THE NATIONAL NURSERYMAN 
129 
much freer-growing. As yet it has not attained such 
large proportions in America. Fragrant flowers. 
Mahonia Aquifolia. “What beautiful leaves!” is 
usually the expression from all who see this plant, es¬ 
pecially just after it has made its new growth. They 
look as if they had been cut out of metal, so crisp and 
decorative are they. The yellow flowers in spring, fol¬ 
lowed by dark purple berries, also add to its value. It is 
extremely hardy and vigorous, though easily sunburned 
in winter. 
The Japanese sort, M. Japonica, is much larger in 
growth and foliage, and more rigid-looking, but a strik¬ 
ing plant. 
A coming plant in popularity is the Abelia grandiflora. 
It suggests the Myrtle in the shape and glossiness of its 
leaves. Add to this the pink-white, wax-like flowers, 
borne all summer long; graceful habit, free growth; its 
adaptability to partial shade and all manner of soils and 
sunshine, and you have a plant that is perfect for so many 
positions around the house where it is often so difficult to 
find something suitable. 
Pyracantha, or Evergreen Thorn, cannot be recom¬ 
mended for general planting north of Baltimore. It is 
subject to attacks of scale, but a well-krown specimen, 
covered with clusters of orange-red berries, is something 
worth striving for. 
There are two Privets from Japan, Ligustrum lucidum 
and L. Japonicum, that are beginning to reveal their great 
value. The thick, leathery foliage is more attractive 
TREE PLANTING IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA 
BOROUGHS 
When Western Pennsylvania is mentioned, most people 
think first of a country devoid of trees and vegetation, 
where the steel mills, blast furnaces and coke ovens are 
paramount. True, with the advancement of civilization, 
the sturdy oaks which abounded in that section rapidly 
disappeared and the towns and cities were noticeably 
lacking in proper shade trees. But a change has come. 
During the session of legislature in 1907 a shade tree law 
was created giving all cities, towns and boroughs in 
Pennsylvania the power to establish Shade Tree Com¬ 
missions for the purpose of planting and maintaining 
trees along the thoroughfares. 
The borough of Sewickley was the first to realize the 
opportunity of the new law, and in the Spring of 1912, 
with the appointment of three commissioners, the Bor¬ 
ough Shade Tree Commission was established. 
Since then over 1.000 trees have been planted and to¬ 
day Sewickley boasts of street after street lined with a 
uniform planting of vigorous trees comprising seven 
different varieties. 
The task of setting out the trees each year and the care 
for same was greatly lessened by the co-operation of the 
property owners who, realizing the value of the work, 
entered into the spirit of I he movement. 
The Boroughs of Wilkinsburg and Dormont soon fol¬ 
lowed the example set by the pioneer borough, and each 
year have planted several hundred trees. 
The difficulties which have beset this work vary in 
each borough. 
Sewickley enjoys a wide parking space on the 111 a- 
than the Bay, a great deal hardier, and very easy to grow. 
For Philadelphia and south they should he largely 
planted. I he individual leaves of each kind are very 
much alike, but L. lucidum seems to have a looser habit 
and may be a bit hardier. 
English Laurel— Cerasus Lauro-Cerasus— and the 
Aucuba Japonica can only be grown in very sheltered 
positions north of Washington. In the South they are 
grand. Laurus Schipkacnsis is considered hardy in 
Philadelphia. 
Magnolia grandiflora can hardly be considered a shrub, 
as it attains tree-like proportions south of Norfolk, Va. 
( If there is one tree that excites the envy of the gardener 
of the North, it is this rich, handsome tree of the South. 
'In sheltered positions it will stand the winters fairly well 
as far north as Philadelphia, but should have shelter 
from much sun and wind. * 
Euonymus in various kinds are worthy of attention— 
especially along the seacoast, as they seem to do better 
under the influence of the sea air. They are very sus- 
leptible to attacks of scale, and should be watched on this 
account. Euonymus radicans is a trailing or vine-like 
plant, splendid to run over copings of low walls and rocks 
and for edging walks where it can be kept clipped. There 
are both a green and a variegated form. It is an all¬ 
round plant, having rootlets which will cling to walls. 
With such a list to choose from, selections may be made 
to suit all situations that are likely to call for Broad¬ 
leaved Evergreen treatment. 
jority of its streets, due to a recent ordinance that all 
sidewalks be laid next to the property line. In places 
where soil conditions were bound to be unsuited for tree 
life it was necessary to excavate and replace with top 
soil. 
Gas leaks and overhead wires, have caused consider¬ 
able trouble but the assistance of the Public Service cor¬ 
porations have helped somewhat to eliminate these fea¬ 
tures. 
In the borough of Wilkinsburg the poplar tree pre¬ 
dominates, causing unfavorable conditions such as clog¬ 
ging sewers, lifting sidewalks and nesting places for in¬ 
sect pests. The Commission each year is removing sev¬ 
eral hundred of these trees, replanting with better suited 
trees. The sidewalks are placed about one foot from the 
curb, necessitating cutting into the walk wherever a tree 
is to be planted. Soil conditions are most unfavorable 
and good top soil is at a premium. 
In the borough of Dormont. situated on the South Hills 
and protected to a certain extent from the menace of 
smoke, the walks are placed against the curb with the 
planting on the inside, giving the trees all possible ad¬ 
vantage for growth. Shale formation predominates, 
blasting has in many instances been resorted to with sat¬ 
isfactory results. 
Norway Maples are being planted almost exclusively, 
the results after three years, showing several streets of 
sturdy well shaped trees. 
The slogan, “Plant a Tree.” is the by-word which is 
making these boroughs a wave of green during the sum¬ 
mer months. With the many difficulties to overcome 
the “planting game” continues and each citizen is taking 
his or her part.—/. Gerry Curtis in American Forestry. 
