19 



RED MAPLE, SWAMP MAPLE. 

 Acer rubrum, L. 



The red maple is a more valuable tree than the soft maple and as 

 it thrives in swamps (although not confined to them) which are rarely 

 of any use, there is no reason why it should not be raised. The seeds 

 ripen in May or June and perhaps can best be picked from the tree. 

 They should be planted at once in moist soil, as with the soft maple. 

 The first year they grow slowly and may have to remain in the seed 

 bed two years. Pruning with these, too, may be necessary. Where 

 the soil is good it makes a beautiful shade tree. 



BOX ELDER, ASH-LEAVED MAPLE. 



Negundo aceroides, Moench. 



Acer Negundo, L. See Britton & Brown, Vol. II, p. 400. 



In wooded sections of the country this tree is of little value, but 

 in the plains it serves as a splendid "nurse tree'' to other more use- 

 ful species. It is a rapid grower and will thrive on any soil, hence, 

 where a quick protection to the soil, or a quick shade is wanted, there 

 is nothing better; for instance, for the protection of white pine seed- 

 lings on a dry southern slope. It is short lived and when planted 

 with other trees affords an early return in the way of fire wood. The 

 seeds are ripe in September and should be sown at once. In one 

 year the seedlings can be planted out. W^ith conifers, box elder 

 may be planted in every other row at four foot distances, the rows be- 

 ing three feet apart. With broad-leaved species every third row 

 would be sufficient. 



STAGHORN SUMACH. 



Rhus typhina, L. 



Rhus hirta, (L.) Sudw. See Britton & Brown, Vol. II, p. 386. 



Mostly a shrub but at times reaches the dimensions of a small 

 tree. The wood has a beautiful grain and will take a polish, making 

 it suitable for panels, etc. The fruit (small, hard, strong seeds) is com- 

 pacted into an irregular, brown or scarlet mass. The seeds mature 



