(A 
T>. M. FERRY <€' CO’S DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE. 
frost, pour boiling water over the seeds and let it stand 
till cool, when a portion of the seeds will have swollen; 
pick these out and scald the rest again, continuing until 
all have swollen. 
The seeds of the other deciduous trees on our list 
should bo planted from the middle of April to the mid¬ 
dle of May, in drills about two feet apart, and covered 
to the proper depth; about twice the diameter of the 
seed. 
White Ash (Fraxinus Americana ).—Requires a 
moist, deep soil, on which it will grow very rapidly. It 
deserves special attention from those who wish to grow 
trees for timber, because its wood is very light, strong, 
elastic and durable, and is without an equal for making 
fork and rake handles and many other agricultural im¬ 
plements, besides being largely employed in carriage 
building, cooperage, and ornamental carpenter work. 
Succeeds best from seeds, which should be planted like 
corn, where the trees are to stand, but not over an inch 
in depth. When grown singly it is very ornamental, 
* forming a large, round head. 
European Ash (, Fraxinus excelsior). — Succeeds 
best in rather a warm climate; thrives upon the plains 
in deep soils, but does poorly on stiff clay or light sandy 
soils. Its timber is valuable in carriage making and 
manufactures. 
Beech (Fagus ferrugiitea ).— Although not a very 
rapid growing tree, this makes one of the best for the 
lawn or park. The seeds should be sown as early as 
possible in the spring, in fine mellow soil pressed firmly 
over them. They germinate quickly and the young 
plants are quite hardy. They should be early trans- . 
planted to nursery rows and given plenty of room. 
White Birch (Betula alba ).— Valuable for orna¬ 
mental planting, and a favorite wood for shoe pegs, 
spools, bobbins, and similar small articles. The birch 
prefers a cool, humid climate, and is readily propagated 
from seed. Seeds thrive best on new ground. They 
scarcely admit of any covering, but if simply pressed 
into the ground with the feet they will grow. When 
one year old transplant into nursery rows. When two 
or three feet high, set out the young trees where they 
are to remain. 
Box Elder, or Ash Leaved Maple (A cer neguudo). 
—This seems to succeed as well as any in the North- 
West. The trees are said to reach a diameter of seven 
inches in six years, and to be exceedingly hardy not only 
to resist cold, but drought and dry winds, and suffering 
less from insects than any other. One of the most 
desirable sorts for planting on timber claims. 
Hardy Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa ).— Quite distinct 
from and much hardier than the common Catalpa. 
Scarcely a tree on our list can be so strongly recom¬ 
mended as this for planting on the vast treeless prairies 
of our Western States. It is of very quick growth, has 
proven itself hardy as far north as DaTcota, and is one of 
the most durable timbers known, lasting in many well 
authenticated instances nearly or quite a century. 
Catalpa seeds can be sown dry on a still day, but the 
better way is to wet the seeds for a few hours before 
planting, and mix them with a little sifted soil to pre¬ 
vent their sticking together. They will germinate more 
promptly for the soaking they have received, and will 
not be so likely to be blown away while being sown. 
Sow in April or May, in well prepared loamy soil, in \ 
rows four feet apart, sowing seed thickly in the rows, ! 
covering half an inch deep and firming the soil well 
over the seeds. Thick sowing is desirable, as a dozen 
little plants together can force their way through the 
surface easier than singly, and if they are too thick they 
can be thinned and transplanted on a damp day as easily 
as cabbage plants. Cultivate well during the summer, 
keeping them free from weeds. In the fall or following 
spring, the seedlings can be transplanted where they 
are to remain. Four feet apart each way is the proper 
distance, and they should be cultivated about like corn 
for two seasons. There are from 16,000 to 20,000 seeds 
to the pound. 
As an ornamental tree the Catalpa appears to the best 
advantage planted in small groves. 
European Larch (Larix Europeea ). — Grows to a 
large size, and makes excellent timber. Planted on 
j lands of very little value for ordinary farming, it 
improves instead of impoverishing them, as the annual 
crop of leaves deposits more nutriment than the tree 
' takes up; besides the yield of timber in a series of years 
would prove a very profitable investment. Seeds should 
be sown in a half shady situation. 
European Linden ( filia Europeea ).—A great favor¬ 
ite for ornamental planting in Europe. Its wood is very 
white, light, not liable to crack, and much prized for 
cabinet wbrk, and the panels of carriages. It should be 
planted by all bee keepers, as no flower of its size yields 
better honey or in greater abundance. 
Honey Locust (Gleditschia triacanthos ). — On 
account of its rapidity of growth and durability of the 
timber, we regard this as one of the most valuable of our 
native trees. It is not so liable to injury by the borer as 
the common Locust, and does not sprout from the root tq 
a greater extent than do most of our forest trees. 
Without the preparation recommended above, the seeds 
may lie from one to three years in the ground without 
sprouting. Take up and heel in or cover the plants in 
the fall, and set out the next spring. After the first sea¬ 
son, they are perfectly hardy. One pound contains 
about 2,300 seeds. 
Yellow Locust (Robinia pseudo-acacia ).—'Phis tree 
grows so rapidly that railroad tics may be cut from it ten 
years from the planting of the seed, while the durability 
of its timber is well known, fence posts of it having 
stood for sixty years. Culture same as the above. 
One ounce contains about 1,300 seeds. 
White Mulberry (Morusalba ).—Desirable for feed¬ 
ing silk worms. Grows readily and rapidly from seeds, 
which should not be covered too deep, as they are quite 
small. It delights in a warm, dry soil, and will succeed 
in almost any place that will produce a good corn crop. 
Russian Mulberry.—Introduced into this country 
by the Mennonites, and by them extensively planted for 
silk worm culture. Of rapid growth, resembling the 
apple tree in habit, with a grayish bark and drooping 
branches. It is very easily cultivated, and kept in dwarf 
form, makes a fine hedge and wind break. It bears very 
young and, it is said, every year. The fruit is similar to 
the blackberry, varying in flavor from sub-acid to sweet. 
In cold regions especially, this should prove a very val¬ 
uable variety for its timber, shade and fruit. It is said 
to reproduce itself exactly from seed, and as our seed is 
direct from the Mennonite colony, it can be depended 
on as true and reliable. 
Osage Orange (Maclura aurantiaca ).—How to 
Plant, Cultivate and Make a Hedge. — The Osage 
Orange is a native of Texas, but can be grown and cul¬ 
tivated advantageously in most parts of the United 
States. The ground should be thoroughly pulverized 
by either plowing or spading, before the seed is planted. 
The surest way is to sprout the seed before planting, as 
it is very slow to germinate when put into the ground 
without being sprouted, sometimes taking a whole season 
to come up. To sprout the seed, put into a vessel and 
cover with warm (not hot) water. Keep the vessel in a 
warm place, and change the water once a day. Let the 
