38'2—708-l5m TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATIONS. BULLETIN NO. I05. JUNE, 1908. NOTES ON FORESPANDORNAMENTAL LTREES BY H. NESS, ASSISTANT HORTICULTURIST. POSTOFFIC E COLLEGE STATION, BRAZOS COUNTY, TEXAS. AUSTIN: VON BOECKMANN-JONES 00., PRINTERS 1908 TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATIONS. OFFICERS. _ GOVERNING BOARD. (Board of Directors A. & M. College.) K. K. LEGETT, President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Abilene T. D. RoWELL, Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Jefferson A. HAIDUSEK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..LaGrange J. M. GREEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Yoakum VVALToN PETEET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . f . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dallas R. T. MILNEE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Austin L. L. MGINNIs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “Bryan IV. B. SEBASTIAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Breckenridge STATION OFFICERS. H. H. HARRINGTON, LL. D . . . . . . .President of the College and Director J. W. CARSON . . . . . . . . . .Assistant to Director and State Feed Inspector W. C. WELBORN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Viee Director and Agriculturist M. FRANoIs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Veterinarian E. J. KYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Horticulturist JOHN C. BURNS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Animal Husbandry R. L. BENNETT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..C0tton Specialist O. M. BALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Botanist G. S. FRAPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Chemist C.-E. SANBORN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Entomologist H. NEss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Assistant Horticulturist. N. C. HAMNER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Assistant Chemist E. C. CARLYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Assistant Chemist L. MCLENNAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Deputy Feed Inspector A. T. Porrs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Deputy Feed Inspector J. H. ROGERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Deputy Feed Inspector H. E. HANNA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Deputy Feed Inspector C. W. CRIsLEn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Chief Clerk W. L. BOYETT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Clerl< Feed Control F. R. NAVAILLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Stenographer A. S. WARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sten o gra pher STATE SUB-STATIONS. W. S. HoToHKIss, Superintendent . . . . . . . . . . . . Troupe, Smith County S. A. WAsoHKA, Superintendent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Beeville, Bee County NoTE.—The main stat/ion is located on the grounds of the Agricultural and Mechanical College, in Brazos county. The postojfice address is College Station, Teccas. Reports and bulletins are sent free upon (appli- cation to the Director. NOTES ON FOREST AND ORNAMENTAL TREES UN THE GROUNDS OF THE AGRICULTURAL AND MECHAN- ICAL COLLEGE OF TEXAS. H. NESS. SOIL AND CLIMATE. The soil of College Station is fairly typical of the uplands of quite a large area including the greater part of Brazos, Robertson, Hadison and Leon with more or less of other adjacent counties. It consists of a surface la_ver of black, rather stiff, but fairly rich loam varying in depth from six to twelve inches. It becomes deeper, where the surface rises into small, sandy knolls. This loam is underlaid by a subsoil of an exceedingly stiff, impervious gray or yellowish clay which cracks badly during drouths. The whole area is characterized by a dense growth of small, scrubby Post oak and Blackjack, interposed with prai- ries. which in the summer become covered by wooly-headed Croton and yellow-flowered broom weeds (Amp/Liachyris and Gutierrezia). Along the numerous water-courses, which traverse this area, the forests assume a different and quite luxuriant character. The annual rainfall at College varies between 36 and 4O inches, or about the same as that of the western half of the great forest belt of East Texas. The temperature has varied during the time that our trees have been under observation from slightly below zero to about 100° F. In the annual report of the Horticultural Department, dated Janu- ary 1, 1890, is a list given of trees and shrubs planted in the Arboretum " and on the campus by the writer, and under the direction of T. L. Brunk, Horticulturist, at that time. The following are the principal genera represented: Ash, Birch, Beach, Boxelder, Catalpa, Chestnut, China tree, Elm, Hackberry, Japan varnish tree, Locust, Linden, .Magnolia, Maple, Mulberry, Poplar, Sycamore, Sweet gum, Willow, Walnut, Arbor Vitae, Red cedar, Cypress, Pine, Gingo. Ash.—In the above mentioned list, two species are included, namely, White Ash Frawiuns Americana, L., and F. Zanceolata, Barkh.). Both of these have made but a slow growth and, with the exception of , specimens in favored spots, have shown strong signs of distress during the hot summers, although White Ash is growing to the luxuriant height of 100 feet in the Navasota bottom, only twelve miles from this place. BTTC/L.