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WISCONSIN STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
size of the poles shipped from the north part of the state for
electric and telephone lines. For a clipped screen or hedge the
Arbor Vitae is useful; in cultivation a number of interesting
forms have been developed which have proved valuable in the
nursery trade. Where there is room the Arbor Vitae is useful
for variety, but cannot be our first choice among evergreens.
Our Red cedar-Juniperus Communis-is in disgrace, like the
Barberry, and perhaps we will be ordered to banish the species.
It is said that it harbors and disseminates a fungus which in-
jures the leaves and fruit of the apple. In exposed situations
the leaves sometimes in the spring become so brown as to be
scarcely attractive. The natural habitat of this cedar is rocky
hillsides, but it spreads to adjacent woodland pastures, and prob-
ably the eastern species-Juniperus virginiana-may have escaped
from cultivation and seem to be a native.
Next in order comes our willows in great variety, but many
kinds are more nearly shrubs than tree-like. Dr. J. J. Davis of
the Botany department of the University informs me that we
may safely count on the Black willow-Salix nigra-and the
peach-leaved willow-Salix amydaloides-as growing into real
trees. The latter makes a graceful appearing tree and deserves
a place in ornamental planting.
The poplars fit well in the forests for landscape effect, and
some use could be made of the Quaking poplar-Populus tremu-
loides-in ornamental planting. The species ordinarily called
Yellow poplar-Populus grandidentate-is useful in the woods as
a filler, and adds to the landscape effect. The wood is useful
for box material and in cheap cabinet work. There seems to be
no special place for it in ornamental planting.
The Balsam poplar or Tacamahac-Populus balsamifera-
might be used for ornamental purposes in some situations. The
fragrant resinous buds in the spring are interesting. It makes 3
better appearing tree than the foreign Balm of Gilead, which is
often planted.
The Cotton Wood-Populus deltoides-is a useful, quickly
growing tree, but the habit of shedding a copious supply of "cot-
ton" in the spring, discourages planting it near to dwellings.
The walnuts-White walnut or Butternut-Juglans cinerea-
and the Black walnut-Juglans nigra-are useful for nuts and
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