16 



plants' are crooked, or too branchy, cut them off just above the 

 ground and allow a shoot to form. More rapid growth is obtained 

 from layers, so it is customary to cut off an old tree close to the 

 ground, and when a number of shoots have come up, to throw dirt 

 among them that they may take root for themselves. In one or two 

 years they may be cut off and used as plants. Transplanting with 

 balls of dirt is recommended. It prefers a moist situation but will 

 grow on dry soil. As a shade tree it is probably not surpassed. 



WHITE BASSWOOD. 



Tilia heterophylla, Vent. 



The white basswood is more of a mountain tree than the Tilia 

 Americana. It is commonly found growing on the moist soil border- 

 ing mountain streams, however, it will thrive upon limestone soil, or 

 dry, gravelly and sandy soil, if moderately rich. The wood of this 

 tree is not unlike that of the other species of basswood and is sold 

 as such. It can be propagated the same as the basswood above, 

 either from seed or from cuttings, the latter being, perhaps, pre- 

 ferable. 



AMERICAN HOLLY. 

 Ilex opaca, Ait. 



While the holly, under favorable conditions, becomes a tree of good 

 size, and is then valuable, it is not likely that, in this State at least, 

 it will ever be raised for other than ornamental purposes. The fruit 

 is a small red berry, maturing in autumn and remaining on the tree 

 all winter. The berries may be gathered in December and at once 

 macerated in water. After the seeds have been thoroughly washed, 

 they should be spread on a cloth and dried, and then mixed with 

 sand and kept dry until needed for sowing in spring. Sow in fur- 

 rows ten to twelve inches apart. Cover seeds lightly with fine earth 

 and roll it. A layer of leaves may then cover the bed which will per- 

 haps hasten germination. The seeds are slow to germinate and may 

 not come up until the second year. The plants should be carefully 

 transplanted every two years until set out finally. It seems to prefer 

 tlie edge of streams or swamps, under other trees, but it will grow on 

 higher ground. It makes a close hedge and requires little care when, 

 once started. It is also propagated by cuttings. 