—_Of the several species of birch, including Paper birch, Polar- leaved birch, European White birch, and Black birch, which is native of our creek bottoms, all failed after a few years, though all made a fair beginning. Beach and Ohestnut.—lyfade early failures. Horse chestnut lived in a crippled condition for about eight years. 4 TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATIONS. Boxelder, although a native and luxuriant tree of Brazos bottom, has made but a slow growth on our soil. Its foliage assumes during the summer a scorched or otherwise distressed appearance and generally falls prematurely. This tree has been planted extensively for avenues in our towns and for shade trees about residences in the country. It is but seldom, however, that an imposing effect is obtained. It is a fast growth even on our soil when young, but soon reaches its zenith and commences a rapid decline. The foliage, which loses its compactness in midsummer, is too pale for proper effect in our bright light; and, as the wood is brittle, it is also liable to damage by wind. China Tree, or Umbrella China tree (M eZia Azedarach, L.), seems to be well adapted to our soil and climate. Its growth, when young‘, is very rapid; its dark green and dense foliage remains fresh until late in the fall. The beauty is, however, of sort duration, for the wood is so brittle that, when full-grown, the branches break down through their own weight, leaving the trunk as an unsightly stump, which is con- stantly sending out coarse water sprouts. The China tree has been planted on these grounds both for avenues and shade trees in the houseyards. For the last purpose it may serve for a few years, when more suitable trees can not be obtained, or refuse to grow. Catalpa.—(.7. bignoniodides and U. speciosa have both existed on our campus for about twenty years. The largest specimens will scarcely measure 2O feet in height. Though showy at the time of flowering, the Uatllpa is not an ornamental plant. All the specimens on our grounds are scarcely more than cripples, which lose most of their foliage before September. We have had a like experience with the Empress tree (Powlonia cimperiales. Siel and Zuca). A small tree, native of (ifhina, similar to the Catalpa, but with larger leaves and even more showy flowers. This tree is very sensitive to late frosts, on which account our specimens were finally lost. EZms.——The following species were planted during 1889 and 1891: English elm (Ulmas camipastris, L.), Scotch elm (U. Montana, L); American White elin (U. Americana, L.), Slippery elm (U. fuelva, Michx.); Corky-winged or Small-leaved elm (U. alata, Michx.). The two first species are native of Europe, the next two are typical of the Northern States, and the last is native of our own locality. A single suffering specimen is left of U. campastris; U. Montana and U. falva are dead several years ago. U. Americana is the great elm that lends such a grace and charm to the New England towns and villages, where its ample branches lock high above the streets and . cottages, forming in the summer a dense canopy of green; whilst the tops equal the church towers. This elm seldom reaches that propor- tion and beauty in the South, being generally inferior both in size and beauty to our Sweetgums, Black gum (Nysa sylvatica, March), Tupelo (N. aqaatica, L.), and our oaks associated with it in our alluvial bot- toms. ~ On the College campus, extensive avenues were planted xvith this tree in 1891. Some of the thriftiest specimens may reach 35 feet in height, but all are now on the decline, as shown by the numerous dead twigs in the tops and early loss of foliage. Norms ox Fomcsr AND QRNAMENTAL TREEs. 5 The SVnuZZ-Lwzvcrl elm, or Corky-winged elm, is a native of our locality, both in the bottoms and 0n the uplands. It has also been extensively and for long time cultivated 0n our grounds. The best specimens planted more than thirty years ago are about 35 feet in height. This elm is hardy, but matures and drops it leaves too early’, thus standing naked during the latter part of the summer, giving a distressed and sterile aspect to the landscape. Haclcbeiwy (Clciiis occiidentaltlsfl, L.) is a native of Brazos bottom in our vicinity, where the largest specimens may reach a height of 60 feet. The Hackberry' was one of the first trees planted on the grounds of the College. I have Watched the trees for more than twenty years growing in the-main avenue of the College grounds, and have been able in all that time to detect increase in size of but a few of them. Their crowns are of an (ipen, straggling habit; their foliage lacks density and vivid- ness of color, and is dropped early in the season. The Hackberry is much planted for avenues and shade in our towns, because it ca11 be easily transplanted from the forest at a height of 15 to 20, feet. The effect of such plantations is the same as that stated- for the Small-leaved elm. Black Locust (Ifobiiri-tt pseudoacacirz, d.) .—The Black Locust is more adapted to the cooler climate of the Northern States, where it reaches the proportions of a large tree, than to Texas. Not even in East "fexas, where forest trees in general grow so luxuriantlyr, have I seen a beauti- ful specimen of this tree, but mostly such as were stunted and crippled, either by bores or from other causes. Most of the specimens on our ground were planted in 1889. Only a few are living, and these in a state of decay. J[a.pZe.