fine, large growing tree, which on account of the beauty of its flowers, 
quick growth, admirable shade and the extreme durability and 
value of its wood have combined to cause the dissemination of the Catalpa 
to all portions of the United States, and it is found to thrive from Florida 
to the great lakes, adjusting itself readily to the variations in soil, location 
and condition. 
In California, Nevada and Utah, and upon the sandy semi-arid plains 
of the West, it has proved a profitable investment, having been grown 
successfully under irrigation. 
Flowers are large, 2 inches in diameter, very showy, produced in 
large clusters, quite fragrant, being very freely produced in June and July. 
Leaves are verv large, heart-shaped, giving the tree a decidedly tropical 
appearance. 
While the Catalpa Speciosa is an exceedingly rapid grower, it never- 
theless produces wood of the most durable nature, and for fence posts and 
railroad ties has no equal. Posts of this remarkable wood placed in the 
ground by General William H. Harrison, the ninth president of the 
United States, about 1810, over ninety years ago, are still standing. 
Many and convincing evidences exist of the wonderful durability of this 
valuable wood. Railroad ties of this wood have been known to be in 
constant use for a period of twentv years, and are believed to be good for 
thirty to forty years. 
In appearance the wood of Catalpa Speciosa resembles white walnut 
(Juglans cinerea), and is similar in texture, but is as easily wrought as 
white pine, and the polish which it takes places it upon a olane with black 
walnut, cherry and other of our finest cabinet woods. 
The rapid growth of the Catalpa Speciosa in almost every situation, 
and the adaptation of its wood to fence posts and other useful purposes, 
make it deserving of the attention of farmers. The wood is light, very 
compact, of fine texture, and susceptible of the highest polish, producing 
fine effect in cabinet work and inside finish of houses. 
One of the Most Useful and Ornamental of our Hardy, Native Trees. 
