Sometimes people put a $10 plant in a $1 hole. What we say out here is you should put a $1 plant in a $10 hole. You need to create a hole; it needs to be much wider than the root ball.

It's sometimes good to enrich the soil. Whenever you plant a tree, or any plant, you're damaging some of its roots, and you're going to have to give it a little TLC. You want to have a healthy root system that will expand. You want to provide some kind of inducement so that it will expand. Roots are stupid, they're lazy, they'll take the path of least resistance. So if you have a tiny little hole, what are they going to do? They aren't going to try to push through hard dirt. They're just going to travel around and around, and around—until they stop working.

If a plant is in a stress situation, it can take nutrients from its old growth and bring them to the new part. So if there's a nutrient deficiency, where you'll see it is in the older leaves, because the plant is kind of feeding on itself. If you see new green growth and old yellow growth, it's more than likely due to a nutrient deficiency.

There are also a host of minor nutrients. If you're in a place that has high rainfall, molybdenum and sulphur can become deficient—they literally get washed out of the soil. Molybdenum is necessary for plants to be able to use nitrogen. Places in the Southeast often have a molybdinum deficiency. You can replace nitrogen, but if you don't replace the micronutrients, you're not going to get full use of the fertilizer.

Ninety five percent or more of the problems you have in your landscape are going to be cultural. If you have good cultural practices you're not going to have these problems.

Trees: Never be afraid to reject trees that come in. If you order them, you're the customer and you don't have to accept them. They grow a lot of junk out there.

If the tree has a stake next to the trunk, get it off immediately. It's bad for the tree; it's tree abuse.

Cutting off branches: Unfortunately, in years past, we told people to cut them off against the trunk and we did it so well that now we're having a problem trying to let people know that we told you wrong. So don't cut a limb flush. And don't paint the spot afterward, because then you seal in moisture and you can get rot.

Pruning pines: I know it's really hard, especially where you have a lot of mowing, but trees are big shrubs until they become mature. And so often when you buy plants from nurseries, they're what we call "lollipops" a shape that will cause problems in the future.

You need the limb structure to be all the way down the trunk. If you trim the branches all the way up to make it look like what we think a tree should look like, then it becomes a sail—it catches the wind and doesn't distribute it all the way through—and then you have a problem.

This article compiled from an address presented by the authors at the 2006 ICFA Annual Convention

Of all the work pertaining to horticulture there is none so difficult to write about as the planting and pruning of trees and it is almost impossible for one to learn how to do the work by reading for the fact that no two trees are alike.

Whoever studies the varied beauties of trees will find that they possess almost a human interest, and their features will reveal varieties of expression, and charms of character, that dull observers cannot imagine.

No tree has the highest beauty of its type without the appearance, in its whole bearing, of robust vigor. There may be peculiar charms in the decay of an old trunk, or the eccentric habit of some stunted specimen which ministers to the love of the picturesque; but tree beauty and health are as inseparable in trees as in humanity. Luxuriant vigor is, then, the essential condition of all beautiful trees but thriftiness cannot make an elm look like an oak, but rather brings into higher relief the distinguishing marks of each, making the elm more graceful and the oak more majestic.

It is always profitable to give time to intelligent preparation of the soil to receive the trees and to be sure that the roots are kept in a moist condition until established in the new ground, Excavate the soil from a space wide and deep enough to provide for the root growth, throw back the soil so that your trees when planted in the middle of the prepared space will have a deep, mellow bed in which to extend their roots.

In planting, the tree should be set in the ground no deeper than it grew in the nursery, which depth may be determined by discoloration of the bark at the base. More trees die from this one cause than from any other. Any broken or injured roots should be pruned so that the ends be smooth.

It transplanting trees I would advise liberal doses of old manure or wood ashes. It is surprising how the roots revel in ground containing such ingredients. Another important factor for quick and luxurious growth is to form basins around the trees in order to catch the water. It is, besides that, a safeguard against the lawn mower. Never allow any grass to grow near your young trees; keep the basins always free of weeds and have the soil stirred up two or three times during the summer and in winter put some short manure on to keep out the cold, and also to serve as a mulch. Be sure to have the basins large enough, never less than one foot in diameter; two feet is much better.

You ask--When is the best time to plant trees and my answer is: plant whenever the weather conditions are favorable. There are so many conditions that may work out all right for the grower in a certain locality, but would be the wrong procedure in another locality. And again, one season may call for a slight modification of the work done the previous year. Thus you can easily see that it is impossible for anyone to lay down a fixed set of rules and follow them, in reference to each particular case. All well regulated cemeteries should have their own nursery so you could plant just whenever you have a favorable day. I have planted trees from our own nursery row as late as the third week in May, out in full leaf and without a single loss. This, of course, would be impossible if you had to buy your trees at some distance from home; hence the double advantage.

It is common to note how little attention most people pay to the trees after they are once planted. Is it any wonder one sees so few really beautiful specimens? This is apparently due to the fact that they do not require his constant care, and usually seem to thrive without his aid; yet what a vast difference between a well trained, properly cared for tree and the one that has to take care of itself. A tree demands very little care and attention if it be done annually, but that it must have to develop properly.

How to save our trees? That is the problem; to prevent them from dying; to keep them in good health, strong and beautiful; to keep them with us. Surely these are admirable endeavors and worthy of much thought and attention.

I cannot emphasize enough the necessity of removing the old bark of the trees once every two years just before spring opens. This should be gathered carefully and burned. It is not only of the greatest benefit to the growth and appearance of the tree, but it also destroys thousands of insects, larva and pupa in them, which have their winter quarters under the loose pieces of bark, just getting ready for their destructive work as soon as spring opens. "One ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure" and the removal of the old bark is just such an ounce of prevention against the ravages of caterpillars and scale in summer.

PRUNING

I was taught some years ago by our local nurserymen, to do all tree pruning when the trees were dormant, or when the sap was down; but from my own experience, and observation of late years, I do all my pruning when the sap is up and I recommend same to all my friends. In our own locality, the center of Ohio, I find the month of June and usually the first two weeks of July (if the weather conditions are right) is the best season of year to do this work.

One should always use a sharp, fine-tooth saw, and as soon as the trees are pruned paint the cuts with one coat of thin paint. Never leave any stubs when pruning, but cut always just as close as possible to the trunk of the tree, so that the cambium gets a chance to close the wound, and the sap must be up in the tree in order to promote this growth. Cambium is the white and softer part of wood between the inner bark and the wood. It is popularly called the sap-wood. This is annually acquiring firmness and thus becoming hard wood.

If a limb is cut when the sap is down, and has to stand several months, before the sap rises up again this cut becomes hard and dry, and in most cases the cambium never starts to grow and in a few years the cut is rotten and makes a home for insects and we all know that where we have insects we cannot have a healthy tree.

I think the secret of fine exterior foliage is mostly due to a good, clear, healthy interior, entirely free from suckers, dead wood and all small branches that do not help to make up a pleasing exterior.

The sunlight and air should reach every part of the tree.

Do not prune simply because you see your neighbor pruning, but start about your work with the aim of accomplishing a certain fixed purpose, and never cut a branch from your tree unless you have a reason for so doing.

The tree may be spread, or it may be contracted, by cutting to a bud that point outward for the former or to a bud that inclines inward for the later. If this be done intelligently it will prove of great value in the training of your trees. As a rule, the weaker the growth the harder it should be pruned back. This will encourage a heavier wood growth the following season.

By this article it can be seen that growing fine trees is not a sinecure, but still it is a glorious work, demanding a man's whole energy and unfailing love for Nature, and one of her most beautiful creations--the tree.

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 23rd Annual Convention
Held at New York City, NY
September 14, 15 and 16, 1909

In the study of this subject I find it to be a great one. I have found at least two dozen phases of forestry upon which I would love to write, all having more to do with wasteland than with any other, and each deserving a twenty-minute paper. It has been hard, therefore, to determine which phase would be the most profitable on this occasion.

Forestry as a science seeks to discover and apply certain principles by which forests are best managed. It differs from arboriculture in that it cares nothing for single trees only as they stand together on an area whose principle crop is trees; and practical forestry means both the use and the preservation of the forest. Its uses, like the demands made upon it, are numberless. It sustains and regulates the streams, modifies the climate by influencing the winds, the moisture and the covering of the surface of the land; beautifies the landscape, supplies wood, timber and lumber. Surely a thing so useful should be given proper protection from fires, from thieves and from the reckless waste of lumbermen.

But what are wastelands? Possibly, denuded worn out lands, swamplands and arid lands of the West, would include about all. Few of us here today are troubled with swam lands; or with arid lands, though last spring things got a little swampy in some portions of Missouri and Kansas and up to the last few days, we felt a little arid. Hence of denuded worn out lands alone, shall I speak today.

Not only were "The groves God's first temples" but the "primeval forests" seems to have been well nigh universal. Only in the arid sections and on the highest mountains, do we find a dearth of trees, and even here nature puts forth a tremendous effort to grow a substitute. Less than 300 years ago we could count our forests by the millions of square miles. All of the New England states, the Atlantic states and the states constituting our river valleys, were once covered with magnificent forests. Today it is not so. We hear frequent reference made to the waste worn out lands of New England. The same may be said of many other sections. Why?

The Puritan of Massachusetts and the Cavalier of Virginia began the destruction of the woods in the interest of agriculture. Their descendants were slow and are slow today in placing a proper estimate upon the forests. However, forests are beginning to be counted among our National resources, quite as much as our, soil, ores, coal, oil and gas. The early settlers used the forests for themselves, not dreaming of the future. In the east they slaughtered the forests for land to plow. The rivers were for transportation, and boat building required much timber and lumber. The railroads later on, required millions and millions of ties and countless cubic feet of timber for bridges. These "advances in civilization" produced a market and hastened the removal of the forests.

The establishment of factories for vehicles, furniture and machinery increased the demand and Yankee greed has always been equal to, any demand. As Mr. Record puts it, "more trees had to be cut until in the Ohio Valley region, consisting of Ohio, Indiana, southern Illinois and northern Kentucky, once containing hundreds of thousands of square miles of timber, “so little forest area now remains, the demand of the people must be largely supplied from the outside”.  Only, nine years ago this section produced over two billion feet; or one-fourth of the hardwood used in the United States." Two years ago they produced less than half that amount. Even now the supply is practically exhausted and the Ohio Valley will never regain its lead, or its fame enjoyed for forty years as the center of “the hardwood industry." The same is largely true of northern Minnesota, southern Michigan and Wisconsin, southern Iowa and northern Missouri.

In a comparatively short time we have almost reached the end of our once magnificent forest areas, which should have always remained the glory of our fair land as a covering, even as long hair was, in Paul's estimation; a glory to a woman as a covering, We destroy annually by fire quite as much timber as we use. The forest growth is estimated to be only one third of the annual cut-in other words, the timber cut and disposed of in some way every year, is double our annual growth. How long can we stand it? Twenty years more of that rate of use and destruction will bring us to a distressing condition. I think it, was only last spring, Mr. Gifford Pinchot, in speaking of the dissipation of our forests, said, "We really face their absolute exhaustion within the present generation."

Extravagance and wastefulness, then, denuded vast areas of our fair land and rendered them waste and barren. We use five times as much timber per capita as many European countries. In an article in a geographical magazine, I read tint each year in the United States, thirty billions of board-feet of pine, spruce and hemlock are cut; three billions of oak and seven billions of cherry, walnut, poplar, hickory, cypress and chestnut, making forty billions in all, cut from our timber land every year. And further, that England is already aroused and even now is reaching out to every country she can and is importing lumber and timber into her dominion; that the United States is exporting considerable quantities of lumber, shingles and box material, but importing much less; that in 1900 we imported about twelve million dollars' worth of wood from Canada and about seven million dollars worth of cork, walnut and mahogany from other countries. It is shame that we have to import walnut. Had each generation been wise in its own time, this would not be. As for myself, I would be glad to have all exportation of woods in any form prohibited, or at least placed under close government regulation and every inducement through our tariff laws, held out to other countries to send their timber and lumber to us in large quantities. And when we apply common sense to the preservation of all the various sources of our national wealth, as we do to other national affairs, we will have that very condition existing.

We have so changed the climate in many states that we can not farm as we once did, and our farms lie waste and worn out. By the destruction of wooded areas, our soil has been allowed to go into rivulets, into streams, into creeks, into rivers, out into the ocean; a billion tons every year, the heaviest tax the farmer pays. We stand idly by and see our farms go into the rivers and oceans, and then vote a river and harbor tax to dig our own land out again, to dig that which should have been kept out. Our government is trying to teach us better through the Department of Forestry, but we are slow to learn. The valley farmers, yea, and the hill farmers too, have ruined the farms for navigation and the western farmer has already begun to ruin their rivers for navigation; and this reminds me of what Mr. Pinchot says in his very pleasant way, in speaking of wastelands of the west: "Ranges of the West do not now support one half of what they should under proper management, and we pay the penalty every time we buy a beefsteak or a leg of mutton."

It becomes us to right about face at once and restore these forests for economical, climatic and agricultural purposes. Let every man restore at least a wood lot. It can be done, even as the arid west has been so largely restored to a habitable condition, yea, converted from a pauper to a large surplus producing region. Shall we do it? Do you want to see "the desert" we ourselves have made, bloom once more as the rose? Then restore the forest growth to your rocky slopes, ravines, creek banks, and plant trees in every corner cut off naturally by creeks, or artificially, by drain ditches and railroads. See that trees grow on every steep slope and creek and river bank to prevent erosion by heavy rains or freshets. If you have no such places, plant trees where you need protection most, preserve them carefully from all enemies and cut out only dead or fallen and "weed trees." A belt of forest trees on the west and northern side of our orchards will protect fruit blossoms from late frosts, even as such a belt of trees around our barns and feed lots protect our stock from many a wintry blast.

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 22nd Annual Convention
Held at Kansas City, MO
August 11, 12 and 13, 1908

If a man takes himself for a model and learns nothing from others there is little hope for his improvement. For about twenty years we have had our annual meetings, composed of intelligent men from all the states in the Union, with our friends from Canada, discussing all questions pertaining to Cemetery matters. We also have our excellent paper, "Park and Cemetery," through which we are kept posted on all these things, so that our cemetery improvements keep pace with the advancing intelligence of our people.

Our excellent Chairman has invited us to step out from the quiet precincts of the Cemetery, for a little while, to consider the welfare of the living. Nature in this country is on an extensive scale. Our inland seas, great rivers, mountain ranges, fertile lands, exuberant vegetation, with our vast sea coasts, fisheries and unbounded mineral wealth, form a country capable of sustaining a thousand millions of people.

Nature is a unit, and as a unit it is also a mechanism, perfect in all its parts. To disturb any part thereof is to disturb all the rest. To remove say one hundred feet deep of vegetation from such a large country as this, would certainly make a great change. We observe that our streams are becoming raging torrents in winter and dry beds in summer. Then the fierce winds of winter sweep over the bare face of the earth, with injury to farm crops and certain destruction to fruit trees, becoming a menace to the comfort and health of the people and the cattle in the field. The destruction of the forests is going on and unless we replenish the forests by replanting, we may say that our nation has reached the zenith of its prosperity.

But will our people let this, the most desirable country in the world go to destruction? I throw not. Already our wise men at Washington, DC, have thrown the broad shield of the government protection over forests on the public land and at the head-waters of some of our rivers in different States, which will save our goodly city of Orleans, with other southern cities, from being washed into the seas. In this connection we may mention the dear old, smoky city of Pittsburg, that great hive of industry, whose streets are so frequently flooded by the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers, by reason of the destruction of the forests above, with all the cities and towns on the banks of the Ohio on down to the sea, which are washed more and more every year in proportion as the forests are cleaned from the country above. To stop this destruction is a serious consideration. We know the cause; what is the remedy?

I would suggest as a universal and perfect plan, one that would meet all the requirements, connected with forest trees. Plant break-winds of evergreen trees so that every field will be protected. The snow and ice will linger among them all winter and stop the flooding of our streams at once. To be effective, it would take one-tenth of the surface to he devoted to shelter belts. But what about our lords of creation, the farmers? Certainly they will be amply compensated for the loss of the land by the valuable lumber grown on the farm, and the shelter afforded will more than double the worth of the acres cultivated. To this end, then, we must be diligent, working together, each man do his duty, like a well organized army, throughout the length and breath of the land. This is the only way possible, by which we can maintain the prosperity of the country by keeping the supply of lumber equal to the great demand, securing the safety of our cities on the rivers, where our farmers find a ready market for their produce. Those trees will be growing while we sleep; so, by the judicious planting of trees our country would appear as a paradise, where the whistling winds of winter sing to the storm and the sighing of the summer breezes accompany the sweet songs of our forest birds whose home is among the swaying branches, thus wielding a refining influence over our young people, filling them with love and respect for farm and country. But the most important and valuable results, will be the restoration of the salubrity of our climate, promoting the comfort and health of our people.

Let us take a retrospective glance at the history of an old Nation. Abraham, because of his excellent character, was called the friend of God. When he bought a burial lot from the sons of Heth, he was very careful to mention in the deed, "the trees in the borders thereof." One of his descendants, Solomon, King of Israel, made the cedars of Lebanon to be as plentiful about Jerusalem as the Sycamores of the valley. He also wrote a treatise on the vegetation of his country, from the cedars of Lebanon to the hysop that springs out of the wall. Unfortunately, that treatise is lost. Many persons today would be willing to pay a good price for it, could it be found. We are led to inquire, why is it, that that great country, which maintained a dense population for ages, is a desert today? Is it not because the cedars have departed from Lebanon? And the oak from Bashan? Let us take a lesson from Australia, a country about the size of our own, part of the British Empire. A few years ago a large district of the country was stripped of its forests, because of the commercial value of its lumber. The result was that region became a desert. The rain from heaven ceased to fall and every thing was desolate. But the government began planting trees, on the outside of' the dry district. As the trees advanced, the rain-fall advanced. Now the whole region is reclaimed. We have the experience of several old nations, in the treatment of their forests and the beneficial effects there from. It is quite evident, that no country can prosper without forests. Let us shelter every field from all the "cold blasts that can blow," not forgetting to plant high and lofty trees in vicinity of buildings, being a great protection in thunder storms.

A vast amount of property is consumed by lightning every year in this country, barns and dwellings with their contents, which can easily be prevented by the planting of a few trees. Speaking from my own experience and observations, in my location, Washington, PA., which is all the battle line of climatic war, between the extremes of the North and the South, I sincerely believe that all parts of the country, from the Arctic to the Torrid Zone, would be benefited by the planting of trees. All Superintendents of American Cemeteries should make their influence felt for the public weal along this line in their various locations.

Our country, the United States of America, was the last and best portion of the earth to be opened up for the habitation of man. These men were prepared in the old world, by severe discipline under tyranic rule, so that the love of liberty and right swayed all their actions. They brought with them the Bible, Colleges and Schools, the influence of which has made America the leading nation of the world, a bulwark of freedom, a joy and praise in the earth. Let us all then as citizens live up to our duty making the best of life and leaving this world the better for our being in it. Therefore it behooves us all to look forward to the consummation of all things earthly. King David, the "Sweet Singer of Israel," with all the power of prophetic vision, looked away clown the vista of coming time, to the supreme crisis, the glorious entrance of the human race, into their eternal home and was led to exclaim:

"Ye gates lift your heads, and an entrance display,
"Ye doors everlasting wide open the way!
"The King of all Glory; high honors await,
"The King of Glory; shall enter in state!”

Also:

"With joy and gladness great,
He all of them shall bring,
And they together enter shall; the palace of the King."

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 22nd Annual Convention
Held at Kansas City, MO
August 11, 12 and 13, 1908

Among the various subjects for our consideration at this time, is that of "Trees, Shrubs and Plants for the Adornment of the Cemetery." The subject is vast and unbounded. Our country extends from the Arctic to the Torrid Zone. It may be said of it, it is the glory of all lands; and within its bounds are twenty-four (24) botanical classes of plants, with no less a multitude than thirty thousand species, and an endless variety in the species. From this vast array of beauties, each superintendent will have to select for himself that which will flourish in his particular location.

Let us not forget that every plant, from the lichen that clings to the rocks, to the majestic redwood Sequoia Gigantica which adorns the hills of California, is an expression of our beneficent Creator's good will to men. It was a paradise we lost; we are to regain a paradise. When earth and all which it contains shall have passed away within the precincts of a future world, the family of man shall partake of joys depicted under the alluring imagery of a garden, a pure crystal stream, refreshing bowers and luxuriant verdure. It is meet that we should beautify the resting place of our dead, relieve the gloom of death and make the cemetery a pleasing retreat for reverent contemplation.

Whatever planting is done in the lots should be done under the direction of the superintendent. If flowers are desired by the lot holder, they should be planted in beds, circles or crescents, so that they will not interfere with the cutting of the grass. Flowering shrubs are more becoming than tender flowers; a clump of hardy ever blooming roses, White Musk Cluster, Red Rambler, Hermosa; for single bushes Hydrangea Grandiflora is one of the best, but our hardy native Rhododendrons are beautiful all the year round, the fern-leaved birch gives the best shade and does not injure the grass, or stain marble or granite; it is also a pleasing object all the year round.

The best thing in a lot is a fine carpet of grass, and whatever is planted in the lot should be placed so that it will not obstruct the mowing. Trees and shrubs in the lots should be few and select. The screening plantations and sylvan scenery, with thousands of ornamental trees and shrubs should be outside the lots, properly on the borders of the cemetery. A judicious arrangement of the planting gives dignity to the landscape, sequestration and shelter.

The cemetery of which I have charge belongs to the classical city of Washington, PA, the woody land of Penn, the Keystone State of our Union, located among the rich hills of Washington County. When I took charge of the cemetery in 1868 most of the grounds were primeval forest. Our general plan is to leave sections of the forest between the lot sections. The effect is grand. We value these trees highly, not because of their commercial value, but because they were planted by the Lord of heaven and earth. The managers have given their superintendent a free hand to plant everything that will flourish in our location. Already we have a great variety in our old reserve forest, but will add many more as we find it convenient. The standard forest trees cannot be grown to perfection if transplanted. Oak, walnut, chestnut, hickory seeds should be planted as they fall from the trees and covered with wood's earth. As they grow, keep the stem or trunk covered with leaves, let the top go aloft, to any height desired, but protect the trunk with leaves, until the top branches shade the ground around the tree. Fibrous-rooted trees, such as maple, elms and poplars, can be transplanted without dwarfing them.

The white oak is, among the deciduous trees, what the cedar of Lebanon is among the evergreen trees. The way it takes hold of the earth, its perpendicular trunk, where it has room to spread, limbs very large, diverging at a very large but not uniform angle, from a broad, gnarled, massive juncture; some of them go out horizontally, variously contorted, much and variously branched, the higher limbs make a sharper angle, they all often make considerable bends, in any direction, upwards, downwards, or on either side, spray on many twigs at right angles in all directions, miniatures of the larger limbs. As an ornamental tree it is beautiful in every stage of its growth; at first light, slender, delicate and waving, at last, broad, massive and grand but always graceful. Let everyone who has an opportunity plant a white oak. When standing in a situation, where it is somewhat protected and has room freely to expand its limbs, it will improve in beauty and magnificence for many generations of men. It is the last tree on earth to yield to the storm. When standing together, the mixture of the various oaks makes an interesting and beautiful picture. Among the evergreen trees, the pines, spruces, firs, cypresses, north of Mason and Dickson's line, the white pine for beauty and utility heads the list. It bends to the storm, yet successfully resists its violence. All the coniferva are worthy of a place in the cemetery.

Managers and superintendents of American cemeteries and parks, as intelligent and patriotic citizens, should give good heed together and preserve our vegetable American beauties and give them a place in our public grounds, so that they may not disappear from the earth. Before the tremendous energies of our people the forests are going down like the harvest before the reaper. Comparatively there are still a few trees left. Like the latest left in their ancient strength they stand and tell us still of the sylvan years when the forest filled the land. Our worthy President Roosevelt, the Senate, Congress and the Legislatures of every State in the Union, besides the colleges and schools, have taken the forest-tree question into consideration. No doubt good will come to the nation through their deliberations.

Hardy Herbacous plants should find a place in every cemetery; they are beautiful and afford not only a great variety in form and color and habit of plant, but diversity in beauty of foliage, while the flowers present an endless variety in form and color, and in time of flowering they range from earliest spring to latest autumn. Have them arranged in families, according to the Linnean system of botany. Begin with range A, say 100 to the range, then range B; ten ranges to the block; then as many blocks as can be filled; use calcined numbers twelve inches in the ground and three inches above the surface and a catalogue to correspond, which will be of great use to botanical classes in the colleges, seminaries and high schools, but above all it will be one of the most interesting ornaments of the cemetery, more in place than, common flower beds.

Besides the importance vegetation has in the adornment of the cemetery, among the natural sciences none is more fitted for general education than botany. It relates to objects which are constantly within our reach and can be studied at all times; and it is fitted alike for young and old, for rich and poor. It makes us see wonderful beauty and arrangement even in the meanest weed. It adds brightness and pleasure to the hours of recreation. The works of God are wonderful and they are sought out of all that have pleasure therein. Let a student acquire a taste for science and he will proceed to search out more and more the objects around him. But while prosecuting with ardor the study of material things, let him not be misled by a false glare of science, which would lead him to ignore the power, the omniscience and constant superintendence of Him by whom all things were created and by whom they subsist every moment and while diligently acquiring a knowledge of earthly things let him not forget the better things of God's word, which alone can make him wise unto salvation.