—The list of 1890 includes the following species: Sugar maple (Acer swiccha/ri/mtm, Wary), Silver maple (A. dasycarpunz, Ehr.), English maple (A. compasire, L), Falce sycamore maple (A. pseudo- plutanuvii var. perpurem) ; Red maple A. 1'ub1'z1~iit, L.). As the maples demand a subsoil with an abundant and even supply of moisture, our soil is very uncongenial to them; hence all died after a few years except the Silver-leaved maple, of which a. few specimens are still living. Beau- tiful young trees of this species, and even better ones of the Sugar maple, are growing in Henderson, Rusk county, where also the Red maple is a vigorous native growth in the adjacent bottom lands. Though both Sugar maple and Silver maple are native of a Northern climate, the specimens in Henderson show that they can be planted with advan- tage in Texas on a soil that makes up the deficiency of the climate. ZIII1Zb¢>1'rg/.——'Fhe Russian mulberry’ (dlorus Tllariarica. Land), White mulberry (M. multicautis, land), and the native Red mulberry (M. rubm, L.) are included in the above named list. The Russian mul- berry is a small, diffusely branched and unsightly tree or shrub. planted especially for wind-breaks, but has here shown itself unfit for such use, because it is too low, too open, and apt to drop much of its foliage in midsummer. As it is aroused into growth very early in the spring, it is liable to damage from late frosts. 3107.118 ritulticaulis is a. tree of no special value, either as an ornamental or for other purposes, except in feeding silkworms. It is liable to damage from late spring frosts and soon becomes unsightly. 6 TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATIONS. The Bed mulberry needs a deep moist soil; hence it remains small and not very thriftly on our uplands. Hardy specimens of the Paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrlfira [L], Vent) are found in Bryan, five miles from College. It is a small, but when young a fast growing tree, which soon reaches its maximum size, when its branches begin to break down, and its trunk becomes knotty, hollow, and anything but decorative. What has been said eon- cerning the Umbrella China tree as shade and ornamental trees, applies equally well to the Paper mulberry. P0pZar.—Our list includes the following species and varieties: ‘Cotton Wood (Populis monelife-ra, Ait.); Balsam poplar (P. balsam- ifem, L.) ; Silver poplar, of which we have two varieties (P. abba, L.), the type-form and the pyramidal form; Gray poplar (P. ca-nescens, Eng); Lombardy poplar (P. nlgra fastigata, Spach). The two first are native of America. Cottonwood grows wild in our vicinity, and the Balsam poplar is a native of the New England and Middle States. The others are imported from Middle and Southern Europe. All of < the poplars prefer a moist, cool soil; all grow readily from cuttings. Out of this number of species only a few specimens of Cottonwood, now past their prime, are yet alive. Of the others a specimen of the Lombardy poplar, having a favorable position, grew to a height of about 50 feet in fifteen years, then died within a few years. Similarly was the behavior of the Silver poplar and its pyramidal variety. These three poplars are all beauties and give a striking effect where used with taste and judgment in ornamental planting; the Lombardy poplar, be- cause of its columnal form; the Silver poplar, because of its color of foliage, and the pyramidal Silver poplar, because of both foliage and form. Though they are all three too short-lived on our stiff and compact soil, grand specimens can be found in East Texas planted in more suit- able ground. The Sycamore (Plalalzizs occldenialis, L.) and the Sweet Gum (L/iquldanrzbcv" stymclflua, L.) have been tried with poor success on our ground. They both demand a permeable, moist soil; both are famous for size, beauty, and rapid growth. The former is extensively used in the South for avenues and parks in our cities and towns; perhaps, be- cause it is so easily propagated from cuttings. The second, although it is more ornamental than the Sycamore, having a more sykmmetriezil pyramidal form, a denser and more vividly colored foliage, is almost totally’ neglected, evidently because it is less cheaply propagated. As to . the OI‘122l]11(‘l?l'1‘l value of the Sweet Gum, I find the following remark in the Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society of Iingland for the year 1904: “Why this beautiful American tree is not more frequently planted we can not imagine, as it is a hardy, not particular as to soil and makes a beautiful object wherever it grows. Some sav : ‘Yes, you want a favorable season to get it well calloused’; the truth of which, of course, depends on what is a favorable season for the plant. After the dull summers of 1902 and 1903, the foliage was quite as beautifully colored as usual, and we have never seen a more gorgeous sight than this tree in the Soeiety’s Garden at Wisely last autumn; it was one mass of brilliant, glowing crimson. What a glorious feature they would Norms 0N FOREST AND ORNAMENTAL Tamas. l '7 make as street trees in country towns where the atmosphere is fairly free from pollution! Yet We have never heard of their ever having been tried in such positions, and for all we know they might succeed in smoky towns.” In connection with the Sweet Gum, I can not forbear to mention and recommend for planting on the same class of soils the Black Gum (Mg/ssa sylvatica, Marsh.), a large tree with a round head, and remark- ably shining dark green and dense foliage, which in the fall assumes a color of deep crimson. Handsome specimens of this tree are found scattered throughout the forests of East Texas. Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipfera, L.).—-Several specimens of this magnificent tree were planted in 1888 and made such a promising start that about thirty trees were planted in an avenue in 1891. After three or four years they commenced dying, and were soon lost. The Tulip tree is not a native of Texas, but is one of the largest and one of the most beautiful trees in the forests east of the Mississippi river. I have -seen vigorous Tulip trees of bearing age on the sandy soil of Watson’s Nursery, near Brenham, and also in East Texas, where they were planted -on the same class of soil. , . Tree of [Ieaven (Ailaintus glanclulosa, Desf.).—Many specimens of this tree were planted in 1891, because it is reported to be a quick » growth and not fastidious as to soil and climate. We are, however, dis- appointed, as the trees have already ceased their growth, although very few of them exceed 25 feet in height. The lack of growth gives rise to lack of foliage, hence their appearance is naked and unthrifty’. Varnish Tree (Stereulia platanifolia, L.).—This is a small to medium-sized tree, native of Japan and China, also called the Chinese ‘parasol tree. It produces a tall, cylindrical trunk, with smooth green bark and thick divergent branches, immense terminal panicles of yel- ‘lowish, small flowers, and dark green foliage of very large, five-lobed, v cardate leaves. Its general appearance gives a strange tropical aspect to the landscape. This tree has been planted on the College grounds in avenues and has proven fairly hardy during the fourteen years that it has been under observation. The specimens will average about 14 feet "in height. WiZZOw.—Of this genius seven species have been tested; all of which were short lived. The one proving the hardiest was the Weeping Willow (Salim Babylonica, L), which if planted on borders of lakes and streams, will prove a very ornamental tree in our climate. HARDWOODS. The above species, it will be noted, are nearly all soft woods, and have with few exceptions proven themselves failures on our soils. Of ‘the so-called hardwoods, Black Walnut, Pecan and oaks have been "planted. Several Black Walnuts were raised from seed planted in the permanent place in 1889. Many of these are yet living, but in a state rof decay or very slow growth. . Two very luxuriant specimens of Pecan, raised from seed, planted in 1892 as above, exist on the campus, one being 33;‘,- feet high. Sev- =eral other Pecan trees were transplanted from nurseries, but did not recover from the transplanting, as they were rather unthrifty specimens. 8 TEXAs AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATIONS. European Oalv.——Of this we have two species, Querczts pedunc/ulata, Ehrb. and Q. sessililflora, Salish. The first was planted in 1891, and all grew well for about ten years, when some commenced to show signs of decline. In 1889 only one specimen was planted of the second species, which is yet growing thriftily, though in the midst of a thicket of Arbor Vitae, Elaeagnus, and Ohina trees. In the winter of 1902 and 1903 a considerable number of young specimens (1 to 1% feet in height) of this oak were planted (Plate I). They are all growing luxuriantly, some having now (December, 1907) attained a height of 13 feet. These two oaks, although long consideredvarieties of the same species (Q. robar, L.) do not occupy the identical area of Idurope. Q. ped/unculata is more northern in its habitat, while Q. sn>19iZz'fl0i-a covers Southern Europe and Western Asia. Turkey Oak (Q. serris, L.) covers the same territory of Europe and Asia as the last, and can be distinguished from it by the prominent brownish, woolly stipules. Of this species several specimens were planted in 1891. They grc\v well for several years, but are now ap- parently at a standstill after barely having a height of 20 feet, from which it is evident that the Turkey oak is unsuitable to our soil. Cork Oak (Q. 51111611, L.).-This species is native of Spain, Southern lrhfance. Italy, and Northern Africa. lilicliaux says, in his “Svlva of Noifth .\1nerira,” that the Cork oak will grow wherever the Live oak grows. Like the Live oak, it is one of the hard-leaved evergreens; and like the Live oak, it is transplanted with difficulty. Only one specimen exists of the tampus (Plate II). When this was planted, l do not know, but most likely in 1893 or 1894. For several years prior to 1903, I observed this tree to be almost stationary in regard to growth; its main top having been cut off, it seemed to be slowly, but almost in vain, trying to recuperate from the loss. In 1903, this tree measured six feet in height. I did not see it again till'1906, when it had formed a new top and made splendid growth in all its proportions. At the present writing (November, 1907) this oak measures 16 feet in height and the trunk 8% inches in diameter. The bark of the trunk has a grayish color, with fine streaks or spots of red, and is perceptibly elastic to the touch, owing to the swelling cork. Our specimen is an odd beauty. with a dense, oval crown of dingy green, hollyi-like, leaves and a stout trunk, which, because of its color, reminds one of a, granite column. Basket Oak or Cow Oak (Quercus Zllichauxii, Nutt).