CHAPTER XII

HIGHWAY ESTHETICS One test for success is the degree of satisfaction produced. A successful book satisfies the majority of its readers. A machine is successful when it performs the duties intended to the satisfaction of its operators. In business satisfaction brings repeat orders; in art it gives emotional pleasure, and we return again and again to look upon it. The ancient writer Vitruvius says the three indispensable elements of architecture are _Firmitas_, _Utilitas_, _Venustas_, stability, utility, beauty. That one which in the long run is most pleasing to the builder and gives the greatest degree of satisfaction is beauty. Most people are sensible to the charms of nature and art, that feeling excited in the mind when observing those things called beautiful, and to a feeling of revulsion and, possibly, disgust when brought in contact with the ugly. The so-called esthetic sense enables us to appreciate and admire the beautiful in nature and art, to enjoy literature and music, to delight in wit and humor, and even to recognize beauty in a mathematical problem. Can the principles of esthetic construction be applied to the humble road? Most assuredly, everyone recognizes that the first two elements, stability and utility, are very essential qualifications, but the public fails to get the greatest possible satisfaction from the road because it neglects the element of beauty. Until the profession of Road Aesthete has been evolved, therefore, it might be well, in at least a crude way, to apply to the highway some of the principles of architecture and landscape gardening. Since the roadway is of necessity flat it blends in well with landscape gardening and the characteristics of unity, variety, and fitness are fundamental. All parts that are above the surface may receive a true architectural treatment. Bridges are especially amenable. With the very large bridges there is present the element of size, vastness, and when properly proportioned they excite in the mind of man a feeling of awe akin to appreciation of the sublime in nature and impress upon him a deep sense of the greatness of human power. In all bridges the elements of proportion, harmony and symmetry are applicable. And with the beauty and grandeur of form comes the heightened effect of embellishment--ornament and color. Here, however, the skill, experience, and taste of the artist must come in. Embellishment may be carried too far. A simple decoration of constructive parts is usually sufficient. Massive concrete is itself pleasing, but possibly a rubbing of the surface will enhance the effect of light and shade and bring into prominence the lines which the bridge architect desires to emphasize. The coloring due to the materials used is usually deemed sufficient, although there may be places where harmony demands a special treatment. Much the same principles are involved in landscape gardening. It might be well if every road engineer also had a course in the art of landscape gardening, and some have gone so far as to contend that the need for the services of an expert landscape architect to assist in the design of highways is obvious. The artistic qualities of landscape gardening applicable to the beautification of highways may be conceived to be unity, variety, and character. Unity means that in the landscape composition some leading idea, motive, shall prevail, and that details shall be subordinate to it. In order that a motive may be most effective one master mind should have charge of the landscape work for an entire road; plans should be completely made and all planting within and along the edges of the right of way should be absolutely under his supervision. In only a few instances has road gardening been carried to this extent. Perhaps this may be due to a lack of art education on the part of the public, to a sort of inherent feeling that Nature will take care of her own and cover without artificial aid all ugly spots, or to a lack of necessary funds. Two great styles ordinarily mentioned are the Natural and the Architectural. They are sometimes spoken of as the English and the Italian, because they have been respectively most highly developed in these countries. Another style called the Picturesque has its adherents for certain locations. The natural style attempts to retain naturalness as far as possible--in extreme cases refusing to prune trees or clear out trees weakened by decay and blown down by the wind. Generally the best effects are obtained by not going that far. Open lawns, curved lines, and grouped trees are utilized to obtain the appearance of naturalness. Shrubs and flowering perennials are used to furnish a natural and pleasing connection between the open lawns and the wooded portions of the landscape. They may be used in profusion to hide unnatural and inartistic features, and often will be low enough to