Let me call your attention to the shading of avenues in the cemetery with the grand drapery of the forest. Of course we will have to use only such trees as are tough, to withstand storms. Say, one avenue white oak-Quercus Alba; a second avenue red oak-Quercus Rubra; and various other lofty oaks. The white ash, Fraxinus Acuminata, and various sorts; Magnolia Acuminata; several varieties of the elm; several varieties of the beech and hornbeam; the buttonwood tree, Platanus Occidentalis, could be used with fine effect. Both our native and European buttonwood trees are splendid in any position. The idea is to form an arch to any height desired over the roadway, of one particular kind of trees to any point desired. Then proceed with another sort, one sort of tree to each avenue. For vistas, raise the arches, or leave vacancies. To give variety, short dark avenues can be used in some locations. The white pine and Austrian pine are the best, for this purpose. The idea is to keep every avenue or part of the avenue, distinct with a distinct sort of tree. Of course we will have to use such trees as will flourish in the valley and on the hill and various soils. The various trees will give various shades; from the light and shimmering, to the dark of the gloaming, even at noonday.

Trees are a perpetual source of delight to all the senses of man, all the year round; the soothing summer sighing; in winter they sing to the storm. The greatest men, the human race has produced, have been interested in trees. Moses prayed earnestly, that he might be permitted to pass over and see the goodly land and Lebanon. He wished to see the cedars, and the oaks of Bashan.

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 20th Annual Convention
Held at Detroit, MI
August 21, 22 and 23, 1906

In the popular mind evergreens are usually associated with pines, spruces, firs and the like. In this brief paper we will call attention to some hardy ornamental evergreens other than the coniferous forms.

There is undoubtedly a particular value in any shrub or tree that will maintain a good normal green appearance in its leaves throughout the entire year in this latitude. The British Islands and some parts of Continental Europe, on account of the cool moist atmosphere that prevails, are admirably adapted to the cultivation and high development of many beautiful "flowering evergreens" that we cannot think of cultivating throughout the northeastern United States. We are, however, more than compensated by the abundant wealth of many deciduous trees and shrubs, which on account of our hot, almost tropical summers, abundant rainfall and cold winters which give a long period of rest, attain to a much greater floral perfection here than, they do in Europe. It may seem strange, however, that although numerous parts of the North American continent are the homes of many beautiful evergreens, that their successful cultivation is frequently attended with much difficulty under ornamental conditions. We will first consider the coniferous evergreens. Their cheerfulness throughout the dull winter months and the handsome comely forms of many of them, so strikingly apparent in the summer time, particularly in their youthful days and their general desirability at all times of the year, commend them to all planters wherever conditions are known to be favorable for their healthy growth and development, in parks, cemeteries and private grounds. They do not impoverish the soil around them nearly to the same extent as deciduous trees, their leaves are not troublesome in creating litter and they rarely are injured by violent storms. They can easily be restricted in growth and area if so desired, without much trouble, by disbudding and pinching, and this can be done so intelligently that the means employed to accomplish this end can hardly be detected.

Rochester being such a prominent nursery center for a great many years, coniferous evergreens among other things, have been more or less largely cultivated, handled and sold. The well known firm of Ellwanger & Barry during their long career have tested a large number of different kinds, from an experimental point of view and obtained much valuable information as to the most satisfactory species and varieties for planting in conditions of soil, temperature and moisture that obtain elsewhere similar to Rochester. For example, on the south side of their vineyard on Highland Ave. the Nordman and Cephalonian firs, over fifty feet in height and Lawson's Cypress nearly forty feet, are in good health, and planted nearly fifty years since, are among some of the important evergreens to be seen in their grounds.

Highland Park, which forms a part of the park system of the city of Rochester, contains an extensive pinetum covering an area of 20 acres. The soil is a very light sandy loam, on porous, gravelly subsoil. The nucleus of this collection was planted in the spring of 1896 and numerous accessions have been made since. No particular plan of planting in generic sequence has been adopted. The more rare and known tender kinds are planted in different situations and exposures to find out what suits them best. As every experienced planter knows, some evergreens are exceedingly capricious and what might strike a planter as an ideal "spot" for these particular subjects may subsequently show by their behavior to be unfitted for them, so we have adopted the plan of not having all our "eggs in one basket." Some species of doubtful hardiness such as Pinus Sabiniana, Libocedrus decurrens, Cedrus Deodara and C. Libanii have been under trial since 1898 and so far have behaved splendidly, but we cannot tell how soon a severe winter may occur and injure them severely. Pinus insignis, P. Pinea and Cupressus MacNabiana have been winter, killed.

The soil best adapted for almost all coniferous evergreens is a light sandy loam with good porous subsoil, which must be naturally or artificially well drained. It must not of course be understood that we recommend a poor soil, but whilst it should be light in texture, it should be rich enough to grow good wheat or potatoes. The best season for planting coniferous evergreens is a much discussed question. I have planted them at all seasons of the year, except when in full growth, with more or less success. In the months of August and September is a good time for planting, providing the ground has been well saturated with rains. I think on the whole I have had the best results by spring planting, just about the time when the buds begin to perceptibly swell. It is needless to say before a body of practical men such as we have here, that coniferous evergreens are much less tenacious of life than deciduous trees, and therefore the most scrupulous care should invariably be exercised in planting or transplanting to preserve the roots from exposure to the air. This gospel has been preached time and again, and no heterodox heresy will ever affect its validity. The different pines, spruces and firs perhaps show their greatest beauty in their youthful days. I mean by that before they attain anything like maturity. Therefore the preservation and retaining of the lower branches should be encouraged by all possible cultural means, This can be aided by an occasional stopping of the leader by cutting back to a bud in firs and spruces and allowing it only so much growth in a season, and disbudding the points of branches in May and June that extend too far beyond the general pyramidal outline. Under conditions where a highly gardenesque effect is desired the most dense pyramidal outlines can be produced in many firs and spruces by systematic judicious disbudding, and still look wonderfully naturalistic. It must be clearly understood that I do not here in any way allude to the topiary art of shearing or trimming with shears into any form whatever, for unless for hedge purposes, that is something to be despised.

In the Highland Park Pinetum very little disbudding has been done, as it is desirable in a collection of this kind to leave them as much as possible to natural development. The main attention has been given towards the preservation of the leaders and occasionally central buds have been repressed in branches of pines, spruces and firs where they extend too far.

Mulching is excellent treatment for young evergreens where it is practicable and I have elsewhere seen splendid results from it. With us this is impracticable, but we do the next best thing. The soil is kept thoroughly cultivated and stirred from eighteen inches to two feet from the extremities of the branches and this also saves them from possible damage from fires, which are sometimes liable to occur in the dry grass in early spring. Among the various insect pests that attack evergreens the two worst with us are Red Spider, and the Pine-Tree Blight, Eriosoma strobi. The red spider in a dry season will attack some of the spruces so badly as to seriously disfigure them. With an abundant supply of water under pressure applied frequently, Red Spider can be controlled, but that is seldom under command. The Pine-Tree Blight has a particular liking for the white pine and will cover the branches thickly, producing a white, downy like appearance.

It can be destroyed by any of the soap insecticides. Sometimes the white pine when apparently in the best of health and vigor will die with what seems like mysterious suddenness. This usually occurs, however, when it has been planted in a heavy, damp soil and is making a rank growth. In a light, well drained soil the causes that produce this sudden demise are rarely operative.

Among the different species of pines that are the most useful for ornamental and decorative planting, the white pine undoubtedly comes first. Our native red pine is excellent. The Bhotan, Corean, Thunbergs, Swiss Stone, densiflora and ponderosa pines we believe can be depended upon in sheltered situations. The dwarf Mugho pine and the variety known as rotundata are extremely useful and serviceable in many situations. The Austrian and Scotch pines are not generally long lived but they grow easily, are very accommodating, and we confess to having a tender regard for them.

The spruces are very attractive and among some of the best are our native white spruce and its blue form. The Oriental, Engelmans’, Douglas', Alcock's and of course the popular blue spruce, are all excellent. A spruce introduced fifteen or twenty years since from Southeast Europe, Picea Omorika, has great promise.

Our native hemlock spruce and its weeping form are indispensable, but although a native, do not plant it in bleak, cold situations or it will look forlorn. The Carolina and Patton's hemlock spruces are very promising. Albert's hemlock spruce from British Columbia and the Japanese species do not look very happy with us so far. Among the firs I have no hesitation in placing Abies con color from Colorado as one of the most decorative in these parts. Nordman's, Cephalonian (the latter will sometimes get scorched in a young stale by the winter's suns but it will soon outgrow it) and the Japanese brachyphylla and Veitch's firs, will, if planted in sheltered spots, be satisfactory. The balsam fir in Western New York looks wretched after fifteen or twenty years. The numerous forms of the native Arbor Vitae such as Hovey's, Siberian, compacta, Vervaeneana, Tom Thumb, globosa and minima, with their prim and stiff forms are useful in many situations.

The two best yews are the Japanese and the Canadian. The English Yew, with its numerous forms, is liable to get badly scorched in a severe winter.

The Nootka Sound Cypress, Cupressus Nutkaensis, appears to do well with us and is very ornamental. The Japanese Retinosporas are very unsatisfactory in Western New York

In the junipers we have some excellent evergreens. The red cedar or Virginia juniper is one of the most virile and hardy evergreens in existence. It will grow and look happy in the poorest soils and bleak exposures, and we have some pretty forms of it such as venusta, elegantissima and the glaucous variety is exceedingly handsome. The Savin juniper and its varieties tamariscifolia and alpina can be used with excellent results on banks and slopes, and in connection with rocky formations. The carpet juniper J. prost rata, and the Himalayan species J. squamata are perfectly hardy, and also excellently adapted for draping slopes and rocky banks.

The common juniper, J. communis, in its procumbent forms is very useful. The so called Irish juniper with us is useless, but the Swedish form we believe can be depended upon and the Japanese and Chinese junipers appear to be satisfactory.

In flowering and other evergreens that can be depended upon to be satisfactory in Western New York the list is small. Among the "flowering" evergreens no plants can compare to the chaste beauty of the Rhododendrons wherever they prove to be happy and healthy. In Western New York the cultivation of Rhododendrons cannot be said to have been successful, but this is more due to soil conditions than anything else. The soil is mainly limestone and it is well known that they will not thrive in soil containing lime. In limestone soil they will make a fairly good growth, but they seem to lack the necessary vigor to pass through the winter, as even when protected closely, they look unhappy when spring comes. Their cultivation, however, in Highland Park in excavated beds filled with humus or soil of a peaty nature has so far given excellent results. They grow freely, flower abundantly, pass through the winter without any scorching, and they are not coddled by close protection, other than that afforded naturally from the prevailing winds, and from the direct rays of the late winter's sun.

What is known as the Hunnewell list, which contains about twenty-five varieties, with Catawbiense blood, are all that can be used here.

The mountain laurel, Kalmia latifolia an excellent shrub, should always be used wherever it can be coaxed to grow but it will not thrive in lime. The narrow leafed form K. angustifolia is useful and the early flowering hardy species K. glauca is pretty in early spring.

Leucothoe Cateslxei, with its beautiful glossy leaves, is excellent for planting in quantity in sheltered situations.

Among the Andromedas, A. floribunda and the common A. polifolia are very satisfactory. The latter used in large quantities around the margins of ponds and lakes can be easily made to produce denser effects than it does in its native sphagnum bogs.

The native leather leaf, Cassandra calyculata can be coaxed to grow without much trouble, but it is not very decorative. The pretty little Labrador-Tea is difficult to handle. The Barberry, Arctostaphylos, when seen covering the ground with a dense carpet of green in a wild state in parts of Long Island and about the Atlantic Coast, is very attractive, but in our experience it takes unkindly to cultivation, and it is moreover hard to propagate.

Among the heaths Erica carnea, E. vagans and the Scotch heather in several forms, take kindly to cultivation and form real pretty clumps. The evergreen Euouymuses are very useful farther south, but the climbing radicans form is the only one of any account here. In the evergreen barberries aquifolium, fasicularis and the low growing repens are perfectly hardy, but they need to have natural protection from the late winter sunshine or they will get badly scorched. These evergreen barberries are very ornamental and cheerful in the winter months.

This is about the northern limit of the American holly Ilex opaca and it needs good natural shelter to look at all pleasing. The beautiful crenate holly from Japan grows slowly with us, but it is healthy enough and may form good bushes some day. The gorse or whin from Europe is useless.

Daphne cneornm under sheltered conditions forms a real pretty clump and the dwarf little sun rose, Helianthemum vulgare, is perfectly hardy and forms dense masses.

There are some pretty and useful forms of the common box (Buxus) such as naviculatis, Handsworthi and microphylla, which are quite hardy under partial shade.

A recently introduced form of the laurel from the Balkan Mountains, said to be very hardy, has been under trial in the Ellwanger & Barry nursery for some years and is reported by them to be very satisfactory. As a broad-leaved evergreen this should be very important.

In conclusion, outside the coniferous evergreens the number of flowering and other evergreens suitable for planting in ornamental grounds in this latitude is really not large and not sufficiently extensive, or of that nature so as to produce any marked or broad effect on our landscapes in this climate.

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 17th Annual Convention
Held at Rochester, NY
September 8, 9 and 10, 1903

I came to tell you a little bit about the tree as a living thing. Probably most folks do not realize that the tree is a living, breathing organism. We know it in a sort of an abstract sense, and yet we are not likely to be actively conscious of the fact that it is a living, breathing organism. As a matter of fact the tree is just as much alive as a man. It not only breaths, but it has a circulation, it digests its food, it has sex processes.

The tree breathes largely through its leaves and I hope sometime all of you may take occasion to examine the leaf of a tree under a microscope. On the upper side you will see a myriad of cells or little openings into which the air penetrates just as truly as it does into the human lungs. In those cells the air is separated into its parts, the carbon dioxide is extracted from the air and is used as a part of the food material of the tree, or the plant. As a matter or fact the tree is just a big plant taken by and large and the oxygen is thrown off for the benefit of man and all animal life. The process is opposite from that in our bodies. There is no bellows in the breathing process in the leaf, but the breathing is just as real and just as vital as in our bodies, and it continues as long as the leaves are green.

There is also a complete circulation in the tree. Of course it doesn't move around and around rapidly in response to heart action, and yet it does run the complete course from the little hair roots down in the ground up to the leaves and back again.

Just imagine you are looking at a cross section of a tree, that is the same as the top of a stump, and of course in these days when it is a popular pastime to cut trees down, you can find stumps anywhere. Imagine you are looking at the top of a stump. In the center you see the pit that was there from the time it was a baby, around that is a layer of wood which represents the first year's growth. Around that is a second layer of wood which represents the second year's growth. Around that is a third layer of wood which represents the third year's growth, and so on to the bark.

In the beginning when the tree was young and small the central cells were not only structural supports as they are all the time but they were active sap carrying tissue. The cells of a tree overlap each other and they are hollow. In the beginning when they are young there is an opening from one cell to another. So, when the tree was young and smart these central cells were active sap carrying tissue and it was through them that the sap moved upward. But as the, tree grew in size the central cells became more fined up with mineral elements and therefore more dormant, so, as you go outward toward the bark you find the lust few outside layers of wood, the active sap carrying tissue in those largely. The sap travels upward from the roots to the leaves, imagine, if you will, that you had the power to take from the ground a tree and wash the dirt away from the roots.

If you uprooted a tree and washed the dirt away you would see a magnificent structure, a wonderful top balanced by an equally large and magnificent root system. If the top is 50 feet across, the root area is also approximately fifty feet, and at the end of that root system largely are the little hair roots that take up the food in liquid form, send it up through the sap wood of the trunk, out to the leaves, where it undergoes a marvelous change, it is transformed, and then it comes back in the inner cells of the bark, in its digested form, depositing itself all the way down until finally some of it reaches the same little roots from whence it came—so you have a complete circulation that is active as long as the leaves are green.

May I suggest that in order to have that circulation you must have leaves, because they are the vital connecting link, and that is why I suppose God Almighty put the leaves on trees. It is one of the reasons, anyway, and it is why there is such a terrible crime in chopping the tops of trees off, that I will refer to later.

The digestion which occurs in the leaf is one of the most interesting things that happens in all the realms of life. I shall make bold to say that the leaf, speaking broadly, is the most important thing in the world. Of course I expect you to challenge that because it is a ridiculous thing to say that anyone thing is more important than anything else, and yet if you will bear with me I think I can make my case.

In order to illustrate what I have in mind I want to relate a story that I read in the New York Times in 1921. You will remember then that the great famine was sweeping over Russia. They were starving to death literally by the hundreds of thousands. The situation was so bad that some of the big city newspapers sent their special correspondents to Russia to inquire into the situation and report by daily letter. In one of these stories I read this incident: the correspondent told how one day they came upon a house where a little child was sick on a couch, covered with a quilt, and it looked as though there were a pillow under the quilt. Its eyes were still and glassy, staring straight upward, it was all but dead. The correspondent looked at the child and looked at the mother and she divining his purpose pulled back the quilt and disclosed a horrible, misshapen body, its little stomach was horribly distended, very much like a kewpie, its arms and legs were emaciated, it was just about breathing its last.

And then she told what had happened. She said hunger had driven them so far that they had fed this child blue clay, the clay stuck to the teeth and the walls of the stomach and would for the time being stay the pangs of hunger, but there was no power in the human system to throw it off, so it lay there. Finally the worms started to work and the end was near.

I tell that story realizing that there is in it a touch of horror because it illustrates and emphasizes a profound truth, there are only two minerals that man can take into his system and assimilate—water and salt, and those only in limited quantities. Everything else we eat and almost everything we wear comes to us through the leaves of vegetation. It is the leaf, speaking of vegetation generally, that takes the dead mineral elements from the soil and transforms them into living cells. The leaf is the one and only connecting link between the organic world and the inorganic world, meaning the world of living cells on the one hand and the world of dead mineral plants on the other. The leaf is the only thing that has the power to transform dead matter into living matter, and therefore it is the foundation of all life. No life could exist upon this earth if it were not for that vital function performed by leaves, and that is why I say the leaf is the most important thing in the world.

The tree has sex processes also that are just as real and just as beautiful as in any other form of life. The male and female exist as positive factors. Sometimes you find the male and female in the same flowers, at other times in different flowers on the same tree, and sometimes the flowers of a tree are all male or all female, the pollen is created in the male parts and is carried partly by the wind and partly by insects to the female organs where conception takes place and the continuity of life is made possible.

Perhaps you have noticed in the early spring that a tree of a certain kind may come into flower earlier than another tree of the same variety. That which comes into flower earlier is the male, to be ready for its mate.

In all of these elemental facts the tree is just as much alive as man himself and it presents an exceedingly interesting thing for one who is willing to think, to observe, to learn.

I wish that it might be possible for people generally to see more into the great world of living things all about us. So often it happens that people go through the world and see almost nothing of the world in which they live. I think perhaps the most beautiful tribute to a tree that I ever heard was told by the President of the Elyria Ohio Rotary Club when I went down there several years ago to give this little talk on trees. In introducing me he related this experience from his own life.

He said, "I have the most wonderful tree in the world at my house. Some fifteen years ago I had a little boy who was then three years of age. In the early fall he would go out to gather up the buckeyes, sometimes by pockets full and sometimes by baskets full, and bring them in and play with them. One day he took sick; the next day he was better. He went out as usual. This time he brought in just one large fine buckeye and played with it, and the next day he died.

"I took that large fine buckeye and carried it with me all the long winter. I would take it out every little while and look at it and was reminded of him. Then, when the spring came, I went out and planted it down under his sand pile. Later the sand pile was taken away, the buckeye sprouted and came up a healthy little plant. I built a fence around it and told the boys of the neighborhood that they might break anything, anything I had, the windows of my house or anything but please not to break this tree. They have respected my request and it stands there today, fifteen years old, the most wonderful tree in the world."

I thought as I listened to that story, that there was in this little tree not alone a monument to a little boy who died, but also a monument to a father's love. I wish that it might be possible for people to see something more in trees than just an accident, because as a matter of fact God Almighty put the trees here to help adorn the world.

I have sometimes wondered what this world would be if we could remove from it all of the really fine things, if we could remove music, literature, art and religion and the beauty of the great outdoors—that great unmatched beauty of the world of living things. I have wondered what this world of ours would be.

Have you ever thought of the immense importance of foliage? To the beauty of the world; to its livableness? Just remember, after the leaves have gone, this fall, when there is no blanket of white snow to cover the earth—then again in the early spring when the snow has gone, or is dirty. Look out across the landscape and see how ugly and barren it is. Then notice as the leaves come out and the grass comes forth, what a wonderful change there is with this color of green, this blanket of green that God put here to cover up the ugliness of a naked world.

That is why it seems to me that we are likely to under estimate or perhaps neglect to think about the importance of trees to the world way beyond the question of their practical utility. It seems to me that God must have known his business when he caused trees to grow upon this earth.

You know there is one thing that does arouse me tremendously and that is to see the terrible butchery of trees. Almost everywhere I go I see this slaughter, very largely by the telephone and electric light companies—sometimes by, well, I will call them "tree-quacks", sometimes by well-meaning but ignorant tree owners who permit it. God intended that the tops should be on the trees. I am not saying that there is never a time when trees should not be cut back because sometimes it is necessary, if it is done right, but as a general proposition I think it is the most inexcusable thing that any man can be guilty of, to slaughter the trees as they grow.

This is what happens: you cut the top of a tree off and you immediately destroy its circulation, and then naturally in her desperation she forces out the latent buds along the side of the stump, and presently you have a new and rather vigorous growth of new shoots, and that is what deceives a lot or people. They overlook the fact that the stump sticking up there is a constant invitation to disease.

Science has demonstrated diseases in trees as it has in other forms of life. In trees it is called fungi, a parasite by nature; it lives by tearing down some other form of life.

Now, wherever you see a decaying tree there is disease working and in a certain time of the year it throws out to the surface of the bark what they call fruiting bodies. You have seen them on the outside of trees; they look more or less like toadstools. Those fruiting bodies give off a myriad of microscopic spores that float through the air and most of them fall to the ground harmless, but some of those spores find lodgment in an open wound. It doesn't make any difference what causes the wound, it may be lightening or it may be a lawnmower in the hands of some careless man, anything that breaks the bark causes a wound and in to that wound some of these spores find their way and they start to grow, to send out their little threadlike tentacles, very much like cancer, and they travel up and down from one cell to another, eating, or consuming the cells. That is what they live on, and finally you have internal decay. What we call decay is merely the result of this active disease that is working on the inside. You cannot have anything worse than a horizontal wound in a tree. You look at that wound under a microscope and it is very much like a sponge because the cells are hollow and you cut right across them and there you have your sponge-like effect, a constant invitation for the spores of the fungi to find lodgment there and start to grow and just as sure as the sun rises and sets there will be a decay because there is no life in that stump, there cannot be any life without leaves, so, down to the point where the new growth starts the decay proceeds and goes constantly on and on into the wood of the tree and after a while you have nothing but a mere shell, and so this thing that deceives people, this vigorous new growth in the little branches that are forced out from the latent buds is a screen to hide the ravages of disease in the wound.

But even if it didn't cause the destruction of the trees through disease and decay I cannot imagine why anybody can see beauty in a tree that is beheaded. I wonder sometimes what has become of men's sense of beauty.

I heard a story from a member of Congress that interested me very much. I want to tell it to you now because I think it is more or less apropos to this band of tree butchers that we find in America.

I had related in one of my talks in the House this little story about the buckeye tree, and after I sat down a member of the House from Florida came over and sat down beside me and told me that he wanted to relate an experience that he had the preceding summer. Now this gentleman was an old, white haired man, one of the most portly gentlemen that I have ever met, a man perhaps in the late sixties with wonderful poise and self control. I have never seen him excited, and I have never seen him over enthuse. He related his little story somewhat like this, he said:
"When I was young and our first and only son was born my mother proposed that we plant a magnolia tree in the front yard in his honor. Being young and more or less irresponsible I laughed at the idea, but she persisted, so we planted a magnolia tree.

"The first time it bloomed was when he was graduated from high school; the next time it bloomed was when his sister was graduated. Then several years passed. The boy went away to war. In the war he contracted an incurable disease. He came back and lingered for a while, and finally passed away.

"Last summer they were going to widen the street in front of my house, and probably cut down that magnolia tree, so I went to see the city engineer. I said to him, Sir, I understand that you are going to widen the street in front of my house. He said, 'yes, that is the plan.' I said, 'Sir, I understand you plan to cut down the magnolia tree in my front yard.' He said, 'Well I am afraid we will have to.' 'Well, Sir, I came to tell you I shall shoot the man who cuts that tree.' He said, 'Do you mean it?' I said, 'Sir, I mean it. 'The man who cuts that tree I shall shoot and kill him.' 'Well,'     he said, 'it won't be cut. "

Sometimes I think that is about the kind of treatment that is necessary to stop this unending slaughter of America's trees. I see it everywhere I go, tens of thousands of them absolutely slaughtered and ruined.

So far as telephone and electric light men are concerned I will make the statement that not more than 15% or 20% of the cutting is necessary that is usually done to get all of the wire clearance that is reasonably necessary for those wires to go through. I know because we have done a reasonable amount of it and have secured clearance, ample clearance with only a moderate amount of cutting. We cleared the trees in my home town for the telephone company there and didn't cut a single limb bigger than your thumb and gave them ample clearance. I think it is the most damnable slaughter, the most useless sacrifice of beauty that I know of in America, and sometimes I think the only kind of treatment that will answer is the kind of treatment that the tree butchers mete out to trees.

That may sound a little harsh and yet I want to say, gentlemen that these men who slaughter the trees of America in this way defy all the laws of our country and all the laws of decency. They know no law and no restraint, only the law of force.

