THE NATIVE TREES OE RHODE ISLAND. 
13 
The scrub, or bear, oak is regarded as a robber, and generally 
put on the defensive, or let alone. It deserves a better reputa- 
tion, for it does hold loose sands from blowing away, and reaches 
of this shrub have recently been successfully utilized as “ nurse ” 
ground for valuable seedling trees, white pines mostly, to be over- 
topped, finally, by their growth as timber trees. The little chin- 
quipin oak often grows with the scrub oak. It throws up a circlet 
of graceful stems from a single root, which are often loaded with 
fairy little acorns at three feet high. The post oak is thus far re- 
ported in but one locality in this State, on the shore of the north 
arm of Wickford harbor. Farther south it is common, and a fine 
tree. 
The Maples. 
The maples in this State are represented by two species which 
are positively native, and by a third probably native, certainly 
thoroughly naturalized. The maples have strongly marked char- 
acteristics, both in scenic effects and in economic qualities. Of the 
ten or more species found in this country, those native here rank 
among the best in the desirable qualities of the genus acer. 
THE ROCK MAPLE. 
The rock, or sugar, maple takes first rank for useful properties. 
It is native here, although not a common tree in the wild state. 
It has long been a favorite for street and home ground plantings, 
showing no dislike to the soil and climate of the State. The tree 
is attractive in all stages of its growth. It early forms a symmet- 
rical head and readily adapts itself to its location. In open, ex- 
posed ground, it makes a broad, obicular head ; but, when given 
limited space, as in narrow street planting, it takes a cylindrical 
shape, or slightly spreading, but always erect and well balanced. 
It is singularly neat and clean in its aspect, from expanding leaf 
to the last of its autumn foliage. The foliage is rarely injured 
by insects or worms, although borers sometimes kill well-grown 
trees. The tree bears transplanting well and will suffer a good 
