16 SEVENTH REPORT OF I > I K FOREST, FISH AND i.AMK t'< >M MISSION. 



from people who persist in breaking off the flowering branches. For this reason the 

 lower limbs should be trimmed sufficiently to prevent any injur} - from this source. 

 The leaves, which are the largest seen on any of our shade trees, show no pleasing 

 color in the fall, but turn black at the first frost. When stripped of its broad leaves 

 the branches have a coarse blunt appearance, relieved somewhat by the display of 

 long slender pods that hang in profusion from their tips. There are two American 

 catalpas, and also a Japanese species, with intergrading forms or variants which 

 necessitate some care on the part of a purchaser, for some dealers have not supplied 

 pure seed when the Hardy Catalpa [C. speciosd) was called for. 



The spire-shaped, erect form of the Lombardy Poplar makes it available for nar- 

 row streets and sidewalks. A single tree of this species, properly placed in a park 

 or lawn, often makes an effective addition to the beauty of the landscape. As its 

 branches are fastigiate, pointing upwards at a sharp angle with the trunk, it has a 

 peculiar fascinating appearance when the wind is blowing, the upper part of the tree 

 waving with a graceful, feather}' motion, unlike that of other species. It has the 

 advantage of rapidity in growth which, in turn, is offset by its short life. It casts 

 but little shaae, and so its use on country roads should be discontinued. But it is 

 a great favorite as a road tree in some parts of Europe, especially in France, where 

 it may be seen in unbroken rows stretching away for many miles. 



The European White Birch or Weeping Birch has a pendant habit with small, 

 finely shaped leaves that render it very attractive, especially when standing alone on 

 a lawn where there is nothing to detract from its graceful outlines or the swaying 

 movement of its drooping branches. If used as a street tree it should not be planted 

 along the curb, but set at a proper distance within the fence line where its white 

 bark will be less liable to injury. Where an entire block or street is thus planted, 

 a striking uniformity is obtained as shown in the accompanying illustration. 



The reasons for including certain trees in the foregoing list, and also the omis- 

 sion of others, may be questioned by some whose experience in arboriculture makes 

 them competent authorities in everything relating to tree planting; but the list is 

 not offered as furnishing anything like a definite, absolute rule. As already stated, 

 the proper selection of trees for streets and roads is largely a matter of opinion and 

 taste, replete with pros and cons. It would be presumptuous for any one to attempt 

 to offer a list that would meet all requirements with absolute certainty. The names 

 submitted here are offered in the way of suggestion rather than authoritative infor- 

 mation, and are intended for the benefit of those who may not have the opportunity 

 or inclination to study the question exhaustively. 



While it is well to give a decided preference to our native trees, this should not 