look over and therefore beautiful vistas need not be eliminated. The Architectural style seeks to carry the architectural composition of the buildings into the landscape. The extreme Italian style is diametrically opposed to the extreme English. It has been said that they are mutually exclusive. For best effects that may be true, but the modern tendency seems to be to recognize that each has its advantage in special situations. Modern landscape architects are not adverse to a proper mixture of the two. The writer is of the opinion that road gardening will be best as a compromise between the two extreme styles. The fact that the road must be laid down through a long, narrow stretch of land, that ditches must be maintained for drainage, that embankments and cuts must continually alternate, makes a purely naturalistic treatment impossible. The geometrical must be in evidence. In country districts with wide right of ways--in some places they are as much as 200 feet--the road may be considered as separating two plots in which there is room for much open grassy space and group planting along the outer edges. With narrower roads the trees will necessarily be planted in rows uniformly spaced, depending upon the width of the street and species of trees, giving an “avenue” effect. In cities greater formality is necessary than in the country, but even there planting the less formal trees will tend to give more or less naturalness to the whole. The architects will not agree with me in believing that satisfactory combinations of the two great styles may be obtained. They believe that street planting, for example, should be in (1) parallel rows with the street, (2) the trees should be uniformly spaced, and (3) the individual trees should be just as nearly uniform as possible. I will admit that the main lines of trees should be parallel with the street but do not admit that irregular groups of shrubbery and flowers will destroy the artistic effect. That the larger trees should be uniformly spaced and of the same variety and size for the same block or street is also admitted. But, that such trees as the American elm, for instance, because it is lacking in formality, is not a good street tree, cannot be admitted. Neither do I believe that an avenue made up of palms, Lombardy poplars, or dwarfed catalpas, is any more beautiful, harmonious or restful than a street of long curving pendulant elms, although geometrical boldness has not been so thoroughly carried out in the latter case. Clipped trees, occasionally in fantastic shapes, are sometimes seen. It scarcely needs to be said, that however appropriate they may be in an Italian villa, they have no place along an American highway. But neatly clipped hedges of privet or mulberry may add materially in outlining the geometrical arrangement. It is my opinion that the main trees along a country highway should be much farther apart than they are usually planted. Two to three times the spread of a grown tree of the same variety in that region is none too much. Or the distance may equal the height plus the spread. If they are placed on both sides of the roadway they should be alternated, staggered. This gives the trees each individually an opportunity of undisturbed growth, and if they are adapted to the locality and well fed will form large symmetrical trees. American elms, for the Mid-west states should be placed not less than 100 feet apart along country roads. Lombardy poplar closer, say 75 feet; while they do not spread so very far they do grow high. Another reason, in addition to that of unrestricted growth, for setting the trees far apart is that for some distance from a tree, perhaps because of the spread of its roots or the shade, crops do not grow well. And as the tree must usually be planted near the edge of the right of way, the farmer who owns the adjacent land is being robbed of the fertility of his soil. The fewer trees that may be set and still give a good appearance the better. The improved appearance of the highway and its benefit to the farm fully compensates for the loss of land, without doubt, when the trees are spaced wide as has been suggested. The varieties of trees that should be planted along highways depends upon the location of the land. Those species that will thrive on low bottom land may not thrive on the table and upland. The eucalyptus grows rapidly into a tall, dignified stately tree in California, but would not live at all in Minnesota. The paper birch of Michigan and New York might be out of place entirely in Texas. Only those trees should be planted that experience shows are fitted for the region and locality. In Europe it is common practice to plant apple and other fruit trees along the highway. Such trees might not thrive under American vandalism. Mr. C. A. Reed of the United States Department of Agriculture[212] recommends the