FISHERIES, GAME AND FORESTS. 36 1 



growth it is no slower than some other species which have been freely planted. The 

 village of Flushing, L. I., is noted for the beautiful oaks that shade some of its streets. 



The Scarlet Oak is a desirable tree for many reasons, one of them being the 

 crimson leaves which charm the eye long after the other trees are bare. Its foliage is 

 unusually persistent, and in some seasons the ruddy glow of its leaves may be seen in 

 brilliant contrast with the first snow. 



The Red Oak has the most rapid growth, attains the .greatest size, and exhibits the 

 best proportions of any of the acorn-bearing species. It has less of the gnarled and 

 contorted habit so characteristic of the oaks in general. 



The White Oak is superior in vigor and longevity. It does not grow as tall as the 

 red oak, but attains a greater spread. Its russet-colored leaves are very persistent, 

 often clinging to the tree during the entire winter, a feature regarded by many with 

 unfailing interest. It is to be hoped that, with the revival of tree planting in our 

 towns and villages, the oaks will receive the consideration which their many 

 good qualities deserve. 



The Honey Locust is the latest of our trees to put forth its foliage. This is the 

 only thing that can be said against it; and that is not always a disadvantage. When 

 its pinnate leaves do appear, their waving, feathery spray fully excuses its tardiness by 

 its beauty. It is a tall, graceful tree, free from insects thus far, and is well entitled to 

 a place along our streets and in our parks. Where a dense, cool shade is wanted, the 

 honey locust would not answer the purpose, owing to its open foliage through which 

 the sunlight streams freely. 



Where rapid growth and great size is desired, the Sycamore, or Buttonball, may 

 claim a place. Its lower branches are high above the ground, affording an- open space 

 beneath the tree — which is often desirable when planted near a house — and furnishing 

 ample shade without obstructing the view of the street or road. The sycamore is 

 always noticeable on account of its peculiar bark and the globular appendages or 

 "buttonballs"; but, owing to its irregular, inferior habit and liability to fungal diseases 

 it should be used sparingly in the streets or parks, and only where variety is desired. 

 The European sycamore (Platanus orientalis) or Oriental Plane, which resembles the 

 American species closely, is preferable in every respect, and can be obtained 

 from any nursery. 



Hitherto the American Chestnut has not been planted on our streets or roads ; but 

 there is no good reason why it should not be given a place occasionally. It grows 

 very fast, attains a large size, is handsome in form and proportions, and fulfills all the 

 requirements of a first-class shade tree. The boys might prove troublesome when the 

 fruit is ripening; but that is all that can be said in objection, a difficulty easily obviated 

 by a little care during the short time in which the burs were opening. 