I had an experience down in my home town—the telephone company was proposing to stretch a new line along the main street where I live and it is a beautiful street—I didn't make it so—the main street, where I live, the foresight of men fifty or seventy-five years ago made my street beautiful, and I was afraid of what would happen, so I called up the manager of the telephone company and asked him what their program was. He said, "Well, we will have to put the wires through." I said, '''Does that mean cutting?" "Well," he said, "No more than is necessary."

Well, I said, "Now listen, don't you cut any of those trees on the street where I live." He said, "what do you mean'?" I said, "I want to be perfectly frank with you, I have got a gun in the house, and the first fellow who undertakes to cut those trees I am going to use the gun on him, I know how to use it and it is in first class condition." He said, "What do you mean?" I said, "I mean business." Well, as a matter of fact the trees weren't cut.

I know of a case down in Poland, Ohio where one determined man in that community by his own force kept the electric light company from despoiling the trees that were a century old and were the pride and the glory of that community, the trees that made the town worth living in.

It seems to me that what we need is just a little more of the fighting spirit out of which America was born in order to protect the rights of the public.

Speaking along that line makes me think of the story about the minister who was lecturing his congregation on the subject of heaven and hell—an old fashioned subject. They used to talk a good deal about it, some of our modern ministers lecture on sociology, and books and theatres, and so forth, it used to be that they talked about heaven and hell. Anyway this must have been an old fashioned sort of minister because he proceeded at some length to plead with his congregation about this subject of great importance.

Finally after he had finished he said to them, "Any of you who want to go to heaven, stand up." They all stood up except one old fellow who was asleep. They sat down and he said, "Any of you who want to go to hell, stand up." The old fellow woke up just in time to hear the last part of it and he stood up and looked the minister straight in the eye. The minister looked at him and said, "My good man do you know what you are standing up for?" He said, "I do not, but you and I seem to be the only ones for it."

Now, with your permission I would like to talk for just a little while about another subject which seems to me of great and far-reaching importance and that is the question of forest devastation. I am interested in it tremendously because it seems to me that this question of forest is one of the things that project themselves farther into the future of our country than most of the things that we ordinarily concern ourselves with. I call you to witness that we have lived through every tariff law that was ever enacted whether it be a high tariff, or a low tariff, and we have lived through every tax bill, high or low, somehow we have lived through it, and we have lived through a lot of other laws, good and bad, but there are some things that no nation can live through and remain great and strong and one of those is the destruction of the great natural wealth that only God can make. I have reference particularly to the destruction of America's forest wealth.

A hundred and fifty years ago America became a new nation and this land was endowed by the creator with a greater quantity probably of natural wealth than any nation in the history of the world, and we started in with a prodigal hand to spend it as fast as we could go.

Those of our forefathers who landed in Virginia under Captain John Smith sent back word to the mother country that they had discovered a land of inexhaustible fertility, and so it seemed, but you can go into Virginia today and buy thousands of acres almost for a song because it has been robbed of its fertility, it lacks the power of producing things in sufficient quantity to pay for cultivation. As a matter of fact I see an increasing number of abandoned farms from the Atlantic Seaboard west. In my own county there are 400 abandoned farms and this section was settled less than 200 years ago. Those of our forefathers who landed on the coast of New England carne face to face with a wonderful covering of trees, trees everywhere and yet today the New England states have exhausted four fifths of their original lumber supply; half of their remaining supply is in the State of Maine that is largely pulp wood varieties. They already import 30% of their own consumption and will import more and more as time goes on. Even the great Empire State of New York that once was the greatest producer of lumber in the Union today produces only 10% of its own consumption. They produce 30 board feet per capita every year and use 300. Penn's Woods, Pennsylvania, named because of its wonderful covering of trees has so far exhausted its supply of timber that they produced today less than enough for the Pittsburgh district alone, about 20% of their own consumption. The great lake states where there was a wonderful supply of magnificent white pine—that is almost gone. The original supply was estimated to have been 350 billion board feet, and it is now reduced to 8 billion, and it will be all gone in perhaps ten or fifteen years.

The wonderful supply of yellow pine in the south Atlantic and Gulf States is four-fifths gone.
So I might go on and tell you the story, step by step, but the last report of the United States Forest Service tells us that the entire eastern half of the United States will be stripped bare of its timber from a commercial standpoint within twenty-five years. Of course there will be many individual trees, but speaking commercially the eastern half of the United States faces a lumber shortage, or exhaustion. And also that same report says that the apparently inexhaustible supply in the far west will be all gone in thirty-five or forty years, according to the present rate of consumption because as each section is stripped of its timber it lays a heavier and heavier demand on the remaining sections.

One of the men with our company—that is the Davey Tree Expert Company (incidentally I have to stay in business to make the money I spend in politics) one of the men with our company was working in Mississippi last winter. He knew I was interested in this subject of conservation and he wrote to me about the conditions he found in the little town down there. He said the town had been built around the lumber industry and the whole supply was exhausted so the company had been bringing logs from the Pacific Coast by way of the Panama Canal, up through the Gulf of Mexico by rail so this little town in Mississippi could keep alive. That is not an isolated case; there are many many communities that have almost ceased to exist because of the exhaustion of the lumber supply.

I was told last summer by a representative of the United States Forest Service that one-fifth of the timberland in the state of Michigan had gone back to the state for nonpayment of taxes. It is land good for nothing else except growing trees and the trees have been so entirely cut away, the land has no more value, and nobody wants it, so they dumped it back on the state for the rest of the people to carry the load.

However, the question of lumber supply is only one phase of this far-reaching proposition. I sometimes wonder how we would carry on in our scheme of civilization if we ran out of lumber. Stop to think of all the things into which lumber enters and ask yourselves how we would maintain our scheme of civilization, our standard of living and progress, without lumber, and you have some idea of the magnitude of the problem.

But that isn't all. I have in mind the terrible tragedy that we were reading about so much in the papers this Last spring when the flood waters were sweeping down through the Mississippi Valley. I am thoroughly convinced that the more serious aspects of that flood were due to the destruction of the trees around the headwaters of the streams that makeup the Mississippi. It wasn't the water that fell down into the Mississippi Valley, it was the water that fell in Western Pennsylvania and Ohio and Indiana and Kentucky and Illinois, Wisconsin, Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa—all that great section where the trees have been cut away and the water sweeps quickly into the little streams and it pours rapidly into the larger streams and finally into the Father of Waters. And so the channel was just too small, it couldn't hold it, and we had a flood, and we will have more and more floods as the destruction continues because nature made the trees, the forest trees as a reservoir to hold the water back and let it seep out gradually.

Go out sometime into the woods and see the condition that the creator made. Look down at the wonderful soil, loose, porous, soil it is and take up a handful of it and see the provision that was made to absorb the moisture and then watch the water in imagination as it comes down from the heavens through the leaves and settles into this loose porous soil and follow it further, in imagination as it travels by underground channels to the little springs, and see how those springs feed the little streams, and they in turn feed the rivers, and thus you have a continuity of water supply.

But when man comes along in his breathless haste to get rich quick, or for some other reason and he cuts the trees away, allows the land to be burned over. When the rain descends from the heavens it sweeps across the surface of the land and takes with it the precious topsoil, precious top soil. It is said by scientists that it takes nature ten thousand years to make one inch of fertile top soil by the process of decaying vegetation, piling one little particle upon another—ten thousand years, and oh so little time to wash it away.

I stood by the Potomac River in Washington some two or three years ago when that stream was on the rampage and like all flood waters that stream was also muddy, and I thought to myself: what part of my country is making this terrible contribution to the sea? And then after the flood waters had subsided I went into Potomac Park again and there on the grass I saw an inch or two of precious top soil deposited there by the mad rushing waters, but only a little fraction of the enormous quantity that had been carried down to the ocean.

Reading in one of the News Weekly Magazines this last spring about the flood in the Mississippi I came across one paragraph that struck me with great force. It told how fishermen were coming back from the Gulf of Mexico and describing the condition of the water. It said that the Gulf Stream was actually becoming discolored by the prodigious quantity of soil carried down by this flood. It also told how great schools of fishes were coming far out into the Gulf in order to escape suffocation.

This question of the washing away of the precious topsoil it seems to me is one of the very serious aspects of our forest devastation policy, but that is only one side of it. There is also the question of adequate water supply. Our capital city, Columbus, Ohio several years ago was face to face with a water famine, the situation was so bad that they held prayer meetings calling upon God Almighty to save them from the threatened catastrophe—that is our human system, we do everything wrong then when we get into trouble we call upon God to pull us out of the hole. Anyway they had their prayer meetings and whether God answered their prayers we don't know, but a providential rain did come and averted this terrible catastrophe. Can you imagine anything more serious than a city of 300,000 people without water? Columbus secures its municipal supply from the Sciota River and that stream is all but dried up all because the trees and the vegetation had been cut away from its head waters, and so sometimes you have too much water and that causes a flood and then you have too little water at other times, and that causes a drought. That is a part of the penalty that man must pay for his folly and for his destruction.

There is another aspect to it that is both interesting and important. Scientists tell us that one tree in an average growing season throws into the air about five hundred barrels of water through its leaves by the process called transpiration. Just as our breath is laden with moisture so there is thrown out through the leaves great quantities of moisture in vapor form to remain in the air to be condensed and come back as rainfall. Then it is taken up again by vegetation and again it is thrown out in vapor form to be condensed once more and thrown out as rainfall. So you have the constant supply of water for all forms of life.     .

You probably have heard the old saying about the sun drawing water, referring to evaporation. Science tells us there is infinitely more water thrown into the air through the leaves of vegetation than from all the evaporation and all the rivers and lakes in the ocean. It is a constant supply of moisture into the air by the process of transpiration through the leaves.

Speaking about conservation—I heard a story about a Scotchman that may interest you. I have a suspicion that maybe there are some Scotchmen here. Well, you know they have a reputation for being rather thrifty. I don't know whether it is true or not. Anyway this particular Scotchman was sitting in a hotel lobby feeling pretty blue and looking as though he were beyond the power of consolation. A stranger came by and asked him what the trouble was and Sandy said, "I am on my Honeymoon and I couldn’t afford to bring my wife."

Now I want to refer, in closing, to two other things, first to the tragic example of China because we have in the example of China ample evidence of' what may happen to America and a proper indication of what we ought to do.

China once had a wonderful covering of trees, very much like our own, perhaps not as fine and still a very wonderful covering and China did with her trees just exactly as we are doing with ours. She cut them away, allowed her land to be burned over and then the floods came and swept away her precious topsoil. China has become a land of perpetual famine. They only have one crop in seven years. In the other years of that period they must look to the world for food.

One of my brothers took a trip around the world some three or four years ago and he was interested in the subject just the same as I and when he returned he told me of his observations. He described how when they came up through the Yellow Sea he was impressed by the increasing chocolate color of the water and he wondered what its significance was. Then when they went out across the land and saw those miles and miles of barren land, he began to understand. He told me that he saw men and women and children out gathering weed stalks by the roadside with which to cook their rice, they had no wood for fuel, not even bushes, just weeds.

There are millions of acres of land in China where nothing grows at all, not even weeds, then there are other millions and millions of acres where nothing much more than weeds can grow, and so they have a land stripped of its fertility in large part with an enormous population, and I am afraid that the case of China is hopeless.

I wish that my country might profit by that example because no land in the history of the world ever survived the destruction of its great natural wealth. That land where Christ was born today supports only 10% of the population that it did 1900 years ago, because the land has been robbed of its fertility and fewer and fewer people can live there. Meanwhile the population of the world is increasing. This question of preserving the fertility of the soil so that it may grow food for man and animals and all forms of life I think is one of the great problems of this and future generations.

I am interested in this question because it affects my country. Possibly you and I may not see the severe consequences of our national folly, we may be dead and gone before its worst phases appear, but even so we have a very great responsibility for the safekeeping of this great heritage. Our America—we sing of it in song, we glorify it in our literature, but what is America? Is it land? Is it rivers and lakes or mountains? No. That isn't America, because this land was here many years ago and the same mighty rivers were flowing to the sea, long before civilization began and the same majestic mountains lifted their lofty summits to the skies before man was, and even the same stars twinkled in the nighttime before there was any life upon this globe. No—America is a great human thing, a great new system, and philosophy of government. America is people and those things which affect people are the things of supreme and lasting importance. Nothing is of greater significance than the destruction of the basic wealth upon which people exist.

I am tempted to relate to you the little story of my good old father, because it was from him that I received my first inspiration in the cause of conservation, from his lips years ago I heard the story. He was born in, England at a time when there were no public schools, and he was twenty-one before he knew his ABC’s. That is almost inconceivable to us in this country where education is free, but it was the general rule then in England because only the children of the aristocracy had the advantages of education. So he started in as a full grown young man to learn to read by the slow painful process of self-education. He began with a little copy of the New Testament and a little dictionary, picking out one word at a time until he finally acquired a grammar so that he might learn to put the words together properly.

He showed me one time not very long before he passed away the old faded copy of the New Testament from which he learned to read and on it there was a brown spot where a drop of milk had fallen as he studied while he milked in the long ago. Then, like millions of other sturdy sons of Europe he heard the call of America, this great land of freedom and opportunity, and he came here to work out his destiny. He pursued his education still further studying by night and working by day until he finally acquired an education that would have done credit to the average college graduate, and I sometimes think a more profound education. But one of the things that impressed me most about him was the fad that he became one of the really fine Americans that it has been my privilege to know. He learned every word of our Constitution, every word of it. He learned every word of every verse of America and every word of the Star Spangled Banner, and until old age laid its heavy hand upon him he could sing those songs with a zeal and a fervor that were good to see. He became a full citizen under our law at the first opportunity, and he told me of that sacred day when he raised his right hand and foreswore allegiance to the British Crown and swore allegiance to the flag of America, and his eyes filled with tears as he described that most sacred day of his life.

I saw him from the time I was a little fellow, and long before I could comprehend the significance of it, every time he passed by Old Glory he tipped his hat in veneration.

I think perhaps there is something in that story for you and for me, for those of us who were born here, those of us who were privileged to come here by choice to make this a home because this great wonderful America, this new nation is a rich heritage, America is only a hundred and fifty years old, that is only two normal life times. It seems quite a while to talk about a hundred and fifty years, but just a little while ago we were reading about King Tut who reigned in Egypt thirty-five hundred years ago, and as we look back across the long span of time we begin to realize how very young America is, because in that period of thirty-five hundred years we can see countless nations rise and fall, kingdoms and principalities and powers almost without number come and go and then we realize how very young America is and when we take an inventory of our situation we realize how far we have gone on the road of destruction. 

We have spent the principal of our inheritance faster than any people that ever lived, and some day we shall pay a tragic price.

America is ours only for safekeeping, we do not own it. Oh I know the land stands in our names at the court houses, if we own it, but we only have it so long as we may live, and then according to the laws of nature we must pass it on to other generations that are yet to come. This country, great and wonderful as it .is came into our keeping as stewards to use and to enjoy for a little while, and then we must pass it on and when we received our America with all of its matchless and manifold blessings we received also a great and everlasting responsibility to keep our America as great and as wonderful and as worthwhile as it was when we received it.

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 41st Annual Convention
Cleveland, OH
August 22, 23, 24 and 25, 1927

It is obvious to all of you that any exhaustive treatment that might be given the subject of "Nursery Materials for Cemeteries and How to Plant Them" would soon assume the proportions of an encyclopedia of horticulture. And since I am aware that many of your members are recognized authorities on plant materials, it would be useless to run through long lists of the more common varieties with which you are all familiar. In fact, I often envy the cemetery management the opportunity to observe plants as they progress from small seedlings, rooted cuttings, or grafts, up through their growth to maturity. It is an opportunity to study and learn which the Nurseryman does not have, since due to the very nature of his business, "the scientific production of young plants for transplanting elsewhere to grow into maturity," he knows them only in their younger stages.

The conditions for growth in a cemetery are nearly ideal. Most of the newer tracts are located far from the congested districts. Their size is such that the contamination of the atmosphere by poisonous gases is negligible. They are invariably well guarded against the malicious destruction of property by trespassers. They are by the very nature of their purpose designed and executed as to contour, drainage and ground covering and are maintained in every way as an ideal spot in which plant life may thrive. A cemetery is frequently spoken of as "the last resting place," and it serves mankind best when it is so in fact, because some day it must naturally take on a park-like effect and become still more of a community asset. Their long, yes, virtually perpetual, lives of usefulness make the effort to plant for permanency seem worthwhile. It is all these attributes of the scene of your activities that give you gentlemen the unsurpassed opportunity for study and observation that so few professional or business men enjoy. Consequently, you can understand and appreciate plant life and so perform a service in your community in furthering this interest among others less fortunately situated.

You have heard endless references to "the landscape lawn plan," the "park plan of cemetery," the "memorial park," the injection of the "landscape idea" into, cemetery design, how the memory of past generations is sweeter if it is associated with trees than if it is connected with tombs, catacombs and pyramids. This is not idle patter. Our cemeteries should keep pace with the best thought of the times. It is only natural that humanity should seek as their "last sleeping place," as the name implies, a spot of rest and freedom from intrusion. A beautiful park, a real picture, grounds that are the embodiment of all the best practices of landscape art; such places may seem to exist more for the living than for the dead, but the living are the ones that need them, and incidentally the folks with whom you men do business. Scenery should solace those that are bereft.

It is not the purpose of this discourse to enter into the subject of landscape design which is so largely responsible for the proper development of your grounds. Other speakers on the program will do credit to this phase. Still, the freedom in design is limited by the requirements of modern cemetery practice and the interest very often must lie in the variety of the plant material itself, This does not mean that the cemetery should be an arboretum as far as the number of varieties are concerned, but certainly it is an arboretum so far as it pertains to the intensive study of the subjects at hand. The more modern types of design require a greater variety of plants than ever before. Certain effects of seclusion to the larger lots, which are so desirable, necessitate the use of much shrubby material not formerly used. The larger sizes of the newer cemeteries warrant the appropriation of larger tracts for beautification exclusively. It also makes a more elaborate entrance treatment desirable. Screen and border plantings are needed here, shady retreats there, and bright flowering, happy-looking plants elsewhere. The nurseryman means to supply you with the best plant for the purpose for which it is to be used. (It is not necessary to use Norway Spruces entirely, as is still seen in certain sections.)

Long life is a requisite that any plant material chosen for cemetery work should have. There are already too many places where the immediate effect is the only consideration. Let your grounds be unique in that respect, that permanency and the qualities that come only with old age are the things most desired. There are many plants that are only common place and ordinary-looking until the subduing influence of old age shows up their real natures. This should encourage the more extensive use of the very dwarf and prostrate forms of shrubs and evergreens. I should prefer to mention this group first as it is probably the least well known and next most useful to the intensely valuable group of dwarf and generally slow growing trees.

Some of the evergreens which are quite dwarf in character, and yet sturdy and very tenacious of habit, would be far more desirable covering steep slopes or stony outcroppings than the barren surface often found in the cemeteries of steep contours. These are not paraded before you as new varieties, but suggested as being useful for purposes of which you may not have thought before.

Let me mention first then, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Nana (Hinoki Cypress). This is the variety made famous by its use as a miniature tree in pots by the Japanese. This, to me, is only an example of the punishment which it will stand and still look fresh and vigorous. The annular growth is quite short but it is attractive when small and still more so as it grows older.  I have seen it push aside much larger growing forms like the common American Arbor Vitae, and even Spruces and Pines. Its tenacity for life is marvelous. It will stand up bright and shining against a spider-infested Arbor Vitae or Juniper and come through unscathed. Its only drawback is that it always has been and will continue to be costly, due to its difficulty of propagation.

Juniperus Communis Depressa rarely exceeds two feet in height, good form of Juniper for ground cover. It is at home on sandy or gravelly hillsides fully exposed to the sun, where single plants often reach fifteen feet or more in diameter. It is sometimes catalogued Juniperus Communis, which is erroneous. The name Juniperus Canadensis is also applied, which is a synonym. It grows native in various sections of the country.

Juniperus Horizontalis Douglassi (Waukegan Juniper) is an interesting new creeping Juniper, which is very low and compact, making a dense mat. In spring and summer it is of a soft blue color, changing to a rich purple color in late fall. It grows close to the ground, not over six to eight inches high, but spreads out a dozen feet or more, depending upon soil and planting conditions.

Juniperus Horizontalis Glauca, by some called Sabina Horizontalis, or The Coast of Maine Juniper, grows native along the bleak, rockbound coast of Maine where it is exposed to the most severe weather conditions. It is usually vigorous and dependable creeping Evergreen of a distinctive and attractive bluish-green color.

Juniperus Sabina Tamariscifolia (Tamarix Savin Juniper) is an excellent creeping dwarf variety. The foliage is fine in texture; average height is one foot, with a spread of six to eight feet when full grown. Sometimes it is called Gray Carpet Juniper, and the name Tamarish leaved Juniper is also applied to it. It is said to occur wild in Sicily, Greece, and other places. A very vigorous grower; forming a compact and perfect mat of bluish or gray green; it grows very dense and never changes in color.

Juniperus Chinensis Sargenti (Sargent Juniper) was first collected by Professor Sargent in Japan in the autumn of 1892. This Juniper forms a low dense mat of wide-spreading branches covered with small dark green scale-like leaves, mixed with pointed ones. In the Arboretum it is now the handsomest of the Prostrate Junipers.

Juniperus Communis Depressa Plumosa is a rare Evergreen of distinctive beauty. It is silvery green in Spring and the mountains purple in Autumn. In habit it is low-growing and spreading, and it adapts itself admirably to many, uses. Being very hardy, it will grow under conditions that many Evergreens find unfavorable. For use in rock gardens or filling-in at the base of taller growing Evergreens, it is extremely adaptable and in groups with other species it contrasts with pleasing effect. Its prostrate branches seldom lift themselves more than eighteen inches from the ground.

Taxus Baccata Repandens is one of the few varieties of the English Yew that is hardy in the northern part of our country. Its rich, dark green foliage and low, nearly prostrate, but bunchy growth, makes it wonderfully useful for cemetery planting. Like our native Texas canadensis, it prefers semi-shade and some moisture. The latter should be used more under the shady and often sloping conditions found in the angles of walks along drives, etc.
 
The greatest acquisition and the most valuable gift Japan has contributed to the gardens of the colder parts of North America, is the Japanese Yew, Taxus Cuspidata and its dwarf form, Taxus cuspidata var. nana. Only these and the two above mentioned are hardy enough to be recommended for general planting in this country. These Yews are especially valuable because of their endurance of shade, their shiny, green foliage and bright scarlet berries.
 
The Mugho Pine (Pinus Montana Mughus) is a dwarf variety recognized everywhere as one of the most useful Evergreens, with its many stems, compact form and dark green color which it retains throughout the winter. It does not do well south of the Ohio River, but for northern plantings it is invaluable. All of the pines prefer a clay soil and need to be well compacted when planting.

Mahonia Repens is the low growing form of the Oregon grape and should find a place in moist shaded conditions where Vinca Minor has been used too extensively.

Pachysandra Terminalis is a splendid evergreen ground cover with thick, glossy foliage. It forms a dense mat, but to be successful must be planted closely together. It thrives well only whim the roots have, the benefit of its own shade.

Euonymous Radicans Vegetus is popularly known as the Evergreen Bittersweet and is an accommodating sort of plant. It may be grown as a vine against masonry walls, over rocks, or can be sheared into, a hedge, or grown as specimen plants. Although introduced from Japan in 1876, it is only in recent years that its good qualities have become well enough known to make its use extensive.

Of a more shrubby nature are the low spreading Cotoneaster. C. horizontalis Wilsoni is very similar with slightly longer leaves. A hardier variety than either of these is C. apiculata, and it should replace the two former ones in colder parts of the country. C. microphylla is likewise a prostrate variety with evergreen foliage and quite hardy at the Arnold Arboretum.

Of the taller growing Evergreens, some old reliable ones as well as newer varieties are:

Juniperus Chinensis Pfitzeriana. This remarkable tree is today in the front rank of ornamental conifers. Its popularity is well earned. This is a Juniper that thrives in the hot climate of the South and still comes through the cold northern winters without a scratch. Nothing bothers it as it seems to be practically immune from plant pests of all kinds. If left alone it assumes an attractive, low, broad, irregular form. It was originated in Pfitzer's Nursery in Germany. Ludwig Spaeth, famous German nurseryman horticulturist, introduced it into general cultivation.

Juniperus Chinensis Columnaris was introduced to cultivation by the United States Department of Agriculture, through the late F. N. Meyer. It forms a distinct, narrow pyramid with all the leaves circular or needle-shaped. The foliage is remarkably decorative. Like other forms of J. Chinensis, it is very hardy and also retains its desirable color effect during the winter. The habit of growth resembles the well-known Italian Cypress. This tree offers to planters in colder climates the extreme narrow growing form of evergreen heretofore so much desired but unfortunately not obtainable in a dependable tree.

Juniperus Chinensis Mas is a non-fruiting form of the Chinese Juniper and when better known, will be used quite extensively, as its winter color is greener and brighter than any other variety of the tall-growing ones.

Juniperus Squamata Meyeri, brought from Thibet by the late Frank N. Meyer, is the rarest and most sought-after of evergreen plants. Its rich, steel-blue color, even brighter, if possible than the Kosters Spruce, seems to assure for it a place in the newer plantings where accents of color are wanted. Its common name may work against it—The Fish Tail Juniper.