planting of nut trees. Among others he mentions black walnut, hickory, Japanese walnut, beech, chestnut, filbert or hazel, and pecan. Of non-nut-bearing trees he thinks the elm the best all-around tree. He also mentions the sugar maple, the linden, the apple, and especially a native variety known as thorn apple, hawthorn or red haw. There are many other species that grow well. The pin oak and other varieties of oak may be transplanted; two or three poplars--a variety of cottonwood known commercially as Carolina poplar is a rapid growing but short-lived tree; ashes, locusts, catalpa, sycamore, the pines, spruces, cedars, and larches, all do well in some localities. Plums, choke-cherries, and black haws make good screening thickets and furnish fruit for the birds. The wild grape and the Virginia creeper will soon completely cover unsightly fences, rocks, and stumps; the birds also like their fruits. For low planting practically all the shrubs used in decorative gardening are available, while the perennial herbaceous flowering plants become veritable splotches of color to delight the eye of the discerning wayfarer. In the language of Oliver Wendell Holmes, “It will not do to be exclusive in our tastes about trees. There is hardly one of them which has not peculiar beauties in some fitting place for it.” Even a blasted and wind-torn tree, or those trees which have the quality of picturesqueness, such as the gingko, cut-leaved maple, Kentucky coffee, weeping larch, or those artificially dwarfed trees, catalpa and mountain ash, all may be utilized in their appropriate places. =Trees.=--_Apple._--A rather good-looking tree with a beautiful show of blossoms in the spring. Used extensively as a road tree in Europe. The native crab-apple and the thorn-apple (red haw) are both fine for their blossoms. They do not grow large so can be used in group planting. _Arbor vitae._--A species of cedar used for screens, wind-breaks, and hedges, and for filling in shrubbery where a variety of color is desired. _Ash._--There are some half dozen or more varieties found native in the United States covering a region from the Atlantic to the Rockies and extending into Oregon and Washington. Nearly all of them are suitable for road and street trees. In parks they are good for massing as they stand close planting. _Aspen._--A species of poplar, rapid growing and often springs up in the pine forests after the conifers have been cut off. The color of the leaves makes it desirable in some plantings. Will grow in close masses. _Balm of Gilead._--A species of poplar (black cottonwood); a good-looking tree but like other poplars not especially desirable as a road tree, but in all the Northern states where quick growth is wanted might be used. _Bamboo._--Native of South Sea Island, Philippines, southern Asia, other southern countries and a species in Florida. A rapid growing plant, quite graceful, and can be utilized for group and massive planting where acclimated. _Basswood._--See Linden. _Bay._--See Laurel. _Beech._--A beautiful tree both in summer and winter. Best when grown individually. There are fifteen or more species belonging to the genus (_Fagus_). The blue beech or ironwood, a rather small tree, may be used where its peculiar color is desired. _Birch._--Some twenty-four species are known in the United States, inhabiting mostly the northern part, extending into Canada and Alaska. The birches, especially the paper or white birch, are distinguished by their light-colored bark. That of the white birch was used by the Indians for canoes. It is an excellent park tree if it can be saved from being peeled by the ubiquitous vandal. _Box Elder._--A species of maple found quite generally from the Atlantic Ocean to the Rocky Mountains. It grows to a height of approximately fifty feet with a spread about the same. It casts a dense shade and since it will stand severe climatic changes is a good tree for the naturally treeless sections. Has been used much as a street tree, although not particularly shapely as to trunk. _Buckeye._--The buckeye and horse chestnut are species of the same genus. To the native species is usually given the name buckeye. The Ohio buckeye is from 30 to 45 feet in height and is useful in mass planting and not at its best in road planting. [Illustration: PIN OAK STREET TREES About 15 Years Old on Land that Was Once Considered to be a part of the “Great American Desert.”] [Illustration: A COTTONWOOD WIND BREAK Formerly very Common in the Prairie Region.] _Camphor._--The Camphor Tree (_Cinnamomum camphora_) is quite commonly planted for street trees in the Southeastern, Southern and the Southwestern states. The tree is a thrifty grower and is nice and straight. The leaves and wood have the characteristic aromatic camphor odor, and from them can be extracted the juice. Another tree of the same genus _C. zeylanicum_ has also been imported from Asia and may be found in the same states. From the roots is obtained cassia bark. _Catalpa._--Was planted extensively a few years ago because it was thought it would quickly develop timber large enough for fence posts and ties in a few years. The best variety is the _Catalpa speciosa_, which grows under favorable conditions to a height of 60 feet, with a spread of 30 feet. The leaves are large and of good color, but slow to appear in the spring and drop at the first frost in the fall. The flowers are very showy. For this reason, its general shapely appearance, and its rapid growth, it is a good road tree. It does not seem to be very long lived, and as a street tree it is objected to by those having close cropped lawns because of its bad habit of shedding its long seed pods all summer. _Cedar._--There are many species of cedars, both red and white. The arbor vitae has already been mentioned. _Juniperus virginiana_ is perhaps the best road tree. It grows from 50 to 80 feet tall with a spread of one-quarter to one-third its height. It is suitable in nearly every place where evergreens can be utilized. Its pyramidal shape makes it well adapted to formal landscape architecture and hence would make a good road tree for avenue planting. _Citrus Fruit._--Orange, lemon, grapefruit, and citron are freely planted in Florida and California. Where these come up to the highway they answer for road trees. The citrus trees have a beautiful dark green shiny foliage with a round top, and with their flowers and ripening fruit are always interesting. _Coffee Tree._--A good lawn or park tree, but a very few specimens will be sufficient. _Cherry._--The wild cherry, _Prunus serotina_, also called black-cherry, grows native over much of the eastern and central portions of the United States. It is the tree from which the cherry wood is obtained. It is hardy, grows to a good height, 40 to 80 feet, with a spread of 20 to 40 feet. It is a good road tree spoken of by one writer as “charmingly unconventional,” and bears a slightly bitter pea-sized fruit of which the birds are fond. It is deserving of larger planting as a road and street tree. The chokecherry is a much smaller tree, from 5 to 20 feet high and can be used in massing and screening. The blossoms in the spring and a little later the fruit of which birds are extremely fond, make it worthy of attention. The Japanese flowering cherry and tame cherries are sometimes used for their blossoms. _Cottonwood._--A species of poplar found native from Maine to Florida and westward to the Rocky Mountains. Being so hardy and a rapid growing tree, it was planted freely by the early settlers in the plains regions of the Mid-west. A variety known as Carolina poplar grows especially straight and tall, from 75 to 100 feet, with a spread of 25 to 30 feet. The cottonwood is not strong and is liable to be broken in the wind, because of this fact old trees are usually more or less unsightly. The shedding of cotton from the pistilate tree is objected to, but this trouble may be avoided by propagating only from staminate trees by cuttings. Nevertheless it is a valuable tree where rapid growth and quick shade is desired. _Chestnut._--The chestnut (_Castania vulgarus_) and one or two other species was formerly an important timber tree in the Eastern states. The tree when not in foliage looks something like red oak. It grows to a height of 75 to 100 feet, 5 to 12 feet in diameter. In Europe a chestnut is mentioned 204 feet in circumference. The spread of the tree is from one-fourth to one-half its height. The nuts are edible. A bark disease has carried off most of the Eastern trees, and the larvæ of insects almost universally infect the nuts. However, it is a rapid grower and might be worth planting where it is known to thrive. _Cucumber Tree._--A large, handsome tree, symmetrical, 50 to 75 feet in height of the magnolia family, its fruit resembling cucumbers. It is a native of the Eastern states. _Cypress._--The bald cypress, though a large tree and of commercial importance, has little value as a road tree because it grows in swamps, the very worst place for a road. It might be utilized in the lake of a park. _Dogwood._--A native shrub of several varieties. Its low growing tendencies, its beautiful flowers and showy fruit make it a valuable ornamental shrub for parks. A species _Cornus Florida_ grows into a tree some 25 feet high. _Douglas Spruce or Fir._--Snow[213] states this (_Pseudotsuga_) genus “is neither a true pine, spruce, nor fir, but a sort of bastard hemlock. The name ‘pseudotsuga’ is from _pseudo_, or false, and _tsuga_ or hemlock.” These trees are among the largest known and the wonder of the traveler through the forests of Oregon and Washington. Along the lines of these roads it were well, if the pleasure of the tourist be of import, to retain the