—A native from Delaware to Missouri and southward. A large tree in its native soil. Orly one specimen was planted in 1889, and this remained in a crippled condition, due to early injuries, up till five years ago, when it began re- cuperating. It is now a thrifty, growing tree and bids fair to reach a good size and a long life. It is espe:~ially' a good omen that it was able to revive after having been stunted for so many years. Burr Out: iWIPssy-cup oak WZCLC7'OC(L1‘]JCL. Michx.) is found seat- tered- throughout the forests of a large part of Texas. It is one of the white oaks with strong, compact. white wood. and flaky bark. It is found in the situations of considerable aridit_v, but its preferred habitat is the moist. alluvial bottoms. where it attains a height of 100 feet and a dianretei" of three to four feet. Our specimens, planted in 1893, are apparently sound and thrifty, but of slow growth. which may be ac- NOTES ox FoREsr AND Oiix-LMEKTAL 'I‘i:m<:s. 9 counted for by the fact that they were planted in dense Bermuda sod and have never received cultivation. Live Oak (Q. l'71i7'§/L"llil'6l7l(!., 1\Iillcr).—'fhe Live oak is especially at home 0n the wet, clayey soils of our alluvial bottoms. It also adapts itself to the limy rocks and arid climate of the West; where, however, it becomes dwarfed and scrubby. Under favorable conditions, it be- comes a large, venerable tree, with a somewhat sort, bulky trunk, four to five feet in diameter, a massive, spreading, dome-like crown, a hun- dred or more feet in diameter. The Live oak was first planted here in 1891. It is of extremely slow groyvth in its early youth; but at five or years old, it coin- mences to grow faster, and having past the age of ten or twelve years, the annual increase in all its proportions is great. It will then yearly add more t0 its bulk than any of the fast-growing soft woods; and, when these are in their decline, it has barely attained its most vigorous youth. One of our specimens (Plate III), planted in 1891, and standing on the hard-tramped parade ground, has in sixteen years advanced from a sapling 18 inches in height to a tree reaching 28 feet in height, while the spread of its crown is 26 feet in diameter, and thediameter of the trunk, one foot from the ground, is nearly one foot. Other specimens ‘planted later are as tall, but have not yet attained that bulk. The Live oak has shown itself very) hardy on our grounds. Several individuals which once looked like helpless cripples, due to injuries, have now revived and are growing luxuriantly. From general indications, I conclude that the Live oak is the foliage tree that will attain the greatest longevity on our soil. ' Over-cup Oak Zyrata, Walt).-—This is a native of Navasota bot- toms in our vicinity, where it attains a height of 100 feet and about 3 feet in diameter. It is a white oak, a close relative of the Burr oak, with flaky bark and wood celebrated for durability. This oak was planted in considerable number for avenues on the campus in 1902 (Plate IV). The young trees were before planting in a stunted con- dition, having stood for about two years in nursery rows entirely neg- lected. In spite of this and the fact that the spring was verv dry after transplanting, only a few failed to make a gootl start. These same plants have made a satisfactory growth ever since, some of them reach- ing a height of 18 feet. ' The Over-cup oak is very variable in habit on our ground; some are pyramidal, while others are umbrella formed. with the main axis di- , vided into numerous divergent, or even somewhat pendulous branches. The trees of this kind have generally a denser foliage of darker green hue. Pin Oak or Swamp Pin Oak (Q. palustris, Du Roi).—This tree is native of moist, swampy soil from Massachusetts south to Arkansas. Sev- eral specimens were planted in 1893 and, though in uncultivated ground, have reached a height varying from 22 to 28 feet. Owing to the luxu- riant growth of these a considerable larger number were planted for avenues in 1902. These have been cultivated since planting and have now a height of 15 feet (Plate V). The Pin oak is a handsome tree of. pyramidal habit, with the lower branches horizontal to pendulous. Shingle Oak, Northern Laural Oak ( Q. rimbricaria, Michx.) is a large 10 TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATIONS. tree with lanceolate, entire, shining leaves; native of the Northern States. The few trees of this species, planted in 1891, lingered for six or eight years and then all but one died. ' Water Oak, also called Pin Oak in Texas (Q. nigra, L., Q. aquatica, Michx.).