Juniperus Virginiana Cannarti is one of the foremost among the interesting group of Junipers that have been developed from the Red Cedar (J. Virginiana). It has rich green, heavy-tufted foliage, of medium height, and compact, pyramidal growth. Three newer sorts of Virginiana origin are Keteleri, Smithi and Burki. They certainly appear promising in the young plants, and will, no doubt, help to supply the always increasing demand for tall growing columnar Junipers.

A tall slender variety of Yew, developed from Taxus Cuspidata., has recently been put on the market by a prominent eastern nurseryman. It should fill the same place in northern plantings that the Irish Yew and Italian Cypress does in warmer climates.

Most of the Pines and Spruces are better known and although always important in cemetery plantings, they are so familiar to most of you that they require no comment.

There is no need or burdening you with a long list of shrubs suitable for cemetery planting. Anyone might be used to advantage, but too many of them lose their effectiveness after too few years. I do want to describe a few which might not be familiar to all of you as well as calling your attention to some old ones not used nearly as much as they warrant.

Kolkwitzia Amabilis (Beauty Bush). This is one of the rarest and most beautiful of the recent introductions of the Arnold Arboretum. It is a hardy shrub, closely related to the Lonicera.  Fruits are covered with long brown bristles. It seems to grow in any ordinary garden soil.

Pryacantha Coccinea Lalandi (Firethorn) is a thorny, half evergreen Hawthorn from the Himalayas, and rarely reaches a height of more than six feet. The leaves are small and narrow, with white flowers followed by bright orange colored fruits. These remain on the branches all winter, if not eaten by birds, which, by the way, consider them quite a delicacy. It is well adapted for planting on stony slopes, or sunny rockeries. It may also he used for a low ornamental hedge, as it stands trimming well, and is easily trained into any desired shape. Certainly it is a plant that is not yet well enough known, nor extensively used.  Due to its, evergreen nature, it ought always to be moved with a ball of earth attached.

The Cotoneasters are ornamental shrubs with decorative, bright, red or black berries. They thrive in any well drained soil, but dislike very modest and shady positions. C. dielsiana is one of the best, with a height of not over six feet. It has slender spreading and arching branches. The coral red fruits are very attractive. Several more widely advertised forms have the habit of losing their leaves earlier at the base. A few have the habit of contracting San Jose scale, so should be avoided. The more prostrate forms have already been described. 

The Viburnums rank among the most valuable ornamental shrubs. Possibly too much stress has been placed upon the native forms, prunifolium, lentago, dentatum, acerifolium, nudum, and others. These are all excellent foliage and berried plants for large mass planting, but they seem to lack the popular appeal. Try Viburnum americanum in place of V. opulus, and you will avoid trouble from aphids, Virburnum carlesi, on account of its rather large pink and white, delightfully fragrant flowers, which appear in dense clusters early in the spring, before or with the first leaves, is one of the most charming of the family. It enjoys some shade and could add untold glory to somber plantings which come with less interesting varieties. Viburnum dilitatum is bushy than many of the other viburnums and certainly cannot be surpassed for richness of foliage and a gorgeous showing of red berries, when it is happily situated.
 
Aesculus Parviflora, one of the dwarf horse-chestnuts, is certainly one of the handsomest plants for a lawn group. It is not a shrub that will ever reach any degree of popularity for foundation planting, as it grows rather slowly and does not transplant any too easily. It has slender pinnacles of white flowers and grows best in loamy moist soil. Once established, it takes on a rounded, massive but low effect that is a relief among so many tall, slender growing plants.

One of the newer privets which has been named Ligustrum Ibolium because it is a hybrid between ovalifolium and obtusifolium or ibota, should receive some attention if a formal hedge, is desired. It has all tile attractiveness of foliage that you find in California privet, but apparently it is much hardier. There have been reports of slight winter injury at the Morton Arboretum, but this variety certainly does place the line of winter injury much farther north than can be said of
ovalifolium.

Philadelphus Virginal and others of the now hybrid Philadelphus seem to have gained considerable popularity as of particular value in cemetery plantings. Mr. Roy, of the Mt. Royal Cemetery at Montreal, finds it quite hardy and a great acquisition. Their time of bloom, so near Memorial Day, should add to your appreciation of them.

Among the dwarf growing trees are many varieties which I believe are the most valuable nursery material for cemetery use. There are many that are showy in bloom, others have brilliant fruits, little pruning is necessary, generally have healthy, bright foliage, and in open spaces away from buildings develop into beautiful low growing masses. Used in groups, they are more nearly in scale with the size of cemetery grounds than most shrubs. Their robust, hard, woody growth makes them resistant to injury by storm, winds and trespassers. There are hundreds of species and thousands of horticultural varieties that come in this group. The Flowering Crab Apples, Hawthornes, Dogwoods, Flowering Cherries, Dwarf Maples, Flowering Plums and Peaches, are all families that contribute heavily to the list of the finest ornamental material known in the landscape practice.

The Flowering Crabs of both American and Asiatic origin have few rivals among gorgeous spring flowering trees and shrubs. At the Arnold Arboretum one of the important events of the year is the blooming of the Crabs. In order to still further glorify themselves, the bloom is followed by the fruit—the size, color and time or ripening varying greatly with the variety. It will suffice to name a dozen or the better varieties. Malus floribunda is probably the best known. Others attracting the attention of plants men over the country are the "Tea Leafed Crab" (Malus theifera), micromalus, sargenti, scheideckeri, arnoldiana, Zumi Crab, spectabilis, atrosanguinea, niedzwetzkyana, prunifolia, rinki, rinki-sublobata, and others. These may be planted in the Fall or Spring, pruned severely, and well watered, as they do not transplant as easily as shrubs.

The depredations or tourists and picknickers are going to make the countryside so barren of our native dogwood, Cornus florida, that it will be up to institutions like yours to perpetuate the most beautiful native flowering tree we have. You can't overdo the planting of this handsome dwarf tree. The pink flowering variety, Cornus florida rubra, is a gorgeous sight in bloom. At Woodland cemetery in Dayton, fifty dollars invested twenty years ago by Mr. Kline in this plant has attracted more favorable comment than thousands of dollars spent in other adornment.

I've often wondered why each of you does not let some one flowering tree of this art dominate in your plantings. In Japan they declare a holiday when the cherries are in bloom. Lilac time at Arnold Arboretum attracts thousands of visitors from all over the country. The Japanese cherries at Washington when in bloom are a national institution. Such a planting of Crab Apples, Hawthornes, Dogwoods or other such dominant notes in your planting give character and style to your landscape obtainable in no other way. Time will not permit further details concerning the Hawthornes, Cherries, Maples, etc. but they are equally delightful.

With larger growing members of the plant world, the trees, you are more familiar. I only want to mention some new elms which have come into prominence recently. One, the vase-shaped elm, Ulmus urni, is a fast growing large leafed American white elm, which must be budded or grafted and is destined to fill a long felt want for uniform growing elms. Its rapidity of growth, cleanliness of foliage and bark and general good appearance will make it of much demand in the coming years.

The Moline Elm likewise originated from the American elm. However, its shape, a round-headed form, its dark, heavy foliage and smooth bark makes it resemble the English Elm. Its comparative resistance to the Elm Leaf Beetle, and the European Elm Scale should make its use preferable to the English varieties.

The small leaf elms, Ulmus parvifilia and Ulmus pumilla, though not new are gaining widespread popularity on account of their excellent foliage throughout the summer and their resistance to dry weather.

Now this has been a scattered, disconnected, rambling sort of treatment without doing justice to any one of the noble plants, nor without any attempt to cover completely any part of the excellent stock scientifically grown and prepared for you in the up-to-date nursery. However, the effort to apprise you of some of the noteworthy plants that might have escaped your attention will have been well repaid if that great institution so ably managed and conducted for the public, the American Cemetery will profit thereby.

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 41st Annual Convention
Cleveland, OH
August 22, 23, 24 and 25, 1927

This subject suggested itself to me, while attending some of the most profitable meetings held by our society in the principal eastern cities and when brought into full view of the magnificent specimens of trees, which have been used to so good advantage, in the embellishment of public parks and cemeteries.

Having followed landscape gardening to some extent in the states of Virginia and Maryland, previous to 1876, and being familiar with most of the trees used for decorative purposes, one naturally will become appreciative of the jewels in vegetable Kingdom, when after an absence of 18 years one comes in view of the noble specimens of the Conifers, Abies, Biota, Pines, Retinespora, Taxus, Thuja, Laxodinnes, Picea, Juniperus and the many noble specimens of deciduous trees and shrubs of innumerable varieties. Then to be situated in a climate that makes the cultivation of such trees and shrubs impracticable, the impression for the time being is not one of homesickness.

We have to contend with many disadvantages on our western prairies. This is not a timber country naturally. The only natural timber being distributed along the banks of creeks and rivers; the cause of this I attribute to our extreme dry climate, during the later part of summer and autumn, with a light snowfall during the winter.

This being the case, a cemetery on the western prairies must look somewhat deficient in varieties of trees and shrubs, at least; but the object of this article is to encourage those similarly situated to further effort. The great opportunities laid before us to inform the coming cemeteries of note in the future in this country, are ours. If your general plans are lacking in any particular, first have them corrected either by some landscape architect or cemetery superintendent of experience.

Now is the time to correct any errors that have been made. The longer this is delayed the more there is to change.

The most important feature in all cemetery work is a start in the right direction.

First - We have the finest soil of any country in the world, a deep rich, sandy loam, no stones or other obstructions to interfere with any operations.

Second - The inhabitants of the Western states on account of their varied nationalities are a people always alive to any improvement that is to be of any importance to the human race.

I therefore appreciate many advantages that we enjoy over our brother superintendent in the East.

Here is the great opening for the lawn system of cemetery in the full sense of the word, the system which we all concede to be the best and only one to recommend where any new work is to be executed either in part or in whole.
Our facilities for gaining any knowledge in regard to cemeteries are complete and any questions sent to "Park and Cemetery;" will be promptly answered by the ablest talent in the cemetery profession.

While it is of vital importance to thoroughly prepare the soil in any locality, it is absolutely necessary here. A thorough sub-soiling to a depth of two feet or more will enable the soil to receive and retain what moisture we do have. The average rainfall of the Western country is not more than two-thirds of the rainfall of the Eastern states.

My catalogue of trees and shrubs to be used in the decoration of parks and cemeteries has become somewhat shortened from that of former years. I have made many mistakes and see many every year made by others, which it seems to me ought to be avoided as far as possible.

Deciduous trees for shade and other purposes:

Acer or Maple: Sugar Maple, very slow in growth for first few years but very satisfactory and rapid growers after being established.

Dasycarpum or Silver Leaf Maple: very rapid grower and for immediate effect indispensable.

Negundo: rapid grower.

Platanoides, Norway: one of the most symmetrical and valuable trees.

Tilla Americana or Linden: in moist situations is a noble tree.

Ulmas Americana, or Elm: of noble spreading habit; the most reliable shade tree of the West.

Fulva or Slippery Elm

Betula, Birch, Papeyracea or Canor Birch: in moist situation handsome trees.

Fraxinus Americana or White Ash: a handsome tree; stands the drought well.

Gymnocladus Canadensis, Kentucky Coffee tree

Juglans Nigra or Walnut

Larix, Europoea: this is especially adapted for a dry situation; a very graceful tree in its young state.     It will succeed when most coniferous trees will fail.

Morus Rubra Mulberry: rapid grower.

Populus or Poplar:  of very rapid growth and desirable sometimes for present effect, but of short life.

Quercus or Oak: Coccinea, Scarlet Oak; in moist valleys, noble tree.  Macrocarpa, Mossy Cup Oak: one of the most unique and handsome, medium sized trees in cultivation. Will grow on the peak of the driest bluff; invaluable.

Conifera: This not being a congenial climate for this family of trees, the number of those found successful is very limited. I have found from experience that I had to reverse the general order of things, and commence at the west and go east. I find the varieties that are natives of the Rocky Mountains, the most successful.  Abies: Douglasis; this can be recommended when all others fail.  Picea, Pungen, Engelmann: very reliable, while they do not make the growth they do in moist climates, they are invaluable here.

Pines: Austriaca, Sylvestris, Scotch Pine, Ponderosa, Mughus, Dwarf Pine.  These are fairly successful and handsome in the young state.

Juniperus, Virginiana: this is a native of this state and although attaining a somber brown color in the winter, it is beautiful during summer.  Sabin or Trailing Savin. Glauca; a beautiful variety from the Rocky Mountains; a good substitute for Cupressus Lawsoniana.

Thuja Siberica: This is much hardier and of a more compact habit than Americana, but the latter named variety where partial shelter can be afforded, will succeed fairly well.

Flowering Shrubbery: I find only a very few that are perfectly hardy. Viburmum or Snow Ball: Opulus and Oscycoccos. Syringa of varieties; Weigela, Rosea, Spiraea of varieties; Rhus Cotinus, Ribes Aureum, Hydrangea Grandiflora, Berberis Vulgaris and Purpurea.

This forms a small collection that is in every way reliable for general purposes. There are many others that with a slight protection are fairly satisfactory. I find that many of our native small trees and shrubs for massing are very effective.  Prunus Americana; Rhus or Sumach; Cory Ius or Hazel and many other natives.

It is of great importance to plant all trees and shrubs, deciduous and coniferas from 4 to 6 inches deeper in the soil than is usual for such trees in a moist climate. The soil ought to be thoroughly packed round the roots. A nursery set apart for the cultivation and experimenting with trees and shrubs is an indispensable feature in all new parks and cemeteries. After a few years cultivation, many trees which we deem not hardy will become acclimated.

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 9th Annual Convention
Richmond, VA
September 18, 19 and 20, 1895

To obtain the best and most satisfactory result from trees and shrubs in connection with cemetery planting is one of more than usual importance.  We have only to look around us in many cemetery grounds to recognize how desirable improvement, from a special standpoint, and by a judicious selection and arrangement of cemetery trees and shrubs becomes. It is generally found as time rolls on, that a large proportion of the trees originally planted are where they should never have been, and as a consequence, have to be cut away before they have really served any useful purpose. The great object of modern cemetery planting is not so much to afford shade, form screens or accomplish other objects of practical importance, as it is that the beautiful picture presented by a skilled display of trees, shrubs and flowers should rob death of the many terrors which the ignorance and superstitions of olden times surrounded it.

The modern idea of a cemetery is not so much that the grave is the end of all as it is that it is the beginning of a new career of happiness which we are taught the new life is to be. The earliest idea of paradise was that of a beautiful garden, and it is impossible to rob the paradise of the future of the same surroundings. The modern cemetery is, therefore, the ideal garden of the future, so far as it is possible for the human intellect to accomplish; and it should be the aim to make pleasurable the visits of the living, by making beautiful the resting places of the dead, leading the mind from gloomy thoughts such as ancient cemeteries fostered; but this beautiful garden must necessarily be subservient to practical details. It is impossible to accomplish anything in this world, that is not a financial success and there is no reason why financial success and the ideal cemetery garden cannot both go hand in hand. And, in fact, the financial aspects require close consideration in connection with the adornment of the grounds. In the planting of the cemetery, therefore, the possible desires of future lot holders should be considered. I knew once of a cemetery which prided itself on the number of rare trees it contained, and which had among its arboreal treasures one of the finest specimens of the Cedar of Lebanon to be found in the United States. The majority of lot holders would have been proud to have possessed such a rare gem. Not so, however, the one who owned it at the time in mind. The superintendent of the company was amazed when the lot holder came one day to insist on cutting down the tree, because it shaded over the grave and moss grew on his marble monument. Determined to save his tree, the superintendent had to make arrangements to give the owner a large price for his lot and sell him another one, and have the interred removed rather than have his beloved tree taken away. Such occurrences as this cannot always be foreseen, but they may be sometimes, and thought should be given in the arrangement and planting of cemeteries to the possibility of such unpleasant occurrences. With this end in view, it would seem desirable, therefore, that portions of the grounds should be reserved expressly for planting in order to beautify and make as nearly as possible an ideal garden spot, while that portion devoted to the lot holders should be as free from planting as would be consistent with the necessary landscape effect. By the judicious selection of these spots, a general landscape effect would be produced which is lacking in very many cemeteries, even in those of recent beginning.

I have frequently felt that sufficient importance has not been attached to the artistic arrangement and planting of the entrance to the cemetery. It was with great pleasure when visiting the Forest Hill Cemetery of Boston; I saw that this had evidently been taken into consideration when the plans of the cemetery were drawn. Who having driven along that broad, sweeping drive, planted on both sides with most beautiful specimens of Blue Spruce, Nordman Fir and other choice evergreens, supplemented with banks of Rhododendrons, Azaleas and handsome thickets of shrubs, and on up through the ivy-covered archway, has not felt that he was indeed entering a beautiful Paradise! I really believe that more attention should be given to the approach to, and the entrance of the cemetery grounds proper, for it is there that visitors get their first impression and first impressions are always the most lasting.

Perhaps this was more impressed upon my mind when I visited Forest Hill, because it was only a few days before this that I saw another cemetery in western New York, where the entrance was directly from the street, through the conventional gateway with its stern granite posts and iron railings. Not but what the grounds of this cemetery were very artistically arranged, but the entrance to it did not give me the same feeling of rest that I experienced when I visited Forest Hill. Yet the entrance to the cemetery of which I speak could very easily have been arranged so as to give one the idea of entering a beautiful park, simply by placing the entrance proper a little distant from the street, and massing a number of choice evergreens, trees and shrubs on both sides of its sweeping driveway.

It is not my intention to go into the details of how to plant a cemetery, because that is the province of a landscape gardener; I merely wish to throw out a few hints or points which to me seem to be frequently overlooked, and this question of an artistically planted entrance is, I think, one that particularly needs attention. It seems to me that it is your duty, gentlemen, to let no opportunity escape to instruct your lot holders how to keep in touch with the improved and more advanced aims of the modern cemetery. Every one is prone to do a certain thing because custom has made it popular and this is as true in cemetery matters as in everything else.  The huge marble or granite shaft, rarely an object of beauty and sometimes but a mere display of wealth, is usually erected with the best intentions, and its use is still a custom mainly because it is believed to be the most fitting thing to do and lot holders have not learned a more advanced idea. And this is just where the question arises - What is the most advanced idea by which we can satisfy that desire to do something to show how the dead are missed or loved? Would not the planting of rare trees and plants be more fitting and bear testimony to our love to a far greater extent than does the erection of monuments? Do not visitors at a cemetery show more real love for the trees and flowers than they do for a block of marble or granite, upon which more frequently they look with more curiosity than respect? There is no doubt that our dead soldiers are more honored and the living more inspired by the strewing of flowers annually on their graves, than they would be by mere monuments alone. We must get lot holders to remember with us that beautiful trees and shrubs produce beautiful thoughts, and keep us, as it were, in communion with those we have lost, and that trees, shrubs and flowers are, therefore, more fitting than monuments. The most choice and beautiful evergreens that could be selected would cost but a small portion of the value of a monument, and would leave a handsome fund to be placed in the hands of the superintendent for the annual care necessary to keep the lot in a beautiful condition.

I understand that no marble monument or headstone marks the spot of the famous Nicholas Longworth, one of the pioneers in the industrial development of Cincinnati, and possibly the father of modern strawberry culture, but that he sleeps beneath the spreading branches of a noble elm tree.

I think that you will all agree with me that the time is here for some changes in this direction. Many of you have already passed rules forbidding the erection of marble copings, iron railings, and I think in some cases tall headstones. A few years ago this would not have been possible, but today the people have more advanced ideas, and through your teachings are becoming willing to discard these things. Even in the matter of headstones and monuments they are showing a desire to design them after ideas more natural than the marble shaft and square or rounded top headstone. This is shown by the imitations of tree trunks, and boulders now frequently seen in cemeteries. The monument in Harleigh Cemetery near the main entrance representing a column of stones, doubtless attracted the attention of many of you and each of you perhaps have in the cemeteries which you superintend, monuments, the erection of which has been suggested by some seemingly appropriate object in nature. It is but a step from the imitation of nature to the real, and I firmly believe that the transition would not be so difficult of accomplishment as one might suppose. Let but a few of your lot holders start the work and others will quickly follow. It is probable that the idea may be too radical for its full accomplishment at an early date, but I have no doubt but what it will come in time just as other reforms have been adopted after persistent efforts have been made to bring them about.

It is always a Source of regret that there is not more desire for more meritorious trees and shrubs in cemetery planting. Why should quantities of Arbor-Vitae, Norway Spruce, Austrian or Scotch Pine be used, when the more rare and vastly more beautiful Nordman Fir, Oriental Spruce, Englemans Spruce, Douglas Spruce and the superb Colorado Blue Spruce and Swiss Pine could be used to as great advantage? It certainly should not be because the first named are cheaper, for first cost in planting should not be a consideration, as the work is to last one may say forever. To be sure, there are portions of the United States where some of these named may not be hardy, but there are many that will thrive almost anywhere. The Blue Spruce, Douglas Fir, Englemans Spruce and the Picea concolor are all natives of the mountains of Colorado, and should thrive in almost any portions of the United States, unless the soil of the particular spot be unfavorable. It is not commonly known that plants which are apparently not hardy in a more northern climate than where they are indigenous prove quite so if they are protected when they are small until they become established. The most northern limit of the Magnolia grandiflora is I think North Carolina yet we in Philadelphia and vicinity have no difficulty in getting it to grow if we protect the tree for a few years until it can force roots below the frost line. There are several of these trees in Philadelphia that are not less than twenty-five feet high.

It is impossible for anyone to say positively what might or might not thrive in a certain locality. This can only be learned by the individual efforts of yourselves. Select what you believe would thrive in your soil and climate and test it for a year or two; the cost would be trifling, and every time you find something new or uncommon that will grow in your cemetery, you will have added a new subject of interest to your grounds.

Of late years the planting of evergreen beds has become quite popular; and in many of the more recently designed cemeteries and, in fact, in a number of the older ones, numerous beds are now planted. There is scarcely any form of Spruce, Fir, Arbor-Vitae or Retinospora that cannot be used in this connection, as by frequent trimming, even the larger growing sorts can be kept within reasonable bounds, and at the same time a much finer color will develop from the constant pruning. The great labor and cost of planting large beds of greenhouse plants annually have had much to do with the advancement of the evergreen bed,--as in the latter case the first cost is the greatest one.

During the last few years there have been many introductions of plants from Japan which have been found to be extremely hardy, and also many from Europe and remote parts of our own country, and it may be desirable to mention a few of these that would doubtless be valuable for cemetery work. The Cercidiphyllum, a Japanese tree, has proven hardy in many sections of the country where it has been tried. It is a pyramidal tree, but rather more spreading than either the Lombardy Poplar or the Pyramidal Oak. It seems particularly adapted to heavy soils, and especially to low and damp situations, where it makes quite a strong and rapid growth. The Kolrcuteria is a Chinese tree, making a low, spreading growth.  In July it is densely covered with very large panicles of yellow flowers and is particularly attractive at that time. It is not a new tree, but rather uncommon. One of the prettiest trees adapted to cemetery planting which has recently been introduced is the Styrax Japonica, few things can be more beautiful than the pearly white flower, abundantly produced in the early part of July. The Pterostyrax hispidum is also a valuable addition, a rather spreading tree, of moderately rapid growth, and covered in May with drooping racemes of white flowers entirely covering the tree. This I think will become extremely popular, when it is thoroughly well known.

Of improved varieties of our native trees, nothing seems to have become more popular than the forms of Cornus florida, the red flowered and the weeping. These with the parent plant seem to be adapted to all soils, situations and climates, and consequently are found largely in all cemeteries. The red flowered form is particularly beautiful in spring when covered with bloom, though later, as with the other two, when it assumes its varying tints of autumn coloring, few plants exceed it in gorgeousness.

The recent introductions among shrubs are too numerous to mention, doubtless they have been brought to your notice many times. A class of plants which have sprung into great prominence in a short period is hardy perennials and they need more than a passing word, indeed, a whole chapter could be written of the many useful positions they might occupy in our ornamental planting. A class of plants which after planting become more and more beautiful every year as the roots become stronger, and which, by judicious selection of varieties give a continuation of bloom from early spring to late fall and exist in form from those of low and dwarf habit to plants making a growth from five to six feet are what perennials comprise. It would be useless for me to attempt to name desirable varieties, as this would depend upon the soil and location where the particular bed is to be planted, but I can assure you that you would never regret the use of these plants in your work, and would find the study of varieties particularly adapted to your necessities of great interest to you.

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 8th Annual Convention
Philadelphia, PA
September 11, 12 and 13, 1894

Some of the things I may say could undoubtedly be better said by some of you, for I know full well that in the growing of trees and plants, many of the members of this association have attained to a rare degree of skill and taste. I hope, however, to interest you in some phases of tree-growing in a climate that is well-known for the frequency and severity of its periods of drought and its long cold winters.

In this climate we lose far more plants from the drying out of the soil, than from the cold atmosphere. In proof of this, most of you can recall that the greatest losses of young trees have occurred in winters following extremely dry autumns.

Therefore the problem of raising trees successfully here is largely one of how to overcome most successfully the droughts to which we are subjected. This is the first part of my subject, and I divide it under the several heads of:

The management of the soil; the selection of the trees and the treatment of the surface of the land around the trees and shelter to protect from drought. 

The proper management of the soil will vary as much as soils differ from one another, but in dry locations, we must try to have as good a supply of retentive material around the roots as it may be practicable to obtain. This may properly consist of clay, or material containing much humus, or of both combined. Nothing is better than the sad from clayey land.