most beautiful specimens. It grows from 175 to sometimes 300 feet in height, and 3 to 5, and sometimes 10 feet in diameter. _Elm._--The American elm (_Ulmus americana_) is considered by many to be the best street and road tree in this country. It has a large rounded top with long graceful branches. The shade is not very dense and the lack of foliage near the ground allows the free circulation of air. It grows into an exceptionally fine individual specimen and will also group well. The general good appearance of the tree both in summer and in winter makes it a favorite. There are some fifteen different species of elm distributed over the temperate portions of the Northern Hemisphere, except along the western coast of North America. The wood being tough and fibrous it withstands damage from the wind fairly well. Occasionally the long branches become so heavy they break down, but usually the tree is so well balanced that it stands up well. The white or American elm is the favorite for road work. The red or slippery elm (_U. pubescens_) is a beautiful tree and would be used more frequently in road and park work were it not that its delectable mucilaginous inner-bark makes it the mark of the road vandal. White elm grows from 90 to 100 feet in height with a spread of 50 to 75 feet. There is a tree now being featured by the nurseries called English elm which has a smooth bark and very shapely appearance. The cork elm (_U. racemosa_), grows from 75 to 90 feet in height, best developed in southern Ontario and Michigan, with a somewhat rough shaggy bark, is also a good road tree. _Eucalyptus._--This genus includes about 400 species. They are variously and locally known as gum trees, stringy-barks, iron-barks, mahoganies, and box, and are natives of Australia and neighboring islands. They have been widely planted throughout the world in warm climates. The blue gum (_Eucalyptus globulus_) does well at least as far north as Sacramento, and has practically changed the landscape of Southern California and Arizona. The tree has an extremely rapid growth, reaching a height of 200 and sometimes 300 feet. Some of the trees have a shaggy exfoliating bark while others seem smooth. The leaves of the young tree in some of the species, very noticeable in the blue gum, change their form and color as the tree reaches a certain age. Likewise the color and shape of the leaves and flowers differ widely with different species. They all are “evergreen” but the leathery leaves are blue, gray, or green. The leaves of the blue gum are blue, oval, and stalkless when the tree is young while the leaves of the older trees have stems, are dark green, some 10 or 12 inches long, an inch wide, and sickle shaped. In southern California they have been known to grow 25 feet in one year. The various varieties may be used in various ways, some for wind breaks and massing and some for individual specimens. Some are brilliant with flowers during a period of year when other flowers are scarce. Eucalyptus oil extracted from them is used as a medicine. For dry warm climates they make an excellent road tree. _Fir._--There are a large number of species and like other evergreens have their uses in landscape work. They look much like the spruces. In the West many of them grow to tremendous sizes. _Gingko._--A picturesque tree, sometimes called the maiden-hair, has been used about the city of Washington for street purposes. _Gingko biloba_ is a native of Japan. While beautiful it would require much care to get it properly started. _Gum Tree._--The name is applied to trees of diverse species. Sweet gum (_Liquidambar styraciflua_) grows from Connecticut to Florida, and westward, intermittently to Illinois and Texas. Greatest development in the basin of the Mississippi River. This is a tall, straight tree with symmetrical top, rather smooth bark with corky ridges. A good-looking road tree. The star-shaped leaves turn brilliant scarlet in the fall. The seed pods are a sort of bur or rounded ball. Black, or sour gum, while the wood is difficult to work and does not burn easily, ought to be a fairly successful road tree in some localities. Grows from 45 to 100 feet high. _Hedge._--See Osage Orange. _Hackberry._--In the Western prairie states has proven itself to be a very good street tree. Grows to a height of about 50 feet with a spread of 30 feet. The bark is corky and deep cut, giving it a rough surface. In general appearance resembles the elm. Deserves more general planting. _Hemlock._--Is found native, in several species, over the northern part of the United States and southern Canada. Frequently found with broad-leaved and other needle-leaved timber. _Tsuga canadensis_ grows from 60 to 80 feet in height, has short leaves, green above and light beneath, a straight trunk and beautiful appearance. Western hemlock is found as high as 6500 feet above sea