THE NATIVE TREES OP RHODE ISLAND. 
19 
The Ash. 
Of asli trees there are two species, native and common, with a 
third, and a fourth, possibly native, but certainly rare. The dif- 
ferent species of the ash are among the most valuable trees of the 
country. Strength, toughness, elasticity, durability, smoothness 
in working, and beauty of grain in finishing are qualities which 
recommend the wood for a great variety of purposes. The differ- 
ent kinds are mostly of rapid growth, and the tall, straight bodies 
work into useful material with very little waste. 
THE WHITE ASH. 
The white ash is the best of the eastern species of ash trees, 
and is found in colonies and scattered specimens, generally in 
moist grounds, all over this State. No cleaner nor more attractive 
bit of woods can be found than a colony of these trees which has 
taken exclusive possession of the ground. Their tall, lithe bodies, 
dressed in their deftly corrugated bark covering, with their light, 
airy tops, form a sylvan picture of rare grace and beauty. The 
Indian, so well versed in forest lore, could find no wood so true to 
his needs for paddle and bow as the tough, elastic ash; and 
American carriages to-day owe their superiority to all others 
largely to the rare combination of qualities which are found in 
this wood. The tree is always attractive, whether in the woods 
or open ground. When not crowded it grows a stout body with 
a stately, wide-spreading head. The limbs are numerous, but 
not “ twiggy,” and stout to the ends. They begin low on the 
body. The compound leaves form, altogether, a delightful shade, 
which, however, begins late in the season and ends early, a fact 
unfavorable to the tree for street setting. Still, they alternate 
well with maples, breaking the monotony which either sort alone 
jnight produce. 
THE BLACK ASH. 
The black ash is scattered about in considerable numbers in 