In the selection of trees, there is much to be considered, even after the kind is decided upon. As a rule, seedlings which have not had their tap root seriously cut, grow faster, develop into better trees, and are less affected by drought, than those which are much root-pruned, or grown from cuttings. The cottonwood is a good example of this point, and it will be found with this tree that seedlings are much longer lived than cutting plants when grown in the dry soil of our western prairies or in similar situations elsewhere.

As a rule in dry situations, it will be found that small plants with the root undisturbed are far better than are much boasted nursery-grown trees with fibrous roots. Then, too, we must get the roots down deep, and in very dry locations I would often plant so that the roots will be 15 inches deeper than they naturally grew.

The box-elder is one of our hardiest trees, and is seldom, if ever, regarded as tender, yet when grown from seed collected in Southern Missouri, it does not stand well in this section.

The Missouri black walnut is not as hardy as that which was formerly quite abundantly grown in the river bottoms of the southern part of this state. The same I believe to be true of the hard maple, hackberry, red cedar and many other trees. It is also my belief that the Rocky mountain evergreens grown from seed raised on the eastern slopes, where the parents have for ages endured a trying climate, and all the more tender plants have been sifted out, are far more desirable for growing in our northern states than those which have come from the moist, milder and more equable climate of the western ranges. I have recently gone to some considerable pains to get my hard maples from the northern section of this state, for I believe them the hardiest. These statements simply show what the most casual observer must have noted, that there is much in a good pedigree and that there is transmission of qualities of hardiness in the vegetable as well as in the animal kingdom, and that we should think of them in selecting trees and plants. In fact, the qualities of inheritance extend through all organic matter.

The treatment of the surface soil around trees planted on dry land is a matter that calls for much careful attention. The American public has become educated to thinking that a blue-grass sod in such places should extend close up to the trunks of the trees. In a few years this may become so thick and solid that it will shed water nearly as perfectly as a shingled roof. This is an unnatural condition, and under such circumstances plants cannot reach any great degree of development in dry situations. Where trees naturally make a good growth in dry locations, the surface of the soil is covered with a considerable thickness of leaves and branches that have fallen to the ground. These retard the water and allow it to percolate into the ground and reach the roots of the trees. It also prevents evaporation from the surface soil and keeps the surface soil cooler. For instance, this season the strawberry bed at the experiment station has given far better returns than others in the immediate vicinity, and this success was largely due to the practice of heavily mulching, the space between the rows with straw.

At any time during the severe drought, which has prevailed for a considerable period, the soil under the mulch could readily be rolled into pellets, while in adjacent rows, not mulched, the soil was very dry. Analysis of the soil, four inches from the surface, showed that which had been mulched contained 24.3 % of water, while that which was not mulched had 18 % of water. Of the soils three inches from the surface, the mulched contained 20.6 % of water and that not mulched 15.5%. In either case, the mulch increased the amount of water contained in the soil under it 33⅓%.  This is equivalent to an increase of 2.2 quarts of water to each cubic foot of soil, which is equivalent, where a tree is mulched for five feet on all sides, to an increase of 44.3 gallons of water in its upper one foot of soil under the mulch, and there is, probably, nearly as much increase in the second foot of soil. Yet in this case, the soil which was not mulched was undoubtedly near enough to be considerably affected by the water in the mulched rows. The surface soil of some other land on the farm was found to contain only 5% of moisture at the same time. It is probably fair to assume that the mulched land contained at least 60% more moisture than that not mulched.

This is a great variation, and often makes the difference between success and failure in growing trees and plants.

People may complain that a mulch is unsightly; but it can often be covered up to great advantage with hardy shrubbery, which also aids the retention of water by shading the ground and protecting it from drying winds. We are apt not to appreciate the value of undergrowth around trees. This is nature's way, and we would do well to follow her in it many times. For covering the mulch symphoricarpos, the hardier spireas, flowering currants, buffalo berry and many other hardy plants are suggested as being desirable; and when properly grouped make pleasing contrast. The best material for mulch will vary with that which is easiest to obtain. Hay, straw, bogasse, coal ashes and hardwood sawdust are good; but any material which is a good nonconductor will answer the purpose.

The importance of shelter, by this I mean wind-breaks, can hardly be overestimated. It has been clearly shown that evaporation under the influence of the wind is dependent not only on the temperature and degrees of the same, but also on its velocity, which if impeded, reduces the rate of evaporation. Careful experiments made by the U. S. Signal Service in 1887, showed that with the temperature of the air at 84° and a relative humidity of 50%, evaporation, with the wind blowing at five miles an hour, was a little more than twice what it was in calm. At 15 miles an hour, the wind would evaporate about five times as much water as in a calm atmosphere of the same temperature and humidity. These figures state in exact terms the value of shelter belts and many other similar observations could be given to show the value of wind-brakes.

This protection is sometimes best given by a wind-break. It certainly may be given by planting in groves where the trees protect one another from the wind and sun. Newly transplanted trees will often be greatly helped by covering their trunks with hay, straw or other material that will keep off the wind and sun. The hard maple is found in the extreme northern limit of this state in large quantities, forming great forests, yet even at Lake City, 300 miles south of this limit, is liable to serious injury to its trunk, and is not considered a safe street tree, unless the trunk is shaded. The same is more or less true of the bass-wood, which is greatly improved by covering its trunk. The mountain ash makes a large tree 200 miles north of this city and yet, here, is liable to sun scald if its trunk is not protected. I have made a considerable study of this subject and have always found the bark much healthier and fresher when protected than when exposed.

To sum up this matter, I would say, in dry locations it is of the utmost importance to have a retentive soil, to mulch and to protect the whole plant from wind and the trunk from the sun as far as possible.

In the extreme north, we do not have the variety to use in grouping which is found in milder climates, but by careful management we can produce very pleasant contrasts with the material we have at hand, and there is no need, even here, of any great sameness in plantings.

Among the larger trees that are most useful for planting along our drives, is, first of all our American white elm, which will endure greater extremes of temperature and moisture than any of the fast-growing larger trees and is the best of all for general use, but it is well to vary this occasionally by planting a few sycamores, or even a whole drive, with the rock and the slippery elm.

The English elm I do not consider hardy enough for planting in this climate. The sugar and soft maple are both good; the latter being especially desirable for quick effects on retentive land where not too much exposed. The Norway maple is unreliable. The hack-berry is a rival of the white elm for planting in good soil; but in dry situations it is not so reliable.

The green ash is the hardiest of its kind; the white is not so well adapted to severe conditions, yet in favorable locations it makes a fine tree.

The box elder is rather too small for general street planting but for drives or alleys, especially in trying situations it is one of the best trees.

The poplars and willows are generally neglected; but some of those introduced from Russia, and a few of our natives, could often be used to good advantage. Among the best of these are the certinensis, and laurel-leaved poplars, and the white and Russian golden and laurel-leaved willows. These are of rapid growth, very desirable as pioneer trees, and of great value in producing pretty effects on the edges of timber plantings.

I fear there is a general tendency to neglect the oaks on account of their slow growth, but in every large planting there should be a judicious mixture of the trees of this genus. They will grow in almost any situation and develop in size much more rapidly than we think, and always command attention. As for myself, I always feel like taking off my hat to a fine oak. The best of all is the Burr or Over-cup oak, which is one of the most magnificent trees in form, foliage and hardiness in the world. Then the scarlet oak is a very desirable tree. No other plant approaches it in beauty of autumn coloring, and it soon becomes large enough to give good landscape effects, and it may be transplanted with considerable certainty if nursery grown.

Among the smaller trees of special merit are the American canoe birch, the European birch and its variety of cut leaves. They are especially desirable for effective grouping in moist land, and to contrast against a back ground of evergreens.

The Balleana poplar is a form of the silver poplar, with a close, upright, distinct and pretty habit, and as hardy as the ordinary white poplar. It is destined to be popular as a specimen tree, where a bright; striking effect is wanted. An occasional white poplar is also desirable.

The Catalpa is worth planting in a small way in very favorable locations on account of its distinct foliage and beautiful flower clusters; but it is unreliable.

The mountain ash is pretty at all times, and is a satisfactory tree as far north as Fargo, and can be used to great advantage along the borders of groves to enliven them with its bright flower clusters in spring, and its fruit clusters in autumn.

The oil-berry (Elaeagnus Augustifolis) is a very hardy small tree and desirable for its pretty habit and downy light green colored foliage.

The Kentucky coffee tree, with its large, conspicuous compound leaves, is valuable for variety and occasional use in good locations.

The Butternut, too, may be used for variety, and for general use should take precedence over the black walnut, which is only reliable in the best locations.

Van Gert's golden poplar, if used occasionally, gives a bright pleasing effect to the landscape by its pleasant contrast with trees of dark foliage, but if used too largely the effect is sickly and unpleasant.
Among the willows, the Russian golden is far superior to the common form. It can be used to great advantage in enlivening the landscape of the late winter and early spring months. The laurel-leaved is especially pleasing with its large, bright, glossy foliage; and can often be used for brightening the effect of more somber kinds.

Salix Regalis is hardy here and is a beautiful, graceful tree with white, silvery foliage. On account of its rapid growth, it is very valuable for an immediate effect.

The Conifers are especially good for winter effects.     They do much the best here when grouped, and a much stronger effect is produced in this way than by single specimens. The ground around them should be kept clear of grass, and if practicable they should be mulched.

When once established such trees as the white spruce, Scotch, Norway and dwarf pine, red cedar and arbor vitae will stand well in almost any location. These are the hardiest of our evergreens, and are generally satisfactory.

I think the dwarf pine is the hardiest of the pines, and the best for a dry situation. It is especially valuable for outer specimens of evergreen beds.

The Juniper sabina, or trailing juniper, is one of the neatest of all for a low evergreen. It is pretty when allowed to assume its natural habit, and by pruning can be made to take on almost any low form.

Among arbor vitaes, the common form and the pyramidal are very satisfactory. Those with either golden or silver foliage have not done well here.

Of the Rocky Mountain evergreens, our best is the Picea Pungens, which is hardy enough for us and is certainly very desirable for fine effect among evergreens.

The Picea Concolor is somewhat unsatisfactory. The Douglass spruce is doing nobly, and is destined to be popular for favorable locations. It grows much faster than the Picea Pungens, and its form as well as its color is very pleasing.

The Pinus ponderosa or Bull pine is of promising hardiness, and will probably prove valuable in dry situations. The Norway spruce is good, but does not hold on like the white spruce. The Hemlock is a little uncertain, and needs a favorable place to do well; but adds much by its grace and beauty to the groups in which it is placed.

The Retinosporas, with which such charming effects are produced in more favorable locations, are almost useless here, and we must get along without them.

Among the shrubs there are a multitude of kinds that suggest themselves and a few are worthy of special notice in this connection. The Caraganas are generally neglected in this country, and yet they are among the hardiest plants in the world, and in Russia they are used as pioneer plants to prepare the land for tree growth. They have a very pretty habit. The young foliage is especially delicate and pretty, and the yellow flowers make a bright and pleasant contrast in the spring. Our best Cornus is the native one with red bark, (Cornus stolonifera), and it is of much value for enlivening shrubberies in winter and is a good plant at all times.

The hardy hydrangea does well here, and if it did require some coddling to make it grow it would be well worthy of it. It is the most popular shrub grown. The Polish privet is the only one that stands even fairly well, but is hardly worth growing. The bush honeysuckles and lilacs are successful everywhere and are grand shrubs.

The Syringas do fairly well, but are peculiarly liable to injury from drought. The P. Columbian is a new form with large white flowers that I think, will prove a great addition to our flowering plants.

The shrubby Cinquefoil (P. fruticosa), is one of the best and hardiest under shrubs, and its bright yellow flowers add to its attractiveness.

Many of the sumacs are hardy, and though somewhat coarse, their rich autumn coloring is a special inducement for growing them.

The Missouri flowering currant is the best of its class, and is a grand shrub which never fails. The Alpine currant may be used in a small way.

Broad leaved evergreens do not thrive.

Rosa rugosa is perfectly hardy with us, and most satisfactory as a shrub. It is not well known as it should be. It is valuable for effective grouping or as a specimen plant.

Of the Elders, the native red-berried form, though somewhat coarse, is very useful in many places, and is conspicuous in flowers and in fruit. The golden elder is a beautiful thing and almost indispensable for enlivening shrubberies, and while it is frequently killed to the ground in winter, it is generally very satisfactory.

Of the Spireas, the Van Houten is the best; but Obovata, Fortunei, Lanceolata and Lobifolis are all good. The delicate Thunbergii is too tender to be satisfactory here. The golden spirea, though no longer put in that class by botanists, is the most satisfactory golden-leaved plant we have.

The Buffalo-berry, (Sheperdia argentea), is a large, clean, graceful and excellent shrub and as hardy as any. There is some difference in the color of specimens. It is not well known, but is destined to be largely used as an ornamental plant. The light green color of the leaves and branches may be used in striking contrast to evergreens and dark-foliaged plants.

The Snowberry is so hardy it may be used in almost any location.

The Tamarix Amurensis is a beautiful, graceful shrub, with feathery foliage and pretty small flowers. While it generally kills to the ground in winter, yet it starts so quickly in the spring that it is very desirable for the edgings of shrubberies. The Snow-ball is well known and satisfactory in good locations. The original form of it, the high bush cranberry, has the advantage over it in bright fruit, which holds on well into the winter, and I like it much better than the snow-ball.

The prickly ash is a good plant for giving variety to lawn planting.

The dwarf June-berry is a nice, quiet looking shrub in the edges of groups and shrubberies, and its pretty flowers are admired by all.

The common buck-thorn is useful and makes either a specimen plant or a good low hedge. Of its hardiness, Prof. Prendergast, who has much experience with it in a very trying location, says: "Plant without fear."

By the use of these plants we may secure a good effect the year around, and even in winter, have our parks and cemeteries objects of beauty and admiration

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 7th Annual Convention
Minneapolis, MN
August 22, 23 and 24, 1893

The Landscape Development and improvement of a Cemetery is a continual process, requiring constant study, perseverance, and patience, and there is no landscape problem that deserves more consideration and study. A cemetery may be planned and developed, conforming to the plans of the most capable landscape architects and yet, through the ravages of time, the addition of new features or the removal of old ones, existing conditions are so changed that constant replacements, addition, and re-arrangements are necessary to preserve a pleasing and appropriate landscape effect.

Old trees that have stood out as the prominent features in a given section may have to be removed because of damage by storm or defects due to old age. Many plantations of trees and shrubs may have included certain rapid growing species that were planted for their immediate effect and which it was the intention of the architect to remove, as time developed, the slower growing species. The erection of additional features, such as monuments, mausoleums, and etc., may necessitate additional planting, which would in the absence of such features, be misplaced and undesirable; or again, the exact opposite may be true of some planting have to be removed or rearranged, on account of the creation of new view areas.

This continual development rearrangement, control and maintenance, should all be guided by the same motive, and not show the individual characteristics of each succeeding Superintendent or Sexton. To this end it is imperative that a general plan of the entire property be made at the outset. The preparing of a general plan is also a necessity from the standpoint of economy.

This plan should be prepared by a competent landscape architect, preferably one having made a special study of cemetery landscape and having had experience in their development. Unless the architect is to be retained permanently in an advisory capacity, which is strongly recommended, the preparing of the general plan, is but a part of his work, for the plan should be accompanied by a written report of recommendations to cover a period of years, outlining the possibilities of the future, the motive behind the plan, the order of its development and both general and specific recommendations, relative to the treatment and control of individual lots. A report of this kind in the lands of a competent manager would insure harmony in future developments and if issued in pamphlet form for the benefit of the lot owners, would prove not only of educational value but an asset as a sales factor.

It will be the purpose of this paper to outline a few of the principles of landscape development which should be included in such a report.

The real value of any art may best be measured by the feelings it creates, the emotion it stirs, and the inspiration it offers to those seeing or hearing its expressions. The success or value of our cemeteries (as works or landscape are) may then be measured by the nature of the feelings, the emotions stirred and the inspiration given to our visitors and lot owners while in the atmosphere of the cemetery. What should be the nature of these feelings and emotions or what atmosphere should our cemetery create?

First:

The atmosphere of the presence of God, as evidenced by the feelings of ease, peace, hope, seclusion and righteous inspiration.

Second:

The feeling that an artist has utilized the gifts of nature in adapting them for a special use and purpose in creating a beautiful place in which the living may lay their dead.

Third:

The feelings, emotions and inspirations prompted by the visible evidence of individual tributes to the love, memory and honor of departed Loved Ones, ever mindful of the fact that Death is the Great Equalizer and is not controlled by worldly power or position.

These are the feelings that the landscape architect should endeavor to create in our cemeteries by the method in which he preserves, develops, regulates and controls the elements which make up the cemetery landscape. We are all familiar with the terms "Lawn Plan" and "Memorial Park" as descriptive of what the predominating elements of our modern cemeteries are today. These terms have undoubtedly served their purpose in an educational way but I sincerely hope that their continued use will not prevail or will not be necessary, for through the efforts of this and allied associations I look forward to the day when the word "cemetery" will need no qualifications to convey to the minds of the people a distinct meaning vastly greater than mere lawn areas and park atmosphere.

As a race, we have and are developing certain national characteristics in our literature, music, painting, architecture, etc. This is especially true in our landscape design. Distinctly American landscape design fathered by Andrew Jackson Downing and carried to a high degree of individuality by that noted New England gardner, Fredrich Law Olmsted, has always been characterized by what is known as the naturalistic style of development. Adolph Strauch known as the father of the Lawn Plan Cemetery was the first to successfully apply this natural style to cemetery development. His application of this natural style, although considered at the time an innovation, constituted perhaps the most forward step that has been made in the history of cemetery development.

Although there may be some disagreement as to the degree to which the natural style should control the cemetery to the exclusion of all formal effects, there can be no disagreement about the fact that the development of natural beauty should be the predominant theme in our cemeteries if they are to kindle those feelings of emotion and inspiration which we intend that they should.

For the convenience of discussion, let us consider the following units or elements which make up the cemetery landscape and their relation to the development of an appropriate atmosphere.

1.    Entrance area or approach avenue
2.    Administrative area
3.    Service area
4.    Driveways
5.    Views and special areas
6.    Enclosure
7.    Trees and shrubs
8.    Expressions of sentiment

First: Entrance Area or Approach Avenue

First impressions are the most lasting consequently the impression created by the approach to the cemetery is of vital importance. We cannot turn sharply from a busy street finding ourselves immediately in the heart of a cemetery and feel that we are in a secluded, quiet and peaceful area, at least, not without some shock and subsequent loss of ease. The change being sudden does not permit a restful easy transition from the worldly business atmosphere to the quietude of the cemetery. The principal function of an entrance area or approach avenue should be then to create the feeling of approach to a secluded area of peace and quietness. This may be accomplished in four ways: First, it may be possible to approach the cemetery by way of a city or town boulevard system, tree lined and restricted to pleasure vehicles; second, the use of a natural approach as a ravine, or gully within the grounds itself. Ferncliff Cemetery, of Springfield, Ohio, has an example of such an approach following between a stream and a bluff on and not particularly adopted for burial purposes; third, the purchase and development of a special right of way to the cemetery as has been done with such a pleasing effect at Forest Hill Cemetery, in Boston, MA; fourth, by the actual construction of a short drive within the cemetery grounds itself. This drive should ordinarily be of a winding nature in order to make it appear longer and offer a better opportunity to effectively screen a sudden complete view of the cemetery itself. This entrance or approach area should be treated as such in its landscape development, that is, there should be as far as possible, no spectacular or distracting views on either side, the main view being directly ahead. Consequently, an appropriate treatment would be a tree lined avenue with heavy plantings of shrubbery along the sides.

Second: Administrative Area.

The office building and fits accessories should, for the convenience of the public and the management, be located at or near the entrance. If the approach has been effectively made, the office building and entrance features may be combined and should be of harmonizing architectural design. If, however, the approach has been quite sudden it is advisable to have the office building somewhat separated from the gate or entrance feature so as to create the impression that it is well within the atmosphere of the cemetery, thus perhaps softening the mental feelings of those transacting business therein.
 
Simplicity in design and landscape effects should predominate in this area as it is purely an area created as a necessity and not of special meaning in the landscape itself. Massive and elaborate gateways are not desirable as they produce a harsh feeling of rigid enclosure and lack of freedom. Memorial arches, a pair or group of pillars with suggestive chains, an arbor, or some of the iron gateways of simple design which create the feeling of protection without the harshness of an actual barrier are the best types of entrance features. The architect in designing the entrance features and office building should work in harmony with the landscape designer, especially with regard to the question of views from the office or waiting room.

Views from that part of the office where the public transact their business should not include scenes of burial areas, but should be limited either to distant views or that landscape area immediately surrounding the office as it is undesirable to create the impression of burial in close proximity to the administrative area. Open lawn areas framed with groups and specimens of shade trees and shrubs should constitute the principal landscape elements of this area.

Third: Service Area.

The service area and its buildings should be located and designed purely from the economic standpoint to service and utilization of space least adapted for burial purposes. Although this area should receive consideration in the actual plan of the cemetery it requires no special mention in a written report.

Fourth: Driveways.

The driveways of the cemetery although developed principally for the purpose of service in providing access to the burial areas, constitute nevertheless one of the most important elements of the landscape and may be made one of the most attractive features, if properly designed and constructed. The general scheme of road design has been discussed in many papers given at these conventions and we are all thoroughly familiar with the preferred methods of following the general contour of the ground utilizing the valleys for roadways, eliminating sharp turns, circles and the so-called geometrical projections of the engineer, the proper distance between the driveways, their drainage, relative grade with the surrounding area, elimination of the reverse, curve, etc., etc. These and many other factors, the landscape architect must consider in his arrangement of the general plan.

I will touch on a few of the principles of landscape which might be emphasized in a written report, supplementary to the actual plan or design.

You will recall that we treated our entrance drives, purely as an approach to the cemetery, and therefore limited the view solely to the area of the approach and entrance. We have a somewhat different condition now we have arrived in the cemetery for the driveways being primarily means of access to burial areas, must permit in fact emphasize this feeling of access through actual visibility or views of the burial areas. We will discuss the nature of these views a little later.
 
Sentimentally one road is as important as another, yet there are two influences which must be considered in determining their relative importance from the standpoint of design. First there is the purely mathematical or engineering factor which determines the width of roadways according to the area which they serve and the probable traffic from the standpoint of service. Second, there is the question of which roads should be made the most attractive on account of their location, the area to which they lead, and the views which they afford.

From the standpoint of landscape development those roads which offer the most pleasing general views should be made the most important and prominent. Many of our owners prefer a lot that is in a prominent location, while others prefer secluded spots. Our roadways should reflect with their prominence, the areas to which they lead. Thus a roadway leading to an area developed particularly for its reclusive atmosphere should not entice the visitor by its prominence or natural ease of approach.

Roadways while designed to create a natural easy approach to the burial area, must also create a natural free and easy movement of traffic leading out of the grounds. This is quite important especially in our large cemeteries, which if poorly designed, very often remind one of a maze which is very easily entered but one has an awful time trying to find the way out.

There has been a tendency of recent years to plant a row of trees on either side of the road, thus creating a tree lined avenue or boulevard of every thoroughfare in the cemetery. There are undoubtedly many roads that and improved with this treatment, but were every road thus lined with trees restricting our views to the limit of the roadway, we would leave the cemetery with thoughts only or beautiful drives. Let us create a greater feeling of variety and naturalness in our cemeteries by framing some of our views with groups of trees and shrubs rather than evenly spaced row of trees bordering our roadways.

There has also been a tendency to construct the roadways of light colored, glaring materials, thus magnifying their prominence. This may be desirable in some instances of formal treatment as around the Chapel, but for the most part I think the roadways, should be as inconspicuous as possible, considering their natural prominence from the standpoint of service. Therefore, the roadways should be constructed with materials of subdued color. Tarvia bound macadam with a sweep coat of trap rock screenings being perhaps the best in this locality.

Five: Views and Special Areas.

Views and vistas constitute the principal landscape effect of the cemetery. In general landscape development the large sweeping lawn areas provide our most pleasing views. Unfortunately in our cemeteries, we are greatly limited in the possibilities of creating these views on a large scale because of the predominance of expressions of individual sentiment by means of monuments, head stones, urns and flower beds.

The nature of the development around the administration area, the reservation of special areas, and restrictions governing the erection of monuments, will allow the architect to create some of these larger lawn areas, but for the most part, our views will consist or limited view areas. This is by no means an objectionable feature however, as the smaller the view areas are, the greater their number and variety will be, thus magnifying the extent of the grounds, and its atmosphere of privacy and seclusion.

Nearly every cemetery has one or two particularly beautiful spots, such as ponds, wooded slopes, or artistic buildings, which as natural features or artistic developments constitute the main views about which our roadways are developed. These views must be properly framed in the landscape picture and their beauty gradually unfolded to us as we proceed along the drives. I say gradually unfolded, because the sudden vision of an unexpected scene creates not only a feeling of admiration but also the feeling of surprise with a resultant unconscious suspense and alertness of mind, which is at variance with the feelings of ease and peace that we wish to create. Consequently our views should be presented not by the sudden unfolding of one spectacular view or several minor ones all at once but through a gradual transition from one to another catching a glimpse now and then of some view beyond that promises added attraction as we approach it, but which glimpse is not sufficiently prominent to detract from the complete view then in line of view.

One beautiful spot may be viewed from many angles, each view being as attractive as the other and yet sufficiently different to preclude the feeling of sameness or predominance of any particular feature to the exclusion of the lesser views and features; as our nation has developed certain characteristics of landscape so each cemetery and each section in the cemetery should have its outstanding features and characteristics. This character of the cemetery as a whole should be expressed in the development of the natural beauties characteristic of the grounds which we see unfolded in series of beautiful views and vistas.
 
