

 — beautiful to the eye, and giving a generous proportion of light in its 

 shadow. Wherever the subsoil is loamy or porous its fibrous roots 

 extend deeply as well as widely, insuring a thrifty growth. It grows 

 well in stiff clay, if moist enough, but under a sidewalk that is rarely 

 the case. Dry clay is as unfavorable to any root growth as the most 

 sterile hardpan. 



The European elms also do well as street trees. The broader leaved 

 species, known as the Scotch elm, has usually a higher and broader 

 head than the English elm, but neither has the graceful form nor the 

 open shade of the American tree. 



The sugar maple is largely planted in the cities of the north-eastern 

 states. It is better suited to dry situations than the elms or any 

 other maple, and its habit is always erect and compact. Its autumn 

 color is a special feature. 



The Norway maple has the same qualities in about equal degree. 

 Its head is lower and broader, its early growth more rapid, but in our 

 climate it is not so durable. 



The sycamore maple also grows rapidly, and becomes a large tree 

 of sturdy habit in favorable situations. But it will not thrive without 

 ample moisture in hot weather. 



Ou r red map le is entirely jinfitior street planting. The ash-leaved 

 maple does betteFjljut good street trees of this sort are rare except in 

 the prairie states, where under the name of box elder it is the best 

 and most common street tree. In deep soil its growth while young is 

 remarkably rapid. 



In many of our northern towns the European horse-chestnut rivals 

 the elms and the maples. When in full bloom it is gorgeous, but when 

 the fruit is ripe it is especially liable to damage by boys threshing 

 down the nuts. Its foliage is remarkably fine in the early part of the 