—This tree grows luxuriantly along every watercourse in our vicinity. It is also found growing well in situations where the water has changed its‘ course, or receded, leaving the tree in the dry, sterile soil. In the Navasota bottoms, it is found in greater number along the transitions from bottom to upland than in the midst of the deep alluvium near the river. It is also very common in the stiff, clayey soil along watercourses with no alluvial deposit, where it grows vigorously, even in dry seasons, after the drying up of the creek. The Water oak is one of the noblest ornamental trees of the South, yet seldom planted; because, being an oak, and as such is erroneously and ignorantly sup- posed to be of too slow growth to afford any enjoyment to the planter. What makes it especially valuable as an ornamental tree is its quick growth, the uniform, pyramidal habit; the striking effect in our bright sunshine of its dense, dark green and almost persistent foliage, and also the ease with which it seems to thrive on a great variety of soils. This oak can also be more readily transplanted than any other oak, with which I have had experience, since the tap root branches into laterals at a very early age. In 1890 the first Water oak, then a less than a year old seedling 18 inches high, was planted on the campus. This is now, after seventeen years, 32 feet high, with a spread of 32 feet in diameter (Plate VI). It is ‘by far the most handsome tree on the campus. In 1902, after the“ success of this tree seemed assured, a considerable number of young saplings of the Water oak, varying from 12 to 18 inches in height, were planted. These are now growing as luxuriantly as the first, having in five years attained a height varying from 13 to 17 feet (Plate VII). White Oak (Q. alba, Linn) is a native from Canada almost to the Gulf. In East Texas, where I have observed this tree, it is occasionally found on the uplands, where it appears to grow almost as luxuriantly as on the alluvial soil in the vicinity of swamps and creeks. It is there a magnificent, tall, pyramidal tree with slender, ascending branches, and foliage of a peculiar bright green color, by which it is distinguished from other trees at a great distance. It seems to be of a fast growth, as saplings growing in a thicket of Maples, Sweet gum, and other fast growing plants, generally succeed in holding their own in the skyward race. Several specimens of White oak were planted in 1892, and most of them have made splendid growth, the tallest being 17 feet high (Plate VIII). CONNIFERS. Arb 01" Vitae (Biota aureantalis, Endl.) .—Several varieties of this Arbor Vitae, varying in color, in form, and in size from shrubs to trees, have been planted. They are all very hardy on our ground and quite orna- mental while young, but with age lose their compactness and become exceedingly ragged and unsightly. Rosedale Hybrid.——This arose as a natural hybrid in the nursery of William Watson, near Brenham, Texas, and is a cross between Biota N ores 0N FoREsT AND ORNAMENTAL TREES. 11 a/rierziialrs aurea, or Golden Arbor Vitae, and Retinospara Juniperoidis, lt is sterile, hence propagated exclusively from cuttings, yet it is vari- able in form. Most of the plants take after the Golden Arbor Vitae in form; that is, they are dwarfs, in which the main stern is lost in numerous, erect, lateraly, compressed, and compactly standing branches. A few grow to be tall pyramids, or become excurrant with open, hori- zontal branches. as the type form of Biota arientalis. The foliage of all them takes after the Retinospara. The compact dwarfs are very orna- mental when young, but, in time, they lose their compactness and be- come unsightly. It may be of biological interest to cite that about eight years ago Hr. Baker, a nurseryman, of Fort Worth, brought us a Rosedale Hybrid that by bud variation had produced one well-developed branch of the Golden Arbor Vitae. (fypress (Clupressus semper/virens, l7er. ltorizontalis, Mill.).—-—Four specimens exist on the campus. One, planted about thirty years ago and standing-in Bermuda sod, was severely injured about seventeen years ago by fire, from which it seems to be slowly recuperating. The other three were planted in 189st; the largest of these is 26 feet high (Plate IX). Cupressus ltorizontalis is native of the Mediterranean countries of Europe, where it reaches a great age, and attains a height of '75 to 80 feet, and lends an enchanting aspect to the rugged hillsides, where it is especially clustered. It is undoubtedly hardy in our climate, and grows luxuriantly even on our hard, shallow soil. Its hardiness is fully demonstrated by the persistency of the old crippled specimen mentioned above. .This tree ought to, at least to some extent, replace the monoton- ous and prosaic Red cedar which is used so much in our ornamental planting in the South, because it far excels that tree both in growth and in beauty. Glaucous Cypress (Cupressus glauca, Lamyn, C. Zuciteanica and C. pendula, L. Hiret) is native of India, but has become naturalized in Portugal. A beautiful pyramid tree of rapid growth and with lower branches gradually pendulose; the color of the foliage and young shoots is bright grayish-green. Our specimen was planted in 1894, and is now 18% feet tall. When 8 feet tall its top was killed during a severe winter, but it soon recuper- rated bv making a new top. This very beautiful and rapid-growing cypress will undoubtedly be hardy further South, but is here liable to be killed in severe winters. Lawsonis" Cypress (Charmarcyparis Lawsonia, Murr) was planted at the same time as C. glance, stands close by it, and is nearly of the same height. This cypress has passed through the winters without serious injury. It is a beautiful pyramidal tree,with Arbor Vitae-like pendulous leaf-branches, of bright green color; thrifty, but scarcely as luxuriant grower as the former. Deodar Cedar (Cedrus Deodara, Laud) .