DECIDUOUS TREES. 
423 
a deep yellow before they fall. The seed is contained in greenish 
white capsules, and quite showy by its abundance. At Germantown, 
near Philadelphia, are specimens twenty-five feet high and forty 
feet diameter of head, which have been planted thirty years. 
We know of no tree which, without being variegated, has such 
decidedly yellowish-green foliage; and this quality, together with 
the airy delicacy of its leafy outline, its brilliant flowers, and autumn 
color, combine to make it one of the most desirable trees for even a 
small collection; and especially beautiful where its low golden top 
can be seen projecting from a mass of dark-foliaged trees. It be¬ 
comes quite hardy, though the tops of its branches may be killed 
back in winter in our northern States when first planted. With 
protection a few years after planting it will establish itself beyond 
the need of more. When young its growth does not indicate the 
form it finally assumes, and is not so pleasing as at maturity. 
THE NETTLE TREE. Celtis. 
“ Handsome, much branched, deciduous trees, natives of Europe 
and North America, varying in size and foliage, but all bearing 
fruit which is edible, and though small, is remarkably sweet, and 
said to be very wholesome. Some of the species are very orna¬ 
mental, particularly C. crassifolia , the branches of which assume the 
character of a fan ; and C. occidentals, the branches of which droop 
like a parasol. The leaves of almost all the species drop off almost 
simultaneously, and thus occasion very little trouble to the gardener 
in sweeping them up.” They are also remarkably free from the 
attacks of insects. 
The Western Nettle Tree, C. occidentals, is known in some 
sections as the sugar-berry, and is indigenous from Canada to North 
Carolina. The branches are numerous and slender, radiating at 
no great distance from the ground in a horizontal direction, and 
incline downwards at their extremities. Leaves about the size and 
form of those of the apple tree, but more pointed and lighter 
colored; being a bright shining green. They hang late on the 
