25 



PERSIMMON. 



Diospyros Virginiana, L. 



This tree is more valuable for its fruit than for any other purpose. 

 The heartwood, vvhich takes almost a century to form, is very dark. 

 The wood's ^^capacity for enduring friction is phenomenal." The 

 fruit is mature in autumn and may be picked from the ground under 

 the trees after several frosts. Remove the pulp from the seeds, mix 

 them with moist sand and preserve in a cool cellar. Sow in rows in 

 spring and, as with all slow growing species especially, cultivate well. 

 In two years they may be removed from the seed bed. It grows on 

 - light, sandy soil or in bottom land. Occasionally it is found grow- 

 ing on high dry ground. In parts of the United States persimmon cul- 

 ture has become quite common and several improved varieties of the 

 fruit are already produced. 



WHITE ASH. 

 Fraxinus Americana, L. 



A magnificent and valuable forest tree. Its wood is extensively 

 used in the manufacture of furniture, wagons, farming implements 

 and oars. It does not seem to be particular as to location, but if the 

 wood of the more rapid growing trees is best, then moderately rich 

 soil where the roots can get plenty of moisture is preferred, as along 

 streams. The fruit is winged and matures in August or September. 

 It should be sown broadcast at once in well raked beds. During 

 the first summer provide shade for it and, if necessary, moisture. 

 The seedlings may be removed when one year old. If the taproot 

 has not been retarded it is better to cut it off than to run the risk 

 of turning the growing end up when planting. It may be mixed with 

 walnut, oak, maple, hickory, etc., at three or four foot distances. 



The green ash and red ash are somewhat inferior to the white 

 ash in respect to their timber qualities. If cultivated at all, they 

 may be propagated in the same mianner as the white ash. 



BLACK ASH, HOOP ASH. 



Fraxinus sambucifolia. Lam. 



Fraxinus nigra. Marsh. See Britton & Brown, Vol. II, p. 602. 



The black ash, growing in wet and swampy soils, although capable 

 of growing on dvj soils, is used very much for hoops, basket weaving 

 and interior finishing. Its seeds ripen several weeks later than those 

 of the white ash but are treated in a like manner. 



