122 SYLVA FLORIFERA. 



to stand singly, for its lower branches shoot- 

 ing horizontally, soon take a direction to the 

 ground, and offer a more delightful retreat 

 from the midday sun, than any tree in the 

 park. We have frequently remarked that this 

 Asiatic tree thrives better in the smoky atmo- 

 sphere of our metropolis than most other 

 trees ; which should induce the planters, in 

 the immediate vicinity of London, to culti- 

 vate it more generally. Dr. Hunter tells us, 

 that a plane-tree which was eight feet high, 

 was planted at Shadwell Lodge, in Norfolk, 

 the seat of John Buxton, Esq., in April 1744, 

 which in April 1775, was sixty-five feet nine 

 inches high ; the girth at half a foot from the 

 ground was seven feet nine inches ; at twenty 

 feet, four feet six inches. 



Ricciolus says that the Turks used to build 

 most of their ships with this timber. It is 

 said to be close and hard, and to take a fine 

 polish ; and is useful for a variety of pur- 

 poses. It is raised generally from layers, but 

 these seldom produce so fine trees as those 

 obtained from seed, which should be sown 

 when ripe, in a moist and shady situation. 

 This tree may also be propagated by cuttings, 

 which should be planted early in autumn in a 

 moist, good soil. 



The American plane-tree, platanus occi- 



Mo 



