DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 207 
that period it advances more slowly, and in 20 years would 
probably be overtopped by the poplar, the plane, or any other 
fast growing tree. There are, as yet, no specimens in this 
country more than 70 feet high ; hut the trunk shoots up 
in a fine column, and the head is massy and irregular in 
outline. In this country it is planted purely for ornament ; 
but we learn that in Europe its wood has been applied 
to cabinet-work ; for which, from its close grain, and bright 
satin-like lustre, it is well adapted.* The male and female 
flowers are borne on separate trees, and both sexes are now 
common, especially in New- York. The male forms the 
finer ornamental tree, the female being rather low, and 
spreading in its head. 
In New- York and Philadelphia, the Ailantus is more gene- 
rally known by the name of the Celestial tree , and is much 
planted in the streets and public squares. For such situa- 
tions it is admirably adapted, as it will insinuate its strong 
roots into the most meagre and barren soil, where few other 
trees will grow, and soon produce an abundance of foliage 
and fine shade. It appears also to be perfectly free from 
insects ; and the leaves instead of dropping slowly, and 
for a long time, fall off almost immediately when frost 
commences. 
The Ailantus is well adapted to produce a good effect on 
the lawn, either singly or grouped; as its fine long foliage 
catches the light well, and contrasts strikingly with that of 
the round-leaved trees. It has a. troublesome habit of pro- 
ducing suckers, however, which must exclude it from every 
place but a heavy sward, where the surface of the ground is 
never stirred by cultivation. 
The branches of this tree are entirely destitute of the small 
* Annales de la Societie d’Horticulture, 