An individual character may be given to various sections, not only by the way we develop the natural features but also by the way in which we control and regulate the individual expression of the lot owners in a given section. Thus we may develop sections of either a prominent or a reclusive nature, garden theme sections, sections developed particularly for the burial of soldiers or special lodges, avenues or areas developed to private mausoleums, etc., etc., even giving a pleasing individuality and naturalness to the single grave section. The landscape architect should be informed of the probable need of such sections in the cemetery to be developed and in his report include special recommendations for their control and development.

Six: Enclosure.

Whenever possible the enclosure of a cemetery should consist of a natural planting of trees and shrubs and not an artificial barrier of rigid enclosure. Unfortunately the later form of enclosure is in most cases a necessity but can be supplemented with a suitable planting to relieve its harshness. Boundary planting should be made with particular attention given to its sky line. A stiff formal hedge-like planting of either trees or shrubs of the same height is not desirable. Boundary planting controls the views of scenes without the grounds and forms a background for those within. Views without the grounds should he limited to those distant views which impress one with the magnitude of the universe. Views within the grounds should have a background with a varied skyline to convey the feeling of depth and distance.

Seven: Trees and Shrubs.

Trees and shrubs are the material which the landscape artist uses to frame existing and create new views. The placing of this material is purely a matter of study in each individual case to create and frame the most pleasing views, and screen the undesirable with a natural arrangement. I hope to have given you some inspiration that will assist you in your study of the proper arrangement of the trees and shrubs in your cemetery as a means of controlling the views. For assistance in the arrangement of this material for natural effects, I can recommend no better help than a study of nature's own arrangement. In nature, we find our trees and shrubs growing either singly or in groups or in compositions of single specimens and groups combined. When in groups we may find one separate group of a single species or again a group may contain two or more species, one species prevailing in a certain area and gradually being replaced by another species.  When singly we may find a few single specimens scattered within a group of another species or we will find a few specimens growing singly without attachment to any particular group.  When in combination of single specimens and groups, we usually find a clump of four or five and then not far distant a single specimen or two which although separated from the group, are seemingly attached to it.

When trees and shrubs are found growing together the shrubs are usually grouped in the foreground as a sort of border in front of the trees, which arrangement would he characteristic of our border or enclosure planting.

When trees and shrubs are growing more or less detached then the tree is usually in the foreground flanked with one or more groups of shrubs. This arrangement is ideal for use in the burial area with the shrubs serving as background for the monuments and the trees breaking up the views into separate pictures and adding depth to the composition.

Skyline plays an important part in this, nature's arrangement and many really wonderful illusions can be accomplished in our landscape effects by a careful attention to skyline. We can create the appearance of distance or vice versa. We can make undulating ground appear to be level ground or we can level off the steep slope almost at will simply through an interchange of high or low growing species in the foreground or background depending on the effect to be produced.

The question of what to plant: Most of those who are entrusted with the care of a cemetery are more or less familiar with the more common trees and shrubs and their natural habit of growth and these should constitute the majority of our plantings. For reference purposes, and a handy guide in selecting plants for special purposes, I would recommend the text books published by Doubleday Page & Company called "The Complete Garden" by A. D. Taylor, Landscape Architect. As a general rule plants used for backgrounds to monuments should have a dense even foliage and be planted close together or in clumps, while plants used in groups purely for the purpose of separating one area from another should have a less dense foliage and be planted more openly thus increasing the lights and shadows and giving an appearance of extent and depth to the area. Hard wood trees and hardy shrubs should be used almost exclusively, care being taken to provide a continuity of bloom and color.

Eight: Expression of Sentiment.

I cannot agree with some of the landscape architects who would prohibit expression of individual sentiment to the point of excluding all memorials and personal tributes. We cannot afford to make parks and only parks of our cemeteries. Why do we say we develop the cemetery for the living as well as for the dead? Is it merely to present them with a beautiful park or is it to create a beautiful setting in which the living may lay their dead, and show evidence of their love for the departed by the placing of a fitting tribute or memorial at this last resting place. Let us not prohibit these personal expressions of sentiment, but let us so regulate and restrict them that they do not predominate the whole, but become a part of it, thus preserving that feeling of harmony, unity and equality which is such a necessity to the atmosphere of the cemetery.

There are many ways in which the individual may express this personal tribute. Possibly one of the most appropriate, is the planting of trees, shrubs and flowers as memorial, for after all are they not nearest to nature and after having served their purpose and the time comes for their removal, they leave no scar to mar the landscape.

Let us encourage their use as expressions of tribute and so regulate their use that they may become at least in part a unit in the landscape development. Trees and shrubs existing on a lot when sold or originally planned to be placed on the lot would settle the problem in many cases. In others the privilege of addling a few perennial flowers in the shrubbery group would suffice. Again a specimen tree not called for on the original plan but permissible and necessary because of developments within the area would be suitable. Certain lots specified in the general plan might have the privilege of containing an urn filled with vines and flowers. Specific sections or parts of sections might contain limited space for the growing of flowers in beds, either to be planted by the lot owner or the cemetery. Excessive planting of gaudy flower beds as a general privilege however should be prohibited as they constitute only a selfish motive.

One lot owner vainly attempting to outdo the other in mere display, whereas in reality the little violet plant placed on the grave maybe a more worthy expression of sentiment than the most elaborate display of carpet bedding.

The most common expression of a lot owner's tribute is the headstone or marker. These should be restricted to a height not to exceed four inches about the ground level. Markers of this height do not appear as miniature monuments on the horizon when seen from the roadway and yet as we approach each stone it seems to rise up and show distinctly that it marks a grave as it should.
 
The family monument is perhaps the most difficult to control of all the memorials. Primarily these should be restricted to certain locations or lots specified on the general plan. This location should be for the most part well back from the road where the monument will have a background of trees and shrubs to give it a proper setting. The majority of the modern cemeteries have or are making such provisions in their most recent development but the difficulty of regulating or controlling the design and appropriateness of the memorial is still a delicate one and one which in many respects controls the entire atmosphere of the cemetery. With of course, many exceptions the prevailing idea of the public seems to be that a monument is principally a means of perpetuating a name in stone. This is the wrong conception of the true purpose of a real memorial, which should be a work of art on which the name has really little more significance than the name of an artist, penned inconspicuously on the canvas of a great painting. If we would restrict the size of the name on markers, I feel sure that the public would soon develop an appreciation for the real merits of the monument, namely, its artistic qualities purely as a work of art, a memorial not a name card.

In closing, I am suggesting three methods whereby we as Cemetery Superintendents and officials may best cooperate to improve and develop the character of our cemetery (1) Organization; (2) Cooperation; and (3) Education.

1. Organization of local clubs or associations with the objects of interesting the different civic authorities, park boards, and county officials, with the importance of cemeteries in relation to the boulevard system and park systems of the district, and the encouragement of street tree planting on the roads leading to the cemetery.

2. Cooperation with the American Society of Landscape Architects by the appointing of a committee to wait on a similar committee from that association with the purpose in view of arranging for yearly interchange of speakers at our various conventions, whereby we may learn more of the landscape possibilities in our cemeteries, and they may be more fully informed of specific problems of cemetery landscape.

3. Education by means of issuing pamphlets for distribution to the public; the encouragement of special courses of cemetery management, in the landscape departments of our colleges and a similar encouragement of memorial design in architectural institutions.

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 38th Annual Convention
Portland, Maine
August 18, 19, 20 and 21, 1924

Ladies and gentlemen, I feel that I owe you a little bit of apology in appearing here with what comparatively little I have to show you. I had expected to show slides, which I always figure save me a lot of work because what the slides show I do not have to tell you, but unfortunately for me, at least, my slides apparently were lost on the way and have not shown up and in the very short time allowed me for tracing the slides and finding other illustrated material to show you I was unable to find very much. At this season of the year most of the material of this type is out on the road at fairs and other similar places. However, I will try to make up for the lack of actual material by explaining as we go along.

You are particularly interested, I assume, in the question of the relation of this insect to industry which you people are representing, and I will try to confine my general remarks to that particular phase of the proposition. Before going much further I just want to pass around two mounts, one on each side, which show the insect itself in the various stages and two small samples of leaves showing the general way in which it attacks the foliage.

Now a little about this insect and how it got here, and so forth. As you surmise from the name of the insect "Japanese Beetle", it is a native of the islands of Japan and of a certain few nearby islands in that part of the world. So far as we know the insect arrived in this country prior to 1916, and probably somewhere around 1910 to 1912, as a grub or soft grub about the roots of Japanese plants probably the Iris or Azalea or a similar variety, the roots of which come in the soil. It was first found in New Jersey in the vicinity of Riverton which is about nine miles above Camden, on the Jersey shore of the Delaware River in the summer of 1916. At the time two inspectors of the New Jersey Department of Agriculture found it, not knowing what it was, but merely recognizing that it was something new to them and not a habitat found in this part of the country as far as they knew, and after a. little searching around there, being enthusiastic collectors as well as official inspectors, they tried to find as many individuals as they could to work with it. They found in the neighborhood of a dozen or so within a quarter mile radius of this same field. It happened to be along the edge of a little creek running through there where they found them. Four years after that, in 1920, one man collected in about two hours' time six quarts of the beetles. Now there are relatively 3500 beetles in a pint or 7000 in a quart so you can judge from that something of the increase in numbers of the insect since that time. The insect has spread annually, as we believe, at a definite rate from the original point of infestation, at the rate of five to ten miles per year in all directions. That we believe to be the normal actual spread of the insect in new environment. The map I have here which I will open up (does so); shows color variations which indicate the gradual spread of the insect from the original point of infestation. You will notice the different colors represent the spread year by year from the original point of infestation, which point is in the centre of the map here, and a scale of the map is an inch to a mile. You can get a good idea from that as to the rate of spread. This is the City of Philadelphia here (indicating) the Delaware River running up to Trenton, up here towards New York; this being Riverton right up here, and the original point of infestation about three miles out from the town. That represents, as well as we have any example, the comparatively steady spread of an insect in a new locality, steady and uniform, and we do not expect to be able to prevent that yearly spread, the actual spread of the insect. At the present time the infested area, or rather up to the beginning of the present season. the middle of June, the infested area covered 770 square miles, the increase being from less than one-half a square mile in 1916. So far as is known the insect does not occur any place in the world other than this infested area in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and its original home country in and near the islands of Japan; and one phase of our work, namely, quarantine enforcement is aimed to prevent as far as possible the widespread distribution of this insect.

Now a little as to the life history; you are more or less acquainted with a class of insects closely related to this Japanese Beetle, that is, the May beetles or June beetles, as they are commonly called. This Japanese insect belongs to the same general family of Mayor June beetles. If we start at the present season for instance to trace the life history throughout the year just now we are in the tail end of the beetle season. At the present time the progeny of the present beetle generation, the eggs and grub which have hatched from that, is in the ground feeding. They will remain here all winter and until next spring as a grub, increasing in size, at least increasing up to real cold weather and then hibernating for the winter and recommencing growth in the spring up until we will say about the middle of May. Then there is a transformation, still under the ground, to what we know as the pupa stage. For instance, you are acquainted with the June beetle caterpillar, the beetle in the intermediate stage that is the cocoon, it is the intermediate stage. This stage lasts apparently about two weeks. The earliest beetles commence hatching between the 10th and 15th of June. Throughout the rest of the summer then there is a continuous hatching of the beetles. But the height of the season is from the latter part of June through July and early August that completes the life history for the year. There is but one generation per year so far as we know. A single female beetle will lay on an average of 30 to 60 eggs during her laying period which extends practically through the season of the beetle flight from the latter part of June until early August.

Now, to give you an idea of the ability of this species to carry itself through and to show how it withstands adverse conditions.  It does not breed as rapidly as some other insects but it has practically 100 percent of young that come through to maturity. To illustrate that point I will cite this one example. Two or three years back we were interested in finding out how many eggs would hatch and mature, so for a number of days we collected 100 eggs a day for a period of three weeks, taking them from different places in the soil and we averaged 99 or slightly better than that in the average of each 100 eggs hatched and the grub surviving. In another test we collected 1200 eggs in one day from a number of points, brought them into the laboratory, each egg was put in a small tin an inch in diameter, in soil and kept to determine the hatching, and we were able to hatch out exactly 1200 larvae from the 1200 eggs. In other words, the insect in all stages is very resistant to adverse conditions, which explains why we have such an increase in the comparatively few years it has been here.

Now a little bit about the habits of the insect: The more injurious stage is the parent beetles. We have records of their feeding on something over 200 different species of plants. I think it is about 220 including useful and cultivated varieties as well as non-useful weed varieties. There are certain different preferences they make. They show a preference for certain weeds such as smart weed, alder and mallow.  Unfortunately, however, their preference is not strong enough to allow them or to keep them feeding on the weed varieties only and there seems to be a notable tendency, as the insect becomes better established, to leave the weed varieties for the cultivated varieties. There is only one cultivated class, ornamental, that is distinctly free of attack from the insect and that is the conifer group, arbor vitae, pines, hemlocks, all that class. We have no record of their feeding on that class of plants. Now, from your standpoint it is quite possible that the grub, or young form, will be equally, if not more seriously destructive because of the fact that they feed on the roots of plants, particularly grass. Now, they are comparatively a small grub and a few grubs in the sod we will say don't make any appreciable difference. I mean by that 100 to 150 per square yard. It sounds quite a few but from our angle it is not. Now they begin to be real serious when they run up to three to five hundred grubs to the square yard. Under these conditions you can and will get serious injury to the sod, particularly in the fall, and especially if that is followed by a hard winter there will be a good deal of dying out of the sod. Now, when they get what we call real dense, that is, over 500 to the square yard, then you are pretty sure to get serious injury. To give you an idea of how high they may go, a year ago this fall the highest infestation we found was 1035 grub in a measured square yard in the golf course at Riverton. That is a good many grubs. That figure is not simply based on one examination but an average of several in the most heavily infested places. We thought that was about the limit that could be reached but an examination already this fall, just beginning there, seems to promise a figure running up close to 1500. You can realize that that degree of infestation may be called a heavy infestation and undoubtedly will give lots of trouble.

Now, a little about the work we are doing at Riverton because we all have run into at least the quarantine phase of it at one time or another; if you have not, you will, especially in the purchase of nursery stock from this part of the country. The work is divided into certain main phases: For instance, part has to do with the study of the life history, the habits of the insect in, the new environment, the changes from year to year as it becomes better acclimated, and so forth. Another line has to do with the importation and distribution of parasites which we hope will eventually hold the insect in reasonable check. In Japan the insect is not of any economical importance itself. They have occasional outbreaks where it does some damage and they collect a lot by hand and destroy them; but I suppose in 100 years there has not been the amount of injury occasioned in Japan that there has been in the last two years in the heavily infested areas of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. There are two reasons for the apparent non-importance of the insect in Japan. One is the cultural practices of the country. There is practically no waste land; everything is intensively cultivated, so that the opportunities for the insect to breed in large numbers are very limited. The breeding places chosen are grass fields, pastures and waste lands in general, and, of course, around this part of the country there are plenty of them. The other reason for the lack of serious injury in Japan is the presence of native natural enemies of the insect; in other words, there are insects which prey upon it, which we commonly call parasites. These parasites we know to be present there in reasonable abundance. We have now three or four men in that part of the world who are studying the situation and sending us parasites as fast as they have material available. The parasite material is shipped to us and it is taken care of at the laboratory. Some times it comes at the time of year and at the stage where the parasites can be released immediately in the infested area. Other shipments come in such a way that the material must be carried over during the winter or at least during a season before the conditions are right for the material to be released. The ultimate object of holding this insect down to a point where it can no longer be a serious pest lies in the shipment of a sufficient sequence of parasite enemies to keep the number of the host down to a reasonable small limit. Eventually possibly certain of the native parasites existing here, the normal beetle related species to the Japanese beetle will also attack the Japanese beetle. But the main reliance must be placed upon the known natural enemies which must be brought over. Now, it will take quite a few years before the parasites can be brought to the point where they are practically proficient in keeping this pest under reasonable control. As to removing from the class of dangerous insects, we do not stress that point very much; it may be ten to fifty years; and nobody is in position to give an estimate. Meanwhile the insect is increasing and spreading and is causing damage and is going to do more. Therefore, other important phases of our work have to do with the development of methods to control the pest, not only from the standpoint of the destruction of the parent beetle itself but also for the destruction of the grubs in the soil.

The insect or beetle is quite resistant to the ordinary poisons such as arsenate of lead, Paris green, etc., that are commonly employed, or at least they are wise enough to know enough to let them alone. It is an open question as yet even whether beetles simply won't feed very much on arsenate of lead, for instance, or whether they will eat just enough arid know when it is well to stop. The fact remains that arsenate of lead, as a common insecticide, we have not yet been able to say will kill a large number of the beetles. It does give a certain amount of relief, but not many eases are very satisfactory in the prevention of injury to the foliage by simply driving the beetles from the sprayed trees to places where the spray is not present. That is a sort of backhanded way of getting at it and of course, if carried on continuously will, eventually devolve on the proposition of driving them from one place to another. We are working on that angle seeking to find a material which will kill a bulk of the insects which feed upon it, which is, safe to use on the foliage without resulting injury to the foliage and with which the cost of using is not excessive. From the standpoint of grub destruction we are also carrying on considerable work. It is possible to destroy the grub by using the sodium cyanide solution and spraying it or applying it to the infested soil. It will kill 90 to 95 percent of the grubs in the soil in the early fall while they are close to the surface. The drawback is the cost. The material runs from $60 to $75 per acre, not counting the cost of labor and the fact that special equipment is necessary to apply it. I believe that most of us will agree that the cost is excessive and certainly it is from the standpoint of the average farm land. We are concerned, therefore, in finding a cheaper method of treatment and we believe we have found a satisfactory material in a carbon disulphide emulsion which will be satisfactory at least the two years of experimental work dealing with this material have given very satisfactory results.

Another phase of the work is the quarantine. As I mentioned in the first place, we do not expect to be able to prevent the normal yearly spread of the insect, averaging between five and ten miles a year; in fact, if we had nothing but that to consider we would not have much to consider because it would take many years to go a long distance. But when we consider the fact that the insects can be spread in one year or even less, the actual spread will occur in one week through the shipment of infected nursery stock from one side of the country to the other and you realize why it is we lay so much stress upon the quarantine, a quarantine that simply restricts and controls the movement of nursery stock to places outside, does not absolutely prohibit but allows the movement only under conditions which will not spread the insect; in other words, shipments of the type which will not carry the insect are allowed, other shipments are not.
 
Now, as the time is going on, it is getting a little late, I do not want to take up any more time unless you have specific questions. I will call your attention, if interested, to the circular which has been issued or printed describing the insect, its habits, etc., of which I do not have a supply with me, but if you are interested you can get copies by simply writing us for them. This is a small circular describing the insect, its habits, and giving a colored enlargement of the beetle itself, and can be secured by addressing the Japanese Beetle Laboratory at Riverton, New Jersey, or the Department of Agriculture here at Harrisburg. Now we have gone over this rather briefly and hastily. If any of you have questions I will be very glad to answer them, if possible.
 

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 37th Annual Convention
Harrisburg, PA
August 20, 21, 22 and 23, 1923

At the time I was invited to speak before this gathering I was at somewhat of a loss to see just why one interested in trees and forests should be asked to appear on the program of a meeting of Cemetery Superintendents, but a moments reflection on the three things that stand out most prominently in cemeteries convinced me of the wisdom of the wisdom of the officials of the Program Committee.  As one looks at a cemetery the three things that occupy conspicuous places are the markers, the trees, and the grasses.

Next to the grasses, trees are the commonest form of vegetable growth on the face of the earth. In many localities are so common that we do not give much attention to them.  But what if we had no trees!  I wonder how we would feel if tomorrow morning upon looking out on the streets and the rural landscape we would find that some demon during the night had destroyed all our trees.  Then we would appreciate their value and be willing to list them as our true friends.  Sometimes it is necessary to lose friends in order to appreciate their real value.

No doubt it is because trees are so common that we sometimes forget to think about them and give them a place in our program of work.  They are found everywhere from the shores of the ocean up to the timber line upon the high mountains. They beautify the banks of streams, clothe our steep mountain slopes and make our rural landscape, city streets and parks objects of beauty.  I truly believe that trees were made to bring happiness and comfort to the people. They are the earth’s fairest cloak.  They adorn the earth more fittingly than any other object of nature.  A park without trees is purposeless.  A road without trees is shade-less.  A cemetery without trees is cheerless as a creedless land is hopeless.

Both the living and the dead seem to love to rest beneath the quiet shade of old trees.  In New England I found many cemeteries surrounded by beautiful white pine trees.   There the dead rest serenely with patches of sunlight playing on the white moss-touched tombs and a thin carpet of pine needles makes soft the tread of reverent feet.

Beautiful cemeteries are a credit to the community and unborn faces will bless those who help take care of them.  Neglected cemeteries are an eyesore and bring discredit to those who tolerate them.  They are obvious evidences of disregard and disrespect on the part of the living to those who repose there.  I would rather rest in an abandoned cemetery than a neglected one.  In time nature will make an abandoned cemetery a fitting resting place.  Not so long ago I happened upon a small abandoned cemetery on a hillside overlooking the abandoned town of Greenwood Furnace in central Pennsylvania. It overlooked the site of an old charcoal furnace that at one time supported a prosperous small mountain community. When the forests were all cut off from which the supply of charcoal was derived, the furnace was dismantled, and shortly thereafter the town abandoned. While walking along a forest road on a hillside over looking this town, I noticed an American flag playing gently with the wind amidst a thrifty growth of young forest trees. My curiosity was aroused and I wandered over beside the flag, and found that it marked the burial place of a veteran who once lived in the abandoned town. Standing over the forest cemetery was a beautiful Yellow Poplar about 20 years old, and beside it a princely White Pine. Over the little mound of raised ground was a cover of myrtle and ivy. This was truly a quiet and beautiful resting place. Please permit me to repeat that I would rather have my body repose in an abandoned cemetery where nature will clothe my resting place with forest ornaments that no man-made object can ever equal, than to have it lie in a neglected cemetery filled with weeds and marred with dilapidated markers.

There are about 1,000 different kinds of trees in North America. Some of them are famed for their wood and others for the food they produce. Still others seem to be created to give shade and shelter.  It seems as if the Creator fashioned some in a way that their main function will be to adorn, to make beautiful and to give cheer and comfort. It is this class of trees that is especially adapted for planting in cemeteries. I will not pretend to talk about the arrangement of trees in this cemetery or their grouping, but wish to point out a number of their striking features and peculiarities.

The evergreen trees are well adapted for cemetery planting because of their bright green color throughout the year. There are a number of trees that are widely planted in cemeteries.  One of these is the Norway Spruce. It is not a native of North America but it has been imported from Europe and on account or its attractive form and ease with which it can be grown it has found a wide use in cemetery planting. Another tree that is well adapted to cemetery planting particularly about the border and where height is desirable is the White Pine. It is the greatest of American forest trees, and one of the most fitting for cemetery planting, for it can be successfully transplanted, grows rapidly and has an attractive term, and produces beautiful foliage. The needles upon falling to the ground form a soft carpet that makes soft the tread or reverent feet. Many of the prominent citizens of Colonial days are buried in the shade of White Pine trees.

The European Larch is another tree well adapted for cemetery planting. It belongs to the same tree group with the White Pine and Norway Spruce, but differs from them in that it does not hold its leaves during the winter, but sheds them each fall. In spring when the young leaves of the European Larch come out they are, to my mind, the most beautiful colored leaves of all our trees.

The Arbor Vitae is also worthy of a place in cemeteries. It does not become so large as some other evergreen trees, but it is a tree of rare beauty and its shape can be fashioned to suit almost any artist. It can be cut back heavily to be used for hedge purposes, and will stand trimming so as to conform to any landscape effect that may be desired. It is truly an obedient tree, and will respond to almost any kind of treatment.
 
I must not forget to mention the Irish Juniper, a tree that is rather common in cemeteries and made beautiful by its foliage and attractive form. It stands so erect and gives a feeling of cheer and happiness. In a class with the Irish Juniper is Kosters’ Blue Spruce. This rare ornamental tree was brought out of the remote mountains of Colorado and developed until now it is one of the most attractive ornamental trees. We should ever be grateful to those who have developed trees of rare ornamental beauty, for they have brought to us much of our happiness and pleasure.

Among the small pygmy trees that deserve a place in cemetery planting is the European Mountain Pine. This tree occurs near the timber line on the snow-capped mountains of Europe, where it remains quite small, having battled for centuries with the sliding snows and mighty winds or the Alps. It rarely grows over five feet in height and with judicious trimming may be fashioned so as no t to exceed two or three feet. This unique tree is particularly well adapted for border planting and in other places where a small round-headed pygmy tree is needed.

The evergreen trees are not the only ones that should be planted in cemeteries, for, among the trees that we commonly call “broad-leaved trees" are many that are worthy to be planted in cemeteries, for it seems to me that one of the principal objects of planting trees in cemeteries is to give cheer and comfort and to offset the sorrow that naturally hangs heavy on those who stand over the burial place of those that are near and dear. Among the broad-leaved trees are a number whose main message seems to be one of cheer and happiness. In early spring, long before the leaves come out on many of our trees the Red Bud bursts forth in a garment of rich red. Its leafless branches are completely covered with clusters of' brilliant red flowers. We cannot help but like them, for they are truly beautiful, and this small tree with a broad round crown is deserving of a place where beauty is an asset.  In a group with Red Bud should be placed the Dogwood.  Its flowers ranging from pure white to pink are equally beautiful and carry a message or cheer.