—Native of the Western flanks of the Himelaya, where it grows to a height of 150 feet. The Deodar cedar is one of the most handsome and largest evergreens in the world ; of pyramidal form, with straight, tapering stern, horizontal, or slightly pendulous branches, and dense bluish-green foliage. We have only one 12 TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATIONS. specimen 0n the grounds, and this leaves nothing to be desired in beauty or luxuriance (Plate X). It was plantel in 189] and has attained a height of 24 feet. Several plantings were made earlier both of this and its congeners, Cedar of Lebanon and the Atlas cedar; but they failed t0 recover from the transplanting, owing to the fact that they were too large, and that the cedars are difficult to transplant 011 our ground un- less pot-grown. Red Cedar (Junipems Viw/iniana, L.).——This tree has been planted rather too extensively on our campus. Used for avenues, the Red cedar gives the effect of dreary monotony instead of pleasing uniformity. The same is also the effect when planted together in large groups, unless the trees be restricted to certain forms and compactness by constant prun- ing or shearing. The Red cedar is very hardy, but also of slow growth _ on our grounds.‘ IVltite Cedar (Libocedrus declurrens, 'l‘orr.).——"l,‘he White cedar is a native of the Coast Range and Western slope of the Sierra Nevada, where it is said to attain a height of 100 feet. Only one specimen is found in our collection, this having been planted about thirteen years ago. It appears to be very hardy, is of a beautiful compact form, with laterally compressedbranches and vividlyr green foliage, but of slow growth, having attained a height of only 10 feet. It is evidently the horticultural form compacta, which is a dwarf answering the above de- scription. 1'ines.——Three species, with one specimen of each. have been under my observation on our grounds; namely, White pine (P. strobus, L.) ; Forest pine (P. sylvatica, L.) ; and Pinus densiflora, Siel. White pine is native of the Northern States and Canada, Forest pine is found throughout Europe and Siberia. Both of these were planted in 1889. The first died after two years of struggle with our hot summers; the second is yet alive, but a crooked, unsightly cripple, which is, however, more due to the fact that it was a crooked, knarly nursery sp-ecimen to begin with than to the inability of this species to withstand our soil and climate. The fact that it is yet alive and slowly growing corrob- orates this. Pinus dens-iflora, a name given to it because of its immense, dense spikes of staminate flowers, is a native of Japan, where it becomes a large tree of great economic importance. It was planted in 1891, has proved perfectly hardy, although hindered during the first years by too early removal of the lower branches, which weakened the stem, leaving the tree top-heavy and crooked. GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE GROWTH. From the above description, it will be noticed that the greater 1111111- ber of the fast-growring, soft-wooded trees, which confine their roots al- most exclusively to the surface soil, are failures on our ground. Dur- ing the spring, when the soil is charged with moisture, these trees make a continuous, rapid growth, which often is suddenly checked by a few weeks of drouth before the newlyr-formed tissues are sufficiently hard- ened to withstand the strong transpiration; hence we notice that the leaves of the tender shoots are hurried into too early maturity and NoTEs ON FOREST AND ORNAMENTAL TREES. 13 fall off before due time, and that even the extremity of the shoots themselves die in August and September. The hardwoods and many connifers, on the other hand, put on a growth which is determinate for short intervals; that is, shoots of a few inches in length are rapidly made from winter buds, then a period of rest in terminal growth ensues, irrespective of conditions. During this time, the leaves develop their size, the tissues mature, and the terminal buds swell and assume a form similar to the winter buds, but with all their scales unhardened, or embryonic. If the conditions for growth still remain favorable, the period of maturing is again broken by a short period of quick terminal gowth; if, on the contrary, a scarcity of moisture occurs, the period of rest will be accordingly prolonged. In this way, the growth of these trees takes place by a series of periods of alternatinglyi increasing and maturing their tissues. The arrangement of branches into tiers marks these periods in after life. The above manner of growing is noticeable in most of our oaks, especially in young Live oaks and Water oaks, and in a great number of connifers. It is not to be supposed that trees with long tap root continue as such for any length of time on a hard, impervious, and sterile subsoil, such as ours; but that the tap root is soon abandoned forsurface feed- ing laterals. The greater success of the oaks is enduring our condi- tions, I consider mainly due to the intermittent growth, by which they are more enabled to