54 
BOTANICAL INDEX. 
HARDY TREES AND SHRUBS. 
T is always interesting to know what trees, shrubs and plants are hardy, in 
different localities, — especially to those who are anxious to secure such as 
are desirable to plant on their lawns and pleasure grounds, — !or we all know 
that for many reasons some of our handsomest trees and shrubs are objec- 
tionable for lawn purposes; some are not sufficiently hardy to stand our 
severest winters, and often present a ragged appearance even after a moder- 
ate one; others are always infested with worms and insects, and are to be 
avoided; while still others emit a very disagreeable odor, often considered 
unhealthy or even poisonous, which unfits them for ornamental purposes. We are 
anxious to make the Ixdkx a medium for conveying reliable information on these 
subjects, especially in this section of the country, and hope all its friends will assist 
us in completing these lists as far as possible, which can only be done by recording 
the notes and observations of persons from a large scope of country; and although 
the observation of a single individual may seem to him insignificant, it is nevertheless 
valuable in making up the sum total of these interesting subjects. With this object 
in view, we have, with the assistance of our many kind horticultural friends, pre- 
pared a list* of trees and shrubs that are hardy here, at Richmond, Indiana, many of 
which are valuable for ornamental planting; and as our leading nurserymen can 
furnish any of the number desired, the list may be of service in making a selection. 
But while all have proved to be perfectly hardy here, a few would not flourish much 
further north on the same elevation — especially if not planted in a sheltered situation 
or protected from the sun during winter. The southern fruit trees named in the list 
— Apricot, Persimmon, etc. — usually produce bitter or insipid fruit, even if any 
fruit matures, which is very uncertain ; but as they are all very showy, they are 
desirable for planting. 
Another interesting feature in the study of the boundary of the vegetable king- 
dom. is the difference in the elevation of the different sections of the country above 
the level of the sea. This, in a mountainous region, is apparent even to the most 
casual observer; but in a country destitute of mountains, it is difficult to comprehend 
the gradual elevation that actually occurs in different portions of che country, and 
its effect on the flora. Let us now look at the tables of altitudes, an 1 see what we 
can learn of our location. Commencing first at Cincinnati and journeying north- 
west, we find the Ohio river, at low water in front of Cincinnati, is 432 feet above the 
level of the ocean. (Cincinnati is given by Humphreys and Abbott as 41)8 feet high.) 
Earlham College, near Richmond, Ind., is 968 feet; Anderson, Ind., is 822 feet, and 
Logansport. Ind., is 562 feet, — according to the Geological Survey of Indiana, 1860. 
Now, in a direct line from east to west, we find Dayton, Ohio, is 475 feet above the 
level of the sea; the high land east and north of Richmond, but in its immediate 
vicinity, is over 1000 feet high; Indianapolis is 698 feet high; and the Wabasfi river, 
at Terre Haute, is 433 feet above tide-water. But Richmond is not the highest point 
of land in the State — it is only on a high elevation running from north-east to south- 
west. Some of the altitudes on this elevation are: Bellefoutaine Depot, Ohio, 1107 
feet above the ocean level; but a few miles east of Bellefontaine is the highest sum- 
mit of land in this section of the country, reaching the height of 1540 feet above tide- 
water — according to the report of the Ohio Geological Survey. Union City, Ind., is 
1230 feet; Richmond, Ind., 1000; Milton, Ind., 926; Greensburg, Ind., 913; then the 
land recedes rapidly until reaching the Ohio river at Lawrenceburg, Ind., 
where it is only 482, and Louisville, Ivy., is about 441 ft. above tide-water. 
Now let us in imagination visit some of the mountainous districts, 
and witness the effects of a few hundred feet of elevation on a moun- 
tain side. We shall find distinct zones or belts of vegetation running 
along the sides of the mountain, never varying in height in the same 
latitude; but as we change to the north or south, the belt of vegeta- 
tion will be seen to be higher or lower, as we proceed to a colder 
or a warmer climate. Perhaps an article in Harper's Monthly, for 
September, 1877, (p. 522,) will illustrate the point better than any 
other description we can give; and as it is the narrative of an 
actual traveler, the whole article will repay reading. It says: 
“Nature has divided Mt. Shasta into three distinct botanical 
zones, the first (lowest) may be called the chapparal zone, and 
extends from 4,000 to 6,000 feet above the level of the sea; its 
breadth is about four miles, the characteristic botany is 
menzineta, cherry, chinquepin, ceanothus several species, 
golden rod, aster, gilias, lilies, lupine, and coniferous trees ; FlG '$ s^a^Ca/i fo^ux ^ 
♦The original idea was to prepare a list of those just hardy here, but after a careful study of the 
subject, it was found impracticable. 
