TREES FOR TOWNS. 



85 



these cases will not be particularised no harm can be done, while the 

 lesson is open for all who wish to learn. 



Certain general defects cannot fail to strike any observer who sets 

 himself to investigate the conditions of tree cultivation in London, and 

 the most conspicuous of these is the monotonous repetition of a few 

 types in every direction. Planes, limes, and poplars preponderate very 

 largely, and few attempts are made to increase the diversity either by 

 trial or inquiry. Obviously in extensive avenue planting, or the laying 

 out of new parks and spaces, attempts at experiments with untried trees 

 on a large scale might lead to disastrous results, the risk of which would 

 deter any public body from entering upon them. Yet in the Royal 

 parks, and in those under the control of the London County Council, 

 many trees could be planted and their behaviour watched before employing 

 them generally. To a comparatively small extent this is done in a few 

 instances, but tco restricted in manner, and too spasmodic or irregular 

 in its execution at present, to be of much value. This should be more 

 especially part of the regular work of the Parks Department of the 

 London County Council, but something no doubt would depend upon 

 the recommendations of the various superintendents, who, I believe, have 

 the power to draw up an annual requisition for plants &c. which they 

 require. 



Victoria Park forms one of the most instructive spaces in the 

 metropolis, first because the collection there is far superior in the number 

 of different kinds of trees grown in it to that of any other park in the 

 London district ; and secondly, because the atmosphere and soil con- 

 ditions are of such an adverse character that trees which can exist and 

 flourish there, might safely be planted in any ordinary town. Over 

 500 species and varieties of trees and shrubs may be found there, and 

 many of the trees would be a credit to any public or private collection. 

 In the course of my investigations nothing afforded me greater surprise 

 than the varied and interesting character of the Victoria Park Arboretum. 

 Why some of the large western parks cannot be improved by introducing 

 greater variety in their plantations it is difficult to understand, especially 

 when there are so many points in their favour. 



Even in the case of species of trees which have been long proved 

 to be. adapted for town cultivation it does not seem to be generally 

 recognised what numbers of distinct varieties can now be obtained, some 

 of which show greater differences in foliage, form, and habit of growth 

 than distinct species of the same genus. Four examples of this are 

 afforded by the common sycamore, by the Norway maple, the common 

 ash, and the so-called acacia (Bobinia pseud- acacia). Of the last-named 

 the Kew Arboretum contains no less than thirty-four varieties, and 

 though all these cannot be said to be w T orthy of cultivation, quite a dozen 

 very distinct forms could be selected. As regards the ash, the same 

 establishment has twenty-eight varieties, and some of these are both 

 elegant and distinct. Of the sycamore fourteen varieties, and of the 

 Norway maple fifteen forms, are grown, many being much superior to 

 the common type as ornamental trees. This will serve to illustrate one 

 way in which more variety could be introduced into town parks and 

 gardens, without taking so much risk as in planting untried species. 