meet extremes than plants of continuous growth. As these trees grow older, the number of periods for a given season becomes reduced; so that, in old, matured trees, only one period occurs, and this in the early part of the season. From these observations, it may be inferred that trees with intermittent growth are well adapted to endure in regions with irregular sup-ply of moisture. TRANSPLANTING OAKS AND CONNIFERS. Transplanting is most readily done with all trees when they are quite young; yet some trees can be transplanted with considerable ease later in life, which holds good for most of our soft woods. Hardwoods with long tap root and the evergreens are easily stunted and crippled for life, when transplanted after a growth of several years. It is, therefore, best to transplant them into new nursery rows after the first year’s growth; if it should not, at that age, be desirable to put them in per- manent place. At that early age, the tap root of oaks produces laterals with greater ease after being cut back than later. Water oak often produces laterals in the first year without transplanting and is, there- fore, more easily transplanted than any other oak that I have handled; Live oak, on the other hand, is easily stunted by transplanting, even after only one year’s groyvth. lt is, therefore, best to plant the acorns of this oak in boxes 12 to 18 inches deep. sunk into the soil. As soon as the tap root reaches the obstructing bottom of the box, it will bend and generally also produce laterals. Other obstructions may be used; for example, thin sheets of galvanized iron perforated so as to form a sieve and sunk about 18 inches below the seedbed. This is Mr. Risien’s method of forcing pecan seedlings to form lateral roots early. It has undoubtedly the advantages over the box methods, as ‘the tap ll TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATIONS. root does not bend, but forms directly an abundant supply of young lateral roots. Roots grown by both of these methods need no pruning at the time of transplanting. ‘ Before transplanting into permanent place, holes 4 feet deep, or deeper, ought to be dug on such soil as ours, and the holes filled with mellow soil. This will encourage a deco start of the roots and the re- establishment of the tap root. Though such trees as oaks, hickories, and Walnuts cease, in time, to make use of this tap root, it is, never- theless, their great dependencein their early years. Transplanting of deciderous trees, as well as evergreens, should be done as early in the fall as the trees come to rest. Remaining for a long time healed in is very destructive to their vitality, since the roots. in our climate, as soon as cut off, commence healing the Wounds and the generating of rootlets. This exhaustive repair is lost if the trees are disturbed and forced to begin growth anew in a weakenetl state after transplanting. In no case ought the roots of such trees as hard- woods and evergreens be so exposed to the drying atmosphere that the film of moisture disappears fronrtheir surfaces. Connifers can also with advantage be transplanted in the spring, when the terminal buds indicate that the growth has been resumed. This season is really preferred by many, but at no season should con- nifers be transplanted in dry, windy weather. AFTER. CARE. All trees on a soil like ours should receive a constant and careful cultivation until they are so large that the shade from their crowns is sufficient to hold all grasses and weeds in subjugation, then cultivation may be exchanged for mowing. ' In pruning to obtain suitable height of the trunk, care must lze ta‘"en that the removal of the lower limbs be done gradually and in propor- tion to the thickness of the stem, the amount of foliage and the vigor of the tree. If a mistake is made in this operation, the prospects of a beautiful and long-lived tree is ruined. The too early removal of all the lower limbs to obtain the intended height of trunk, or the removal of too many of them at once, will bring about the ruination of the tree, due to one of two causes: If the tree is vigorous, the removal of too many of its limbs xvill concentrate the activity of the sap on the re- maining upper branches and buds until these are forced into a growth equal to that of the leader, thus taking away the pyramidal symmetry of the tree (see Plates I and VIII). Combined with this injury, the trees is apt-to become top-heavy and bent with the prevailing winds, lay- ing the naked stem with the wounds left from the amputated limbs liable to sun-scalding ; all of which will, in a short time, cripple or kill the tree. A If, however, the tree is less vigorous, stunting from such severe prun- ing will ensue at once. Heading up of trees should be done gradually as in the forest, where it is done by the gradual shading of the lower limbs. If any lower branch should grow too fast, so as in time to necessitate too heavy amputation, it can readily be kept in check by pinching its terminal shoots during the growing season. The same operation can also be applied to any other branch that threatens to destroy the symmetry of the tree. TE? wl>O “o o<|>H oeim Plate V-Avenue of SwunnfPin Oaks. Plate V[—-\Vater Oak. Plate VII—Avenue of Water Oms. Plate VIII-Whit? On k s. Plate IX- Horizqnltal Cypress. Jwificamxofin on» E x20 mid its .5593 Hnwowfilvm 3:5