19 



Black locust is adapted to planting on sandy soil, such as occurs 

 along the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. The likelihood of injury by 

 borers does, it is true, render doubtful the production of large material, 

 yet the fact remains that in many situations plantations for posts 

 will pay. The growth is rapid, and if proper treatment is given post 

 size will be reached before the damage from borers is serious. Black 

 locust is as hardy as Osage orange, and is not likely to winterkill any- 

 where in the State. When forest planting on poor land is- contem- 

 plated this species should be considered. Further, the tree is an excel- 

 lent one for hillside planting to prevent washing. 



COTTONWOOD. 



Cottonwood grows well throughout the State and makes a good 

 shelter belt. It is planted at present only in the towns. Here the 

 tree is a favorite because of its rapid growth, but it is far from being 

 the most desirable street tree. 



HONEY LOCUST. 



Honey locust should do well throughout Illinois, though it has 

 little value as a commercial tree. The plantations examined in Rock 

 Island County are on wind-blown, sandy soil, and are in poor condi- 

 tion. Black locust has grown excellently on the same tracts. 



SUGAR MAPLE. 



Sugar maple is preeminently a shade and ornamental tree. Its rate 

 of growth is rather slow, but it grows to a large size, develops a 

 splendid crown, and lives to a great age. 



Many sugar maples in the northern part of the State have, within 

 the last few years, become stag-headed and have slowly died. This 

 stag-headed condition is not peculiar to the sugar maple, however, 

 since many other trees, such as white and black oak and hickory, 

 are affected in the same manner. Its cause has not been fully deter- 

 mined, but it seems to have been increased, if not produced, by the 

 very severe winter of 1898-99, followed by some exceptionally dry 

 summers. 



[Cir. 81] 