It is most unfortunate that the flowers of these two trees do not last very long and after they are gone we must look elsewhere for cemetery ornaments. Among the appropriate trees for the cemetery that carry a rich coloration throughout the growing season are the Japanese Maples. For generations the people of the Orient have been developing the Maples. They are among the most gorgeously colored trees in the world. For centuries the Japanese have been giving their Maples training not unlike that which American horsemen and the American rose expert give their subjects. There are now in existence Maples having pedigrees that go back for a full century or more. Some of these pygmy trees are only six inches high, while others may reach a height of several feet, but rarely do any of them become very large. I understand that the members or this Association expect to go to Gettysburg tomorrow. If you do and will visit the National Cemetery, you will see two distinct varieties of Japanese Maple at the height of their seasonal glory.

Among the medium-sized trees that have an attractive form and beautiful foliage is the Pin Oak. The Tulip Tree is also deserving of a prominent place in cemetery planting. It is a tree which seems to have been overlooked. I also feel that the White Ash has an ornamental mission that has not yet been fully developed, and the Sweet Gum of the South, a tree with a beautiful star-shaped leaf turning to a gorgeous red in fall, is well adapted for planting as far north as Massachusetts. The Beech with its attractive attire or summer and beautiful grooming in winter is among the beautiful trees that I have seen in some of the best kept cemeteries of the country.

While a cemetery superintendent should know what to plant, I think it is equally well for them to know what not to plant. One good rule to follow is not to plant rapid-growing trees in cemeteries. There are two good reasons for this. Rapid-growing trees have a tendency to throw out shoots and suckers very freely and they deteriorate very rapidly. As a rule, they are short-lived trees, and before they become old they are rather unattractive. Among the trees that cemetery superintendents should avoid planting are the Horse Chestnut, the Ailanthus, the Catalpa, and the Cottonwoods. These four trees are all rapid growers, but their undesirable habit of shedding something all the time of sending up root suckers, interfering with the growth of other trees, and unattractive form, suggests that they should be kept out or cemeteries.

Stephen Girard, one of the greatest men of the Keystone State, said:  If I knew that I was to die tomorrow I would plant a tree today."  Our great poet Henry VanDyke said: "He that planteth a tree is a servant of God. He provideth a kindness for many generations and faces that he hath not seen shall bless him." To plant trees is unquestionably a good slogan, but I think all of us who plant trees should also assume the responsibility or caring for them. To plant trees and then neglect them is unkind. The mere planting of trees will not insure success, for trees like all other living things need attention and a few or the things which should be done in order to insure the establishment and growth of the trees are the following:

1. Be sure to dig the hole large enough to take the roots without crowding them.
2. Cut off broken and injured roots with a sharp knife, and be sure to make a clean cut.
3. Trim back the tops of the trees so that they will balance the roots.
4. See that the earth is placed firmly around the roots so that the tree will be held in place.

I have every reason to believe that all cemetery superintendents know these simple rules, but it may be well to have repeated them again because they are so very important.

It is significant that this meeting is held in the month of August the hardest month in the year on trees. The two things from which trees suffer heavily during the month of August are lack of water and food.  I am sorry to tell you that my observations have convinced me that trees suffer from hunger and lack of water in cemeteries more than in almost any other place. It is customary to establish a dense sod and to cut the grass regularly and rake up every little particle of vegetable growth. As soon as the leaves begin to fall they are raked up and taken away so as to make the cemetery attractive. Now when we begin to analyze this practice we will find that these operations are removing the food that the trees should have. If we continue to remove this source of tree food it is but natural that we should provide it in some other form, that is, by feeding the trees with commercial fertilizer. In the forest where the trees are well watered and well fed they flourish but in our streets and cemeteries where they are poorly fed and inadequately watered, the best they can do is to eke out an existence. It is imperative that during the month of August trees should be well fed and given plenty of water.

There is another thing that should be watched in August that is the second brood of caterpillars. This brood usually consists of a large number, and will do great damage to the trees by completely defoliating them, at a time when they should be storing up food for winter. It will be quite helpful in the development of attractive and thrifty trees to see to it that this second brood of caterpillars is killed off before they can do much damage.

There is only one other thing that I wish to call to your attention, and that pertains to pruning trees. Not so long ago I overheard a conversation in which one man asked another where he could get someone to prune his trees. He was informed that "Over there on a store box sits a man who has nothing to do. I think you can get him." I am sorry to say, that it is too often true, that the poorest workman, the most shiftless character in a town, the fellow that has nothing to do and does not know how to do anything well, is the fellow who is asked to prune trees. One can readily see why so many trees are poorly pruned and the ill effect of such unsatisfactory work will hand us a penalty upon the trees for the rest of our lives.

In conclusion permit me to say that I feel sure that the tree condition of our cemeteries will be improved if on Thanksgiving Day everyone connected with the development of cemeteries will give thanks for the countless gifts that trees give to us, and on New Year's day resolve that "I will open my eyes to the beauty of trees and my heart to the love of them. I will study their habits and learn to know their many uses. I will ever treasure a fair estimate of their great value and the comfort that they bring to us."

Now, if you will bear with me I will show you a few slides which will picture some added features and also picture some of the features which will be shown to you on your automobile trip tomorrow.

(At this point lantern slide pictures were thrown on the screen and explained by Professor Illick)
 

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 37th Annual Convention
Harrisburg, PA
August 20, 21, 22 and 23, 1923

The Lexington Cemetery Company in Lexington, Kentucky, was chartered by the state legislature on February 5, 1848, and the first burial was made October 2, 1849. Since that time, the cemetery has grown from the original 40 acres known as Boswell's Wood Lot to a 170-acre landmark noted for its beautiful grounds, lakes, formal flower gardens and arboretum. This combination of elements requires an intense maintenance schedule year round. While every cemetery is different, many of you-particularly operators of historic cemeteries-may find it useful to compare your basic maintenance needs and solutions with those at Lexington.

Lexington Cemetery is a not-for-profit traditional cemetery with over 60,000 interments and almost that many monuments and markers. The majority of the memorials project above the turf and require trimming each and every time the grass is mowed. The grounds are heavily wooded, producing an abundance of leaves each fall, not to mention the need to trim limbs and remove damaged wood following storms. I hope you are starting to get a picture of the potential maintenance problems that can arise in the operation of an old historical cemetery.

The primary grounds management situations we address are grass mowing and trimming, leaf removal, tree care and shrub trimming. For each of these tasks there are two keys to ensuring proper maintenance: The first and foremost is skilled, well trained personnel, and the second is good, properly maintained equipment.

Note that these same employees also are involved in funeral services. Therefore, each employee devotes an average of six to 12 hours per week to making burials. Our mowing schedule begins in spring and continues until leaves start to fall in mid to late October, when we turn our attention to leaf removal.

Leaf Removal
The removal of leaves is our next most labor-intensive operation. Can you imagine raking 130 acres of leaves? You are saying, "Surely you don't rake your leaves?" And you're right, we don't. However, there was a time when every leaf that fell was raked by hand and picked up manually as well. Thankfully, someone invented blowers and vacuums.

Shrub Trimming
Another maintenance challenge at Lexington is our approximately two miles of taxus shrub hedge, which requires annual trimming. In addition, many of the family lots in the cemetery are landscaped with shrubs, making it necessary to prune several thousand more shrubs of various types. This work normally is done in late August and September. Typically our weather turns dry during this time, allowing a brief break from mowing and thereby freeing employees to help with our trimming.

* * *

In addition to these major maintenance jobs, we have many smaller tasks we must complete throughout the year (see "By the Numbers"). All of these activities are a challenge to perform. We sometimes wonder if we will ever get them done, but somehow we always seem to complete the job on time. I guess you could say it's just a year in the life of a cemeterian.

It is fun and rewarding to stand back and see the accomplishments of a good crew of grounds employees who take pride in their work. It could not be accomplished without the entire crew working together as a team. The bottom line is having a family come into the office and comment, "Oh, how beautiful the cemetery looks." That makes it all worthwhile!

Daniel R. Scalf is president and general manager of Lexington Cemetery Company in Lexington, Kentucky.

Individual written contributions and advertisements appearing in International Cemetery & Funeral Management do not necessarily reflect either the opinion or the endorsement of the International Cemetery and Funeral Association.

It gives me great pleasure to tell you of the work that the Ontario Government is doing in the way of beautifying its highways, a work in which you, as an organization will heartily concur.

Length of Highway: The total mileage of Provincial Highways in Ontario is at present approximately 2000. This does not include other roads of which there are thousands of miles. It is the aim of the Department of Public Highways to make the fore mentioned 2000 miles eighty-six feet in width, as it has been found that the ordinary sixty-six feet road is too narrow for modern demands, as not only should the right of way be wide enough to accommodate the roadway and gutters but also the main trunk lines of the telephone and electric power and light and last but not least to provide a planting space for trees and shrubs and one which in course of time may be neatly boulevarded and made pleasing from an ornamental standpoint. About 500 miles have been so widened or are in process of widening and the cross section shows 28 feet for roadway and 8 feet for ditches on each side and 21 feet for poles (when necessary) and trees on each side. On such highways there is little danger of the trees interfering with the telephone and power service and so harmony from the useful as well as from the aesthetic standpoint must exist.

Method of Planting: About every one hundred miles of highway constitutes a Residency and is under the charge of a Resident Engineer: such engineers have under their control a number of foremen with their gangs of men. During Fall and Spring when the road work is not in progress these foremen and gangs carry out the planting as advised by the Forester who instructs them in the selection and planting of trees and shrubs. The trees are largely selected from the bush lands adjacent to the highways and being native are thus desirable for the purpose. Twenty-five cents per tree is paid to the farmers and the work of lifting and hauling is paid for by the Department. The total cost of lifting, planting, staking and mulching is less than one dollar per tree. In cases where especially fine well shaped and rare specimens such as oaks are required the cost is a little more. Recourse is also made to the nurseries.

In purely country localities native trees are alone planted as it is the desire of the Department to keep the highways typically Canadian, such trees as the Red and White Oaks Hard or Sugar Maple, Elms, White Ash, Black Walnut, Butternut, Native Chestnut, Brasswood and so on are utilized. At the approach to the various municipalities exotic trees are also included and comprise Norway Maples, Oriental Planes, and other shade trees of recognized value.

The minimum spacing of trees is seventy-five feet in the rows which are located two feet from the boundary lines. With such spacing every tree has a chance of perfect development and as light and air have free access to the roadway, moisture does not remain thereon for any length of time to cause disintegration of the surface.

Special Beautification: Wherever at intersections of the highways near towns small waste areas exist; these are beautified by trees and shrubs. Two such parks have already been laid out, one at Port Hope, the other at Cobourg, and where at the approaches to large municipalities, special treatment is desired, this is affected with the cooperation of the municipal authorities, special grading of the areas, and the planting of shrubs is effected by the Department of Public Highways and such are maintained at the, expense of the municipality. The Easterly approach to the city of St. Catharines, which passes the beautiful and well kept Forest Lawn Cemetery, managed by a member of your organization is shortly to be beautified in this way.

Legal Protection: No injury to permanent plantations, or to existing trees is permitted, a penalty provided by law is inflicted in the case of willful damage or of Vandalism. No company or person may without permission cut or remove a single branch. Needless to say that in the case of existing wires or cables any necessary and reasonable cutting is allowed but only under the direction of an expert on the Provincial Highways of Ontario. The straying of cattle along the highway is also by law prohibited. However, generally, the law has so well been observed that no prosecutions have up to the present, been necessary.

Reforestation of Waste Areas: Not the least important of the work carried out by the Ontario Department of Highways is the reforestation of the abandoned gravel pits and quarry areas. These wherever possible are reforested with seedling pines, or with other commercial trees, steep banks where considerable cutting or filling has been done by the Engineers to reduce the grades are also landscaped or reforested as the case may be As many of these areas are contiguous with the highway the educational value of the project will be readily understood. Motorists may readily see the planted areas without even leaving their cars. The Ontario Department of Forestry very kindly supplies the seedling pines from its nurseries.

Help to Residents and Institutions: Ontario desires not only to beautify her highways but also to assist residents living along them to beautify their property so that not only will the planting strip be beautified but the frontages of farm and suburban homes school grounds and cemeteries. For this reason a plan will be supplied to all persons whom having a real desire to improve their property will undertake the work. Many such plans have already been prepared; where such improvement is effected; the increased value of the property, more than justifies the expense. One good turn deserves another and it has been extremely gratifying to find that in turn, people have actually offered to undertake the maintenance of the Highway planting strip outside of their fence line.

Free Advice: Not the least important of the activities of the Ontario Department of Public Highways is the giving of advice to County Road Engineers and Superintendents and also to Municipal Councils in the matter of selection of trees, pruning, planting and other matters pertaining to tree culture. Upon request lectures are given during the winter evenings in nearly all parts of the Province on Highway Beautification, Landscape art and allied subjects. In these the Highways Department and the Department of Agriculture cooperate, as far as compatible without the duties of one over lapping the other. It will readily be seen that any work which pertains to the beautification of Highways and Farm Frontages must necessarily be of interest to the Department of Agriculture and so, through the Horticultural Branch of the latter, splendid cooperation is effected. During late winter and early spring of this year (1921) six thousand two hundred and fifty people attended the lectures, an average for the fifty lectures given of one hundred and twenty-five people each. The largest audience was five hundred and the smallest thirty-two. The interest of so many people shows that the Beautification of Roads and of home surroundings is a work which is gripping human hearts. Where the treasure is there will the heart be also. And the treasure may be a home with beautiful surroundings and happy children, tor Children are always happy under such circumstances, even along an old stone road.

Beautiful Bridges: Some of the new bridges constructed or under construction span ravines which are nine hundred to one thousand feet wide, these bridges are largely of steel and concrete and of ornamental design, light and graceful, but sufficiently strong and rigid to carryall loads that the Department allows upon the highways. One has but to compare them with the bridges lower in the ravines which previously gave service, to realize the tremendous advance that has been made in the construction of highway bridges. Bridges are permanent features and as such, should be beautiful in design. When so, they serve a great educational purpose and are objects to admire. Ontario is building such bridges.

Reasons for Beautification: Beauty is essential to civilized life. The Creator knew this when he created the Garden of Eden. But why did he create it? To inspire. Canada is a big country, larger than the United States and Alaska combined. Ontario is a big and wonderful province and the people of Canada with those of the United States represent a far advance in intelligence. Beauty is essential to us all. Ontario is building and has already built some of the finest highways of the world and is now beautifying them. You are destined to learn of them and to enjoy as you journey over their smooth well finished surfaces and drink in the inspiration of the beauty along the way.

The roads over which your people and our people journey day by day are the things we should live they are part of our lives. Nothing to live along a hot and dusty road, is there? Without God's green canopy overspreading, giving of its generous shade and shielding the eye from the glaring sun. Governments and Institutions and men are measured by what they do. The Ontario Government is making its roads good and beautiful. These roads will stand as a milestone in the advance of civilization and as a heritage and an example to her people who will follow.

Beautiful roads inspire the people who live along them. They are encouraged to improve their homes and by so doing they afford better living conditions to their children; beautiful roads and beautiful homes surroundings put the undesirable to shame and he either adapts himself to changed conditions paints his barn and home, plants a few flowers or retreats to the back woods. Property adjacent to such highways is always very valuable, and highly to he desired. Good and beautiful highways encourage tourists and usually a good class of settlers. They mean money to the State or Province which builds them. Beauty along the way is undoubtedly a valuable asset.

One Province cannot live without another; one of the Provincial Highways will but form a link in a great Trans-Canada road, wide, beautiful and inspiring and worthy of a place in a great country. One country cannot live without another. Other highways will join those which you build from the south and as along them our interests mingle, we will be as one people. Your prosperity, our prosperity, all prosperity depends largely upon good roads, and the good and beautiful roads of Ontario are open to you as your good' roads are forever open to us. And may it be that through the intercourse which these good and beautiful roads afford, we will continue to learn to love each other until a friendship is consummated which no power on earth can sever.

Permit me to thank you for the opportunity of speaking to this excellent gathering, Catholic and Protestant alike men and women descendants of many nations, but all speaking the English tongue and using that speech in the interests of a greater and more beautiful world. No Sinn Feiners here! When we meet upon such an occasion, we are stepping upon an elevated platform where we can understand the virtues of each other's creeds. In Ireland many people are in the muck and mire of prejudice. Beauty and sunshine and art and everything that should fill their lives with gladness are obscured by the clouds of ignorant hatred. Why don't they step up?

During the war, the Spring came and went and the wild flowers scattered over the plain, and we lived but saw not the flowers or the dawn nor the sunset's glow, and now the war is finished and our minds are turning to the thing worth while. Tonight we have met to discuss things that pertain to beauty; things without which the soul cannot endure; things that mark the progress of Christianity and of civilization. You have turned your cemeteries-places of the dead-into gardens, places of life and beauty. You live and love that of which you have charge. It is your life's highway. Beauty keeps us perennially young because it inspires and cheers as we go through life. Would that all men could see the beauty of flowers and trees, and of God's great rolling landscape and live these things. Then the flowers of love would grow in the human heart as in the woodland glade.

In return for the happy hour spent with you, would you allow the speaker to invite you to spend an hour with him, an hour as he lives it, along a highway of life in a world of wondrous beauty, and with him in this little poem, drink again at the fount of youth in a glade where no heart is ever old.

THE GLADE OF YOUTH

Come out to the woods in the silvery morn
When the dew pearls deck the grassy sod
Let youth again in your heart be born
Come out and spend a day with God;

Come out with me where the flowers bloom
And the breezes rustle through shrub and trees
Let youth again in your heart find room
Come out and be young once more with me;

Come out old friend where you and I
As children romped in the blossoming glade
Come out from streets that hide the sky
And see the things that God hath made;

Come out old friend while your aged eyes
This wondrous flower clad glade may see,
Come out again 'neath the sunny skies,
And pick the bloom of youth with me;

Come out though the hair of your head is grey
And your brow is furrowed by lines of care
Come out with me to the woods today
And find the joy that is everywhere.

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 35th Annual Convention held at Detroit, Michigan
September 13, 14 and 15, 1921

Mr. President and Members of the Association: I don't want to pass for as good a man as my father was. My name is Fletcher Bohlander; you have it here on the program as Peter Bohlander. I wish I had the language and the gift to express what trees and plants mean to me, as well as what I think they can be made to mean to others. It will be a great pleasure to me, however, to tell you anything that I can on this subject on which I feel that I have been gradually finding out some few things during the last few years. About thirty years ago or more, when I first commenced traveling around the country in the interest of the nursery trade, I began to find out that the best places and the places where I could get the most information about trees and plants, was by visiting cemeteries, for there I could learn what trees and what plants, were doing the best in those communities. This varies quite a good deal in different communities, sometimes in different places in the same community. But I never found a time when the superintendent of the cemetery wouldn't give me time enough and wasn’t perfectly willing to swap ideas. For this reason, I accepted Mr. Salway’s invitation to appear here before you.

Now, as I have already said, I am not gifted in talking, I wish I were. But trees and plants mean a good deal to me, as they do to almost everybody. The very tramp who comes along by your place will stop and enjoy a tree before he goes on his way. I know they have visited our nurseries many times, we are right across from the Railroad and they will even go through the nurseries, and you, will see a better expression on their faces when they leave. Every tree you have in your cemeteries, preaches a sermon, perhaps unknown to us, to everybody who passes. No words of mine can begin to express what trees do for the community. One thing about trees however we all want to remember, for here is where we sometimes make a serious mistake: it is not worth while to insist on planting either trees or plants that are not adapted to our conditions.

There are plenty of trees and plants right in our own communities or adapted to our own communities, where they will do well-what might be called our native stocks and it is much better to use it than to go out and get foreign stock and bring it into conditions to which it is not adapted. A pretty tree, well cared for, is, much better than a dozen trees half cared for and half dead. It doesn't make any difference where you get your trees, so that the varieties you use are adapted to your conditions: that's the important point to remember. Another quite important point is how the trees are grown and how they are cared for before you get them. Many a fine tree has been killed after digging by exposure before packing, and by an unduly long time occupied in transportation. For this reason I would advise every nurseryman to have a small nursery of his own and never to plant a tree that he gets from the nursery in its permanent place until he grows it a year in his own ground. Then, when he transplants it, he very seldom has a failure; it will grow.

Where you are planning for your trees ten or twelve or even fifteen years in advance, if you will take your nursery trees and plant them in groups, and let them come along and develop in beautiful groves, and then take them out of there and plant them in their permanent places using that temporary place as a nursery, I think you will get better results. There are so many little things of this kind I could say to you and it is such a broad subject, that it is impossible for me to hope to cover it in just a short talk. If trees don't mean a good deal to us, why would people like John D. Rockefeller and Charles M. Schwab be working with them and enjoying them? They don't do things unless they get results, unless they get some benefit from them. They get more recreation out of caring for trees and plants than any other thing they can do in life. The proper planting of trees means a good deal of thought. It takes, more time and more patience and more skill to plant and arrange trees and plants to get the proper effect, than it does to paint beautiful pictures. In fact, when we plant and arrange trees, we are painting beautiful pictures on our grounds, and there is only one effective way to do it, and that is to follow the teachings of nature.

Very often, we fail of the effect intended, because we won't let nature teach us. I am satisfied that in the great majority of cases, we would get just the effect we want if we would follow the simple teachings of nature, if we would go out and study our community, if we would study the surrounding country in order to find out what is doing well in our own local communities, and then use that material. Of course, it must be placed right, it must be placed so as to give your entrance a good setting, and it must be placed so as to give mausoleums and monuments a good setting. Don't overplant and don't ignore advice, but don't take too many peoples’ advice. Talking just a little bit against my own business, there is one thing in particular that should not be done, and that is, to employ a landscape gardener who is, connected with a nursery; there is a little too much tendency to recommend the use of the stock and material that he has, himself. But, on the other hand, if you have a good landscape gardener and you have confidence in him, don't let anybody confuse that opinion or upset your idea, but use his scheme the whole way through.

Remember that he has some picture in mind that he is working out, and if you interfere with it, or, if you change it, you will find you will not get the results you should have. Of course, a good landscape gardener is indispensable, if you can get one, but there are mighty few really good landscape gardeners in the country. If there is no landscape gardener available, just remember this, that every man looks at his planting a little bit differently, anyhow, and most of the superintendents of cemeteries have a pretty good idea of how they want to handle their own grounds, and in addition to that, they are always trying to get all the information they can from others. So, if you will just work at it, if you will have confidence in yourselves, and if you don't let too many people confuse you by advice, you• will get good results and beautiful effects. But, it makes no difference how many trees you plant, or, how they are planted or arranged, if you don't take care of them afterwards. And there, again, we can't expect to get very far or do very much, if we work against nature's laws. Take, for instance, the rhododendron, perhaps the most beautiful thing we have in the East; it is impossible for us to grow them here. We can grow them here for a year or two, but we are lacking in soil conditions, in the sulfur and the magnesia that is in the soil, and they just naturally starve to death, so that it is of no use to try to work with them. But we have many other good plants here that can be grown easily. Why not use those things doing the best we can with what we have, instead of trying to do the impossible?

If there are any questions you would like to ask, I will be very glad to answer them if I can. I don't claim to know very much about the business, although it is the only thing that I do know anything about, but there's so very much to know about it, that it actually makes me ashamed of how little I do know. A few years ago, we had so many questions asked us about when and where and how to plant, that we had a little book printed in an effort to answer those questions. I brought a few of those little books here with me, and, if they are of any value to you, you are welcome to them. Or, if I haven't brought enough of them with me, and there are others who want, a copy; I will be glad to see that they are mailed to you free of charge. Anything else I can do for you, please remember I am at your service always.

From the publication:
“AACS - Proceedings of the 33rd Annual Convention held at Cincinnati, OH"
September 24, 25 and 26, 1919

The matter of insect control extends beyond the actual detecting and combating the specific pest at hand. Indeed, it should be one of the prime considerations in the planting of the tree itself, for some species of trees are much more susceptible to insect attack than others. Under the artificial conditions which many shade and ornamental trees are grown, it is essential that they be given every natural advantage possible, for without these natural advantages they are so greatly handicapped that they become an easy prey for insect hordes. After a careful study of planting, Dr. E. P. Felt of the New York State Museum has tabulated a list of these more common sorts arranged in accordance with their comparative freedom from insect injury. The list of trees together with the explanation of their arrangement is given in the following words from Dr. Felt:

The figure 3 has been placed opposite trees which are practically immune from insect injury; 2.5 indicate some damage. Trees having one somewhat serious enemy are rated at 2 and those having at least one notorious insect pest at 1.5. The species are arranged according to the comparative injury as follows:

Tree of Heaven 3 Catalpa 2
Ginkgo 3 European linden 1.5
Red Oak 2.5 American linden 1.5
Scarlet Oak 2.5 Horse chestnut 1.5
Oriental plane 2.5 Buckeye 1.5
American plane 2.5 Soft or silver maple 1.5
Tulip or tulip poplar 2.5 American elm 1.5
Sycamore maple 2 Hackberry 1.5
Sugar maple 2 Water or red elm 1.5
Norway maple 2 European elm 1
White maple 2 Scotch elm 1
Spruce 2 Cottonwood 5
White Oak 2 Carolina poplar 5
Burr Oak 2 Lombardy poplar 5
Red maple 2 Balm of gilead 5
Honey Locust 2 Yellow locust 5”

I do not wish to be understood, however, in saying that the preceding list should serve as the only guide in the selection of the trees for tree planting, since many other enter into one's consideration at that time. I merely wish it to serve as a guide for use from the standpoint of insect control other factors being equal.

