THE FLOWER GARDEN. 



819 



this tree is of great value, and for many purposes equal to 

 mahogany. 



Laburnum family, Cytisus lahurmnn. Of this species 

 there are supposed to be two varieties ; that which is called 

 Scotch laburnum is most prized, as attaining a greater size, 

 as well of timber as in the foliage and flowers. As an orna- 

 mental tree, on the lawn or in the skirts of plantations, it 

 stands unrivalled, and is generally admired both for its large 

 trifoliated leaves and elegant bunches of yellow flowers ; 

 often exceeding a foot in length. As a timber-tree it is also 

 valuable, and is found to attain a large size in soils of the 

 poorest description. It is to be regretted that too little atten- 

 tion has hitherto been paid to the cultivation of it as a timber- 

 tree. 



RoBiNiA family. — Of this family, the Robinia j^seudo-acac/af 

 or false acacia, is inferior neither in point of beauty as an or- 

 namental tree upon our lawns, nor as a timber-tree of the 

 second or third class, to any tree cultivated. Its beautifully 

 pinnated foliage, and elegant white blossom, render it worthy 

 of being extensively cultivated as an ornamental tree, and its 

 great durability renders it equally worthy of cultivation as a 

 timber-tree. It is much esteemed in America for its dura- 

 bility, and is always used where timber of that nature is re- 

 quired. The other species of this beautiful genus are equally 

 interesting as ornamental trees, either on the lawn or in the 

 shrubbery. 



Mulberry family. Of this family, the Moms Nigra, the 

 common black mulberry, although considered as a fruit-bearing 

 tree of great value, is not undeservedly often planted on the 

 lawn, and probably it is the best situation for it. It has been 

 long cultivated in this country, and appears to be a tree of 

 great longevity. As a timber-tree it has no pretensions, as 

 being of slow growth, and attaining only the size of a tree of 

 the third or fourth class. The M. rubra attains the size of 

 a large tree, often seventy feet in height, and of a proportion- 

 able diameter, in Virginia and Pennsylvania, and probably 

 might be with advantage planted in our most sheltered woods 

 as a timber-tree ; on our lawns it cannot fail of being admired, 

 as well as its associate the M» alba. 



