THE NATIVE TREES OP RHODE ISLAND. - 
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Under the name of “ sycamore,” the lumber of this tree is used 
for nice chamber furniture ahd cabinet-work. Some logs are 
beautifully clouded, and the grain knotted, so as to make fine or- 
namental work. 
The Basswood. 
It is not much of a country boy who nas not made a basswood 
whistle— that is, if any basswood saplings were within his tramp- 
ing grounds. He soon learns, too, that grown-up basswoods are 
about the biggest trees in the forest. He finds that his grand- 
father had his high sleigh back made of a single board, four feet 
wide; and that his grandmother’s “dresser” doors, and settee 
back were also cuts from the same board. He finds, also, that the 
wood “ cuts like cheese,” but will not split by his heaviest strokes, 
unless the frost is in the log. When he is older he finds that bass- 
wood logs are in demand, and bring a high price for many pur- 
poses where a light, fine-grained, tough-fibered wood is needed. 
One who sees the desirable points in trees for shade or land- 
scape effects finds a sturdy attractiveness in this tree, the gen- 
erous, well-shaped leaves being especially noticeable. The blos- 
soms, too, are sweet, and followed by a curiously winged fruit. 
The tree is the American “ linden,” and much better for all pur- 
poses than its European cousin often seen as a street tree. The 
basswood is native here, but not so common as it ought to be. 
The Tupelo. 
The smooth-sounding word tupelo is a better name than “ snag- 
tree,” or even “ hornbeam,” for the tree designated. The rough, 
“snaggy” appearance of its branches in old age probably sug- 
gested one name, and its tough, horny wood the other. “Tupelo” 
is the Indian name for the tree, and comports well with its smooth, 
beautiful foliage when the tree is in full leaf. This tree loves the 
water, and is often reflected from some pond, stream, or pool 
which it overhangs and adorns. The head of the tree takes a 