Healthy, vigorous trees less liable to insect attack: It is a well known principle among both plants and animals that the weakling of the lot is more susceptible to attacks of diseases and predators than are healthy, vigorous specimens. For this reason one should be quite careful in the selection of the stock for planting. Overgrown nursery stock or planting stock taken from the woods where it may have stunned or where the opportunity to root development has not been what is should be, is quite likely to suffer severely from both insects and fungous diseases, particularly when first set. Such trees having been grown in shaded places are naturally quite subject to sunscald when set in the exposed open, and the cracked scalded areas on the trunk afford excellent points of entrance for boring larvae.

Allow space for development: Overcrowded plantings frequently make for a weakened condition among shade and ornamental trees. This is particularly likely to happen along streets where the residents plant excessive numbers of trees in order to make a show when the specimens are small. Later, as the trees grow, they hesitate to do the proper thing by way of pruning; thus we have crowded, unhealthy specimens. More over, the width of the tree belt is quite frequently wholly inadequate for the needs of the tree. Frequently we notice but a narrow strip of soil in which the trees are planted, and it is no wonder that when growing under such adverse conditions insect pests and fungous troubles find them highly susceptible hosts.

Avoid distributing the root system: Frequently trees are given an impetus toward susceptibility to insect depredations by having the root system disturbed through the lowering of the grade. Many of our most beautiful trees are highly susceptible to injury of this type since not a few of them are shallow rooting in habit when the surface of the roots is disturbed or injured, little remains to carry on the life work of the tree. Frequently the disturbing of the root system is avoided by the leaving of a mound of earth covering the roots, and if properly executed this does not prove an unsightly area. Where fills are made about trees, a well about trunk of the tree should be made of stone or bricks to retain the earth from falling about the tree trunk. The speaker has seen instances where fills of six feet have been made about trees and a well no more than six feet in diameter has saved the life of the specimen.

Protect trees in exposed areas: Insect pests and particularly trunk-boring species quite frequently make their entrance into the trunk of the tree through mechanical injuries to the bark. In street trees the most common source of these wounds is the mutilation of horses and of course with the rapid increase in the number of automobiles this menace is decreasing in corresponding measure. Nevertheless, it is still of sufficient importance to necessitate the protecting of trees grown in exposed situations, and for this purpose nothing more attractive nor efficacious has been found than the galvanized hardware cloth purchased in 15 inch rolls and of sufficient strength to make a rigid protector.

Electrical injuries: In a measure it may be said that electrical injuries aid and abet insect depredators. This, of course, does not hold true where the tree is killed outright by the current but it is highly applicable where only one or more limbs are injured or killed. This deadened portion of the tree then serves as an attractive bait for wood-boring insects which in time may spread to other parts of the tree.

Tree butchers: While he can not be classed as an insect pest, yet in the judgment of the speaker the tree butcher may rightly be considered one of our most destructive shade tree and ornamental pests. It is distressing to note the work of this class of men on fine specimens. Quite frequently trees that are a source of joy and pleasure to the neighborhood or passerby are butchered ruthlessly through mistaken ideas as to what tree trimming properly is. After some years of thought on the matter, it appeals to the speaker that we should have statutes limiting the practice of public pruners just as we have statutes limiting the practice of dentistry, veterinary medicine, materia medica, etc. The average householder is absolutely at the mercy of the public pruner and it seems to me that the owner of the tree deserves some sort of protection. He should have some way of assuring that the man who proposes to trim his trees is sufficiently trained to practice at least the principles of good tree husbandry, and it will not be long before the public demand for legislation on this point will be so great that it will be forthcoming. Such legislation would accomplish much toward doing away with the shyster practitioner just as our present excellent statutes make the practice of medical quackery highly undesirable and unprofitable.

Tree surgery: While the speaker feels rather strongly against the tree butcher, he has a very kindly feeling toward the expert tree surgeon. There is as great need for trained men to do public work in tree surgery, in the trimming of trees, the dressing of wounds, etc., as well as for public sprayers of trees. Some of the work done by the better class of tree surgeons is of most excellent character and it is a source of satisfaction to an owner who is able to restore a prized specimen on his premises after it appears that the days of the tree are numbered.

Insect pests: It is obviously impossible in the space allotted to this paper to give a detailed account of the various insect pests attacking shade and ornamental trees in the United States and Canada. Indeed, it would be almost prohibitive to attempt even to enumerate a list of these pests. A number of publications are available for this purpose in which the details of the life-history, development and control measures for the more important economic forms are considered. Just at this time there is being issued from the Ohio Station, Bulletin 332 which considers the problem in rather complete detail.

Spraying Machinery: In the successful control of the insects affecting shade and ornamental trees, one of the very necessary adjuncts is adequate preparation for spraying. The advance during the last ten years in the perfection of the spraying machinery has been little short of marvelous. During this period we have passed from the use of the common mist sprayer to what is known as the solid stream type of machine, a machine which by reason of its great capacity and the high pressure it is possible to develop with it, is able to throw the spraying liquid to a height of 100 feet, where the stream breaks into a fine mist and quickly and effectively covers the specimen under treatment. By the use of such machines the cost of spraying has been greatly decreased. It has been demonstrated in the East that 50 pounds of paste arsenate of lead dissolved in the proper amount of water and applied with one of these machines will yield almost perfect control of the gypsy and brown-tail moths. Such a performance is really little short of marvelous.

Spraying materials: Just a word about spraying material and I have finished. For most purposes, the cemetery superintendent will find three materials adequate for his needs. These are: (1) Arsenate of lead for chewing insects, ordinarily employed at the rate of 3 or 4 pounds of the paste form or 1½ to 2 pounds of the powder form to 50 gallons of water. It is applied as soon as the depredators are noticed to be at work since younger insects always are less difficult to destroy than they are when they become older and consequently more rugged. (2) Miscible oil used against scale insects and red spider in the spring before the leaves appear. It is employed at the rate of 1 gallon to 15 gallons of water. Since this material kills by contact, exceptional care should be exercised in making the work of application thorough. (3) Nicotine sulfate, used against plant lice and similar soft-bodied sucking insects during the summer months when the foliage is out. Usually this material is used at the rate of 1 part to 50 parts of water with enough soap added to make suds. The amount of soap varies according to the degree of hardness of the water but ordinarily 2 pounds to 50 gallons of the diluted nicotine sulfate is adequate.

From the publication:
“AACS - Proceedings of the 33rd Annual Convention held at Cincinnati, OH"
September 24, 25 and 26, 1919

When your Secretary asked me to prepare a paper for your convention, I was in doubt as to the propriety of my doing so, knowing that I could not speak to you from the standpoint of one who has had a practical experience in your work in its relation to the modern cemetery. However, when he assured me that a few notes on any kindred subject would be acceptable, I thought it might be well to embrace the opportunity of calling the attention of your members to the importance of tree planting in streets and waysides. This is a subject that concerns all, while the influence which your body is able to wield in the direction of street ornamentation is very great. Without doubt each and every member of your Association is connected, either directly or indirectly with the planting and care of public trees, and recognizes the desirability of encouraging an interest in the prosecution of this work.

Recognition of the value of trees as an adornment to streets in this country dates from an early period.

In Mr. Albert Matthews’ intensely interesting address on the history of the trees of Boston Common, delivered last year before the Boston Common Society, we find that as early as March 3, 1655, interest was manifested in the preservation of trees. At a Town Meeting, held that day, an order was passed, "That whosoever shall cut, hack, or hew any of the trees planted in the Neck, shall pay for every tree so spoiled twenty shillings, the one-half to the informer, the other to the town."

On May 12, 1701, a by-law was passed, that "no person shall lop, peel, girdle, or deface any of the trees now standing or that shall hereafter be planted or set by order of the Selectmen, or by their approbation, upon any part of or place in the common ground of the town, under penalty for every such offense."

Although not so stated, it is presumable that there were public trees; but, whether or not, the order reveals to us the fact that the early pioneers of Boston recognized the value of trees as an adornment to the town and the necessity of their preservation.

In one respect we have not progressed much since that day, two hundred and forty-seven years ago; twenty-five years after the first settlement was made. We have with us today, as the early founders of Boston had, in 1655, those who "cut, hack, or otherwise ‘spoil’" trees; and it is to be feared that their numbers have increased since the days when the Puritans made the order. We have, also in goodly numbers, the small boy, with his ever ready pocket knife, to whom the smooth stem of a tree is a sore temptation---a temptation as irresistible as was the cherry tree to George Washington in his boyhood days.

Then too the trees on the curb of every street bear ghastly evidence of the gnawing of generations of unhitched horses; indeed, it is not an uncommon thing to find hitching rings driven into fine old trees. In addition to the despoilers of trees of "ye olden time," we have the modern gas companies and the City Sewerage and Water departments whose employees, seldom giving thought to the destruction they are working, cut off more roots from our street trees than would be necessary were the work done under intelligent direction.

To counterbalance, as it were, the lopping off of the roots under the surface, we have the cutting and slashing of the branches; by employees of the various corporations whose business requires the use of overhead wires, leaving ugly gashes, like the path of a tornado, on the lines of their wires.

Trees may be ranked among the noblest products of nature, and their adaptability for beautifying and shading streets is a great boon to city dwellers, and one that is not appreciated to the full: else why should such mutilation be perpetrated, or why should it be permitted by those in authority, whose duty it is to protect the interests of the public? Ignorance of trees and their requirements undoubtedly has much to do with it. Carelessness, thoughtlessness and the fierce fight for gain are among the causes which despoil our trees, and when we consider that, in addition to this danger from the hand of man, there are still to be added the ravages of insects and lower organisms, the wonder is that so many beautiful trees are to be found in our streets.

It has often been a source of amazement to me how so large a number of cultured people could seemingly be of one mind in the exclusion, almost, of trees from fine residential streets, resulting, as it does, in such inhospitable barrenness. Beacon, Marlboro and Newbury streets, in the Back Bay district of Boston, are cases in point. To pass through these streets in summer, unrelieved by the shade of trees, the sun baked walls reflecting the heat absorbed by the asphalt, one ceases to wonder that the houses on either side are deserted. In the fitness of things it seems proper that from such conditions, people should flee, seeking the shade and comfort denied them at home---denied because of their own careless neglect of the advantages they might secure by planting trees in their streets. It may be, however, that the summer hegira from this district has something to do with the lack of tree planting: not being present during the heat of summer the great need of shade is not observed. Yet it is not only in summer that trees are attractive: in spring the swelling buds give added charm to the delicate spray-like effect of the branches that is so beautiful in winter; and at all seasons trees lend a softness to the hard architectural lines of the houses. This treeless condition should not be. There is no reason why these streets and wide sidewalks may not be embowered in trees, and thus relieve much of the Back Bay from its dreary, un-home like appearance.

It is to be regretted that in laying out new streets, the tendency of the day is toward the narrowing of the sidewalks and the omission of any provision of a tree planting space. Boston and its suburbs are suffering from this evil, which portends badly for the beauty of its streets in the future. The absence of provision for planting will quickly relegate such streets to squalor and obscurity.

Considering too what a large amount is expended, every year, in the United States for schoolhouses, it is sad to think that so little attention is given to the school yards. How many of them are bare and uninviting, when a small expenditure of money would plant and maintain shade trees, at least around their borders! No better opportunity could be offered to the school children, to know and learn to love trees, than by their close association with them at school. The trees could be of as many different species as space might permit, thereby extending, as much as possible, the variety of trees at the command of the teacher for her demonstrations of their different values and uses and of their relationships and their beauties.

The early public records demonstrate the fact that the Puritan Fathers in the midst of their strenuous life, had in mind the beautifying of their surroundings, by the planting of trees and that they ordered, through their selectmen, that trees should be planted by the town. Quoting again from Mr. Matthews' address: "On February 11, 1711-1712, it was voted by the selectmen that a convenient number of trees be provided to plant on the sides of each burying place where it shall be thought proper."

That the early settlers of New England transmitted their love for trees to subsequent generations, the magnificent elms to be found in the streets of our New England towns, give evidence.

The New England elms are noted, far and wide; the charm they add to the wayside is beyond price. Is it not important, then, that every effort should be made to encourage the growth of and to protect, all wayside trees?

Washington's trees, as an attraction to the city, divide honors with its best architectural features; not because of the individual beauty of the trees as fine specimens, but because of their value as a whole in the adornment of the city. This results from an intelligent control of the planting and care of the trees, the work having been placed in the hands of competent commissioners, among whom have been numbered John Saul, William Saunders, and William R. Smith, the only survivor. The results accomplished in Washington are just as attainable in any community; all that is necessary is wise legislation and the education of the people to the importance of the subject.

Great interest is now being manifested throughout the country in the preservation of objects of natural beauty, in the regulation of the billboard nuisance, which everywhere disfigures the landscape and in the general improvement of towns and cities along aesthetic lines. This
betokens a general public awakening to the importance of civic beauty.

Societies having these objects in view are being organized in every direction. We are glad to note that a large share of the attention of these societies is devoted to the planting and preservation of trees. These influences, properly directed, cannot but have a good effect in the furthering of the work of making the city (and the country also) beautiful. The members of your association can be of great service in promoting the work of these societies by giving freely of their practical knowledge of true culture and gardening.

Laws, making it obligatory on the part of towns to elect tree wardens, who shall have the care and control of all public trees, except those already in charge of park commissioners, have been enacted in Massachusetts, while in various cities throughout the country, laws and ordinances have been framed looking to the care and planting of trees in the public streets and highways.

The Massachusetts statute is mandatory with regard to the appointment of a warden and the scope of his power. The provision for furnishing funds; for planting and care is permissive which will largely induce negative results. The idea, however, is sound and when certain of its defects have been remedied and the knowledge of tree culture increased," its influence on civic beauty will be very powerful.

The simple passage of a tree warden law does not alone insure that there will be protection; that trees suitable in kind will be planted; or that their requirements shall be furnished to them. Let it be a popular service to see that competent wardens are elected, and that their duties are faithfully performed. Laws and ordinances are of little avail unless supported, in their execution, by the hearty cooperation of the public. The requirements of these trees are simple: good soil, and protection from the vandal hand, is all that is necessary for favorable results. But money must be provided to pay for these, as well as to meet the expense of pruning and fertilizing; also to combat with the ravages of insects, which infest trees in towns and cities-----a consequence of the disturbance of Nature's balance, resulting from the banishment or destruction of insect-eating birds.

Tree planting and improvement associations have done much to advance the cause of tree planting in public streets. The Brooklyn Tree Planting Association recommends the cooperative plan. Under this plan competent foresters may be consulted or engaged and trees may be bought, and the ground prepared for planting more cheaply than could be done by individual effort. Associations of this character, however, are difficult to organize. Not everyone possesses enthusiasm enough to enter into the work of planting young trees. The results seem too distant, and planting for posterity appears, to many people, too great a self sacrifice.

In the absence of competent civic control of tree planting, the cooperative plan, or any other plan looking to the planting of trees in the streets, should be adopted by every citizen who has the interests of his city at heart. No excuse can be offered for the absence of trees on every suitable street and on every roadside. The matter is easily within the power of each municipality to correct.

What to plant for street trees? And how to plant them are important questions, on the answers to which depend much of the success in planting for street embellishment.

Of trees suitable we have an abundance from which to choose. I will enumerate a few that I consider most fitted for the purpose:

First, and foremost, comes the American elm, a grand tree of vigorous growth. It must have room to develop and a rich soil, fairly moist. A good tree for city streets and without an equal for wayside planting.

The European elm (Ulmus campestris) is a noble tree. It has not the graceful, pendulous habit of the American elm, yet it possesses; in its columnar trunk, a stately grandeur scarcely equaled by any other tree. It thrives well under adverse conditions. As a sidewalk tree it has many valuable qualities, conspicuous among which is the persistency of its rich, green leaves, lasting as they do until late in the autumn. In some seasons its summer growth does not become sufficiently ripened to stand the winters in this latitude; yet this trouble is not so serious as to prevent its use for any situation where shade trees can be grown. It loves good soil.

The horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) is a tree from Europe. It grows very freely and gives dense shade and is a popular favorite on account of the beauty of its flowers in the early summer. Its foliage ripens and falls early in the autumn. It is a suitable tree for city streets.

The soft maple (Acer dasycarpum) is a fine tree for wide streets or waysides, where good soil is abundant. It requires space and sunlight to get the best results. It is reputed to be ea lily injured by storms on account of weakness of fiber; this occurs only when it is grown under crowded conditions.

The American ash (Fraxinus Americana) is an adaptable tree. It grows fairly well as a sidewalk tree, but it is not so desirable as many others, on account of the late leaving out and early ripening of its foliage. On poor soil, and in dry localities, it is apt to be attacked by borers and the scale insect. In rich soil, its growth is rapid, producing a picturesque tree.

The buttonwood, or sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), is a lofty, quick growing tree, but not to be recommended for planting in this district, on account of its liability to be infested with fungi, which blackens the leaves. Its near relation, the oriental sycamore, resembles it greatly in appearance, although a little more compact. This species is much valued south of this latitude.

The maiden tree (Ginkgo biloba) is from Japan. This tree has not been used as a street tree, to my knowledge, except in Washington, where two streets are planted with it and where it has proved most satisfactory. In good soil it grows rapidly and it seems to have no insect enemies. It forms a handsome avenue, as can be seen on the Agricultural Building grounds in Washington, or on Pierce Street, where the planting before mentioned has been done. Boston and vicinity probably is the northern limit of its hardiness, or rather, I should say, of its free growth. Fine trees of this species can be seen in the Public Garden and at Mount Auburn Cemetery.

The hard or Sugar Maple (Acer saccharinum) does not make a good city tree. It is impatient of rough treatment; paved sidewalks and paved streets are fatal to it. It is, however, a good tree for suburban conditions, or for a country wayside tree. It is one of the handsomest of our North American trees. This tree will adapt itself to a thin soil.

The Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) is an introduction from Central Europe. It forms a rather wide spreading, handsome top, with a wealth of large leaves, forming a dense shade. It thrives fairly well as a city sidewalk tree, but on account of its width of spread, it is only suitable for wide streets. As a wayside tree it scarcely can be equaled.

The sycamore maple (Acer psuedo platanus) also from Europe is a wide spreading tree, with large, somewhat leathery leaves. It is a noble tree in its native habitat, but does not take kindly to the United States. It is subject to borers and is not to be recommended.

The American beech (Fagus ferruginea) is one of the most ornamental of American trees, but on account of its low branching habit in the open and its surface rooting propensity, it is not adapted for city planting. This tree loves too well the soft, leafy mulch of its native woods to bear transplanting to the heated sidewalks.

The silver poplar (Populus alba), introduced from Europe, is one of the best trees for hard conditions. In smoky, dusty and thickly populated localities, or in poor soil, it will exist and make a brave show. By many, it is esteemed an ugly tree. The poplar trees planted (I have been informed, by Strauch, the originator of the lawn treatment of cemeteries) in Cincinnati, however, would convince anyone to the contrary. Or without going further east than Boston, one could have found in Maverick Square, two fine specimens until two years ago, when they were removed to make way for the new tunnel entrance. This tree has a disagreeable habit of suckering.

The American Linden (Tilia Americana) also is a tree that will accommodate itself fairly well to street life, provided it is given good soil and protected from the tussock moth, to whom it seems to be a favorite food plant. As a wayside tree, it will grow well in thin and sterile soils and for such a purpose, is well adapted, being of quick growth and of handsome proportions.

The European (Tilia vulgaris), as its name indicates, is from Europe, and has a well deserved reputation as a fine shade tree. Planted in good soil, it will grow under very crowded conditions of street life. At South Boston it can be found growing in brick paved sidewalks and persistently putting forth leaves each spring, which are as persistently eaten off by the tussock moth caterpillar. It forms a tree of stately growth, holding its leaves well into the fall, while, in early summer, with its near relative, the American linden, its flowers charge the air with a delicious perfume.

The tree of Heaven (Ailanthus glandulosa). This is a tree of the tenements. No city conditions, be they ever so hard, seem to discourage its growth altogether. It can be found on Beacon Hill, in narrow courtyards, throwing up its handsome foliage to the housetops; and in many parts of Boston it can be found in corners by the stoop, thriving equally well. Apparently, it has not been used as a street tree in Boston, probably from the reputation which male flowers have of emitting a disagreeable odor. I have lived on Long Island, where the Ailanthus is naturalized, and where the finest street trees are of this kind, and I have never been able to detect any odor, unless I placed the flowers to my nostrils. In rich soils there might be kill-back in winter, from under-ripened wood; but, in poor soils, I feel sure, this trouble would not occur. I am confident that no mistake would be made in planting this tree where hard conditions exist.

The white willow (Salix alba), introduced from Europe, was, undoubtedly, a favorite with the early settlers, as fine trees are to be found throughout the coast of New England. The variety of Cerula is the one most suited, I think for street planting. It is not particular as to soil and if a little care is given to the training up of a leader, it forms a handsome tree. The willow does not lend itself to neat and precise, or formal, work. Its value as a street tree lies in its adaptability to adverse conditions, its early budding forth in spring, and in its holding its bright shining green leaves until late in the fall.

The tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is another good tree for suburban and wayside planting. It is impatient of restraint or hard usage, but under proper conditions, it is one of the finest trees of the forest.

The red oak (Quercus rubra) and the scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea) are both grand shade trees for the streets in suburban districts, or for the wayside. The prevalent notion has been that these trees are of slow growth, which accounts for their not having been used for street planting. This idea is erroneous, especially as regards the red oak which I think will outstrip a hard maple in growth. On the Boston parkways, the red oak has been extensively planted for shade. The growth, since the trees became established, has averaged two feet, each season, and in some of them a growth of from four to six feet has been made in one season. The oak will not thrive under paved street and sidewalk conditions, but no better trees can be planted for roadsides, or even for suburban streets, than the red and scarlet oaks.

The pin oak (Quercus palustris) this oak is a very graceful tree in its young state. Its lower branches drop with a curved sweep to the ground consequently it should be planted only in such positions as will allow the lower branches to be retained. As a street tree, in ordinary locations, this cannot be done, and the most beautiful feature of the tree is thus lost. Without its lower branches, this oak is much inferior in appearance to the red or scarlet oak. It loves moisture, however, and may be utilized on low grounds.

The planting of street trees requires as much care as does their selection. It is not enough to merely dig a hole and crowd the roots into it. Any expectations based on such planting are doomed to end in disappointment. In laying out for street planting, let the first stakes be set at the street crossings. When the abutting streets also are to be planted; place two stakes at each corner, a bout thirty feet from the point of intersection of the curb line, on each street. Then space off the intervening distance, setting the stakes equally distant apart, but not less than sixty-five feet, as the shortest distance.

Trees generally are planted too thickly. Sometimes this is done with the intention of cutting out alternate ones, as the growth of the tree requires. This, however, is seldom done and the trees grow up too thickly, thereby overcrowding and injuring each other, destroying also the individual beauty of the trees and the symmetrical arrangement which an avenue of trees should have.

For sanitary and hygienic reasons, streets ought not to be too much shaded. The sun should be permitted to shine on the walks, and on the walls of the houses, in turn, as the earth moves in its course. Glimpses of light and shadow, too, have an aesthetic value, which is worth considering.

Sixty-five feet apart is the minimum distance apart, I think, at which street trees should be planted. For large growing trees as the elm or soft maple, seventy-five or one hundred feet apart would be none too much space to allow. Wayside or highway trees need not be set with the same precision as street trees. An irregular, planting; conforming, in general, to the surrounding scenery, would be in better harmony. In places, an accentuation of existing groups of trees may be all that is necessary, or simply a thinning out of overcrowding trees, or of poor trees which are damaging more valuable ones; for let it be an axiom with the tree planter who is planting for ornamental effects, never to permit the growth of one tree to injure that of another.

An important matter also in the care of trees is the pruning of all broken or diseased limbs or branches, by cutting the branches off at the next lateral below, and cutting the limbs off closely at the bole of the tree, leaving no stumps projecting which the bark cannot grow over to carry rot into the tree. Cut off smooth, and paint over the wound with coal tar.

If the soil is good, no preparation for planting is necessary, other than loosening up the ground for each tree for a space of from seven to ten feet in diameter and from two to three feet in depth. When the soil is poor, not less than ten yards of good soil should be substituted for an equal amount of poor soil excavated from the hole. The same loosening up of the ground should be made.

If planting is worth doing at all, it is worth doing well, for on this depends the well being of the tree. It is safe to say, if you have $20.00 to spend on planting a tree, let nineteen and a half dollars of the amount be spent on the preparation of the ground to receive it. It should be borne in mind that the same conditions which will produce a good hill of corn will grow trees well and nothing else, will serve.

In the planting of groups or masses of trees for ornamental or woodland effect, the soil should be plowed and subsoil plowed several times. The trees should be planted thickly, always remembering the old gardener's motto: "Plant thickly, but thin quickly." More trees are ruined from crowding than from any other cause. The plantation should be treated precisely as a good farmer would treat a crop of corn. Give clean cultivation. Thick planting gives the advantage of shelter, (each tree protects the other) and the further advantage of a greater number of trees from which to select the permanent ones. It also gives the effect of foliage mass the quicker.

These notes are written in the hope that they may help to intensify the interest now manifested in the planting and protection of public trees. The subject is of such importance as to merit the earnest attention of all.

The insect question I have not touched upon. This, however, is so exhaustively covered by our Entomologists that no one need work in the dark, for want of knowledge of how to exterminate insect pests, or at least to hold them in check.

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the16th Annual Convention
Held at Boston, MA
August 19, 20, 21 and 22, 1902