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highly esteemed by the joiners for inlaying, &c. On account also of the lightness of the wood, it is 
often used by musical instrument makers; from its hardness, for gun-stocks and other purposes; and 
from its whiteness it was formerly in great request for tables. In the vale of Gloucester, where oak 
timber is scarce, it is used for gate-stuff and other purposes of husbandry; and sometimes screws for 
cider-presses are made of this wood: but the principal value of the Maple is for underwood: it is of 
quick growth, and affords good fuel. 
Species 2. Cretan Maple. (Acer Creticum.) 
This came originally from the Island of Crete; and was cultivated by Miller in 1752. It reaches 
twenty feet in height, and in sheltered situations retains its leaves nearly the whole year. 
Species 3. Montpelier Maple. (Acer Monspessulanum.) 
Its name denotes whence it came, and was cultivated by Miller in 1739 . It rises to twenty feet, 
and continues its verdure till very late in the autumn, which renders this tree very ornamental. 
Species 4. Mountain Maple. (Acer Montanum.) 
A small tree, or rather shrub. It comes from North America, and was cultivated by Archibald 
Duke of Argyle, in the year 1750.* 
Species 5. Virginian ^Ash-leaved Maple. (Acer Negundo.) 
This species rises with us to forty feet, is a very strong shooting tree, of quick growth, and is in 
Virginia and Carolina one of the largest trees of this kind. It is well adapted, by its pale green leaves, 
so different in form from those of other species, to make a beautiful variety in woods, but they 
fall very soon in the autumn; and it must be planted in places not too much exposed to violent 
winds, being subject to split. The timber is fit for the same uses with that of the Norway Maple 
and Sycamore, but is soft and brittle. It was cultivated in 1688 by Bishop Compton. 
Species 6. Italian Maple. (Acer Opalus.) 
This species rises to forty feet and upwards, is common in many parts of Italy, particularly about 
Rome and Viterbo. It is one of the loftiest trees of that country, and is esteemed for the leaves, 
which are large, and afford a great shade; so that it is planted frequently there by the sides of roads, 
and near habitations. This tree is noticed by Linnreus, and many other modern authors. It is 
rarely to be met with in England, though hardy enough to bear the open air; and cultivated so 
long since as 1752, by Mr. Miller; as appears by the sixth edition of his admirable Dictionary. 
Being a noble tree, acquiring a considerable stature, and having a spreading head adorned with large 
and beautiful foliage, it deserves the attention of ornamental planters. 
Species 7- Pensylvanian Maple. (Acer Pensylvanicum.) 
This is a small tree, which in some situations may be considered rather as a shrub. It will grow 
to the height of about fifteen feet, with a slender stem, covered with a whitish bark, and sending 
forth several red branches. The flowers are on long pendulous racemes, of a greenish yellow colour. 
Ihe seeds generally fall off before they are ripe. It is a native of Pensylvania, Virginia, and Canada, 
and was introduced here in 1 755, by Messrs. Kennedy and Lee. 
* Hort Kew. 
