The three biggest trees on the Island, so far as our records 
show, are as follows : 
Platanus occidentalism or sycamore, 24 feet in circum- 
ference, on the property of James N. Hill, at Wheatley. 
Quercus alba, or white oak, 19 feet, 7 inches in circum- 
ference, on the farm of Paul Costermale, at Stony 
Brook. 
Platanus occidentalis, or sycamore, 18 feet, 4 inches, on 
the property of E. J. Brennan, at St. James. 
There is an interesting history in connection with the largest 
tree reported. Mr. Hill writes in part as follows : 
“Ninety years ago the so-called Big Tree Farm (the location 
of the present sycamore tree under discussion) was used by the 
county butcher as his home ; and the beef slaughtered were hung 
on chains, suspended from a limb, one of which chains remained 
on the limb when I bought the place. During the past 105 or 120 
years, after the forests were cut away and the land in the neigh- 
borhood was put under plow, the soil from the neighboring hills 
was washed down and filled in around the tree to the extent of 
fourteen feet. This statement was verified some six years ago, 
when I had a tree expert give a very careful overhauling to the big 
sycamore tree, during which overhauling he carted away three 
wagon loads of rotten wood and removed one large branch, about 
two feet in diameter and hollow, which hollowness was filled with 
honey. He then tied the branches of the tree to the central branch 
so that the wind could not break them. He also dug a trench 
some ten feet from the tree, and found no roots until he had gone 
down fifteen feet, at which place he put in some good soil and 
fertilizers. The tree responded to the treatment and has been 
growing in healthy condition ever since.” 
The contest has brought in a wealth of information which it 
will take much time properly to digest. The Brooklyn Botanic 
Garden is greatly indebted to the contestants, and to many 
disinterested observers for their hearty cooperation. 
Norman Taylor. 
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Boulevard ; Franklin Avenue, Lorimer Street, and Tompkins 
Avenue trolleys to Washington Avenue ; St. John’s Place trolley to 
Sterling Place and Washington Avenue ; Union Street and Vander- 
bilt Avenue trolleys to Prospect Park Plaza and Union Street. 
The Leaflets are published weekly or biweekly from April to June, and 
Septemberto October, inclusive, by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn. N.Y. 
Telephone: 6173 Prospect. Mail address: Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Brooklyn. 
N.Y. 