level. _Hickory._--The several species of this genus are recommended highly for road purposes in the Eastern half of the United States. Probably at its best from Michigan to Missouri. The shagbark (_Hicoria ovata_) grows to a height of 75 to 90 feet with a spread of half as much. The bark is rough and shaggy--hence the name. It bears fine edible nuts in abundance. It will well repay planting along the roads. Pignut (_H. glabra_) a fine tree of about the same height has a smooth bark and nuts that are rather bitter and sometimes astringent, but from its fine appearance and useful wood is worthy of planting. Pecan (_H. pecan_) is especially adaptable to the more southern climates, growing very thriftily in Texas and other Southern states. Reed says,[214] “it is the noblest nut tree of all American species. Beautiful trees, sometimes 3 or 4 feet through at the base and from 100 to 150 feet tall, occur in the alluvial soils of the Mississippi River and its tributaries and in the Southwest. In the Southern states it forms a splendid roadside tree and orchards of it are worth going long distances to see. Very often enough nuts are gathered from a half dozen trees on a city lot to pay the taxes and keep up the insurance on the home.” _Holly._--Occasionally 50 feet in height but more often much smaller, particularly in the North. Occurs from Massachusetts to Texas. The foliage is evergreen and the beautiful red berries remain until spring. Might be utilized in park plantings. _Horse Chestnut._--See Buckeye. _Juniper._--See Cedar. _Koelreuteria._--_Koelreuteria paniculata_ is recommended for a park tree for middle ground planting, being a small tree, 15 to 30 feet high, with feathery pinnate leaves and yellow blossoms. _Larch._--The larches are deciduous, needle-leaved conifers. A tall, straight, slender tree. If planted at all should be in groups or masses. The winter aspect is not particularly inviting. _Laurel._--The laurels, known as magnolia trees, _Magnolia grandiflora_ found along the Atlantic as far north as Washington, and _Umbellularia californica_ and _Arbutus menziesii_ found in California, are ornamental trees of the highest rank. They make fine individual specimens reaching a height from 50 to 100 feet and a spread fully half as much. The dark evergreen foliage and large showy flowers give them a most beautiful appearance. A magnolia avenue is certainly worth seeing. Several other varieties of laurel are recommended for planting as far north as New York. _Lemon._--See Citrus Fruit. _Lignum vitae._--A low gnarled tree grown in semitropical regions. Could be used in picturesque landscape work. _Linden._--Variously called basswood, whitewood, linn, beetree; is found intermittently throughout the eastern half of the United States. It is, when grown, 60 to 90 feet in height and has a spread of 30 to 45 feet. It has large, smooth leaves and in the spring its flowers are very productive of honey. It is quick growing but said to be long lived. The American linden (_Tilia americana_) is perhaps the most thrifty for a road tree. It can be used individually and deserves more extensive planting. _Locust._--The name locust seems to have been applied to three distinct genera of the family _Leguminosae_. The black locust (_Robinia pseudacia_) is a fine appearing tree but in the Middle West is much subject to attack by borers. In other regions it does not seem to suffer that way. It attains a height of 50 to 75 feet, and a spread half as great. The honey locust, a little larger tree, 75 to 90 feet high, with a spread of 30 to 40 feet, is less subject to borer attack, and is one of the hardiest trees for Western Kansas[215] upland planting. The long compound thorns are sometimes objectionable, but these may be avoided by selecting only those specimens having no thorns, for the thorns are frequently absent. As a road tree the honey locust is worthy of much attention. Another genus of locusts is the ordinary mesquite (_Prosopis juliflora_) of the so-called desert regions. They sometimes grow to 40 or 50 feet in height, sometimes they are a shrub. They are naturally a dry country plant and should be used in places where the moisture is scanty. It is said,[216] “The easily agitated foliage cools the air to a surprising degree.” The “cool shade of the mesquite” is a characteristic phrase. A valuable tree in its own region. The roots furnish wood, the pods are filled with a sweetish pulp from which the Indians, it is said, made “bread, cake, and fermented drink.” “A black dye is obtained from the sap, and a good mucilage from the gum.” _Magnolia._--See Laurel. _Maple._--One of the best road trees, by some considered superior to Elm. The hard maple (_Acer saccharum_), the soft maple (_Acer saccharinum_), are the principal American species of the genus, comprising very many, which grow in the Northern Hemisphere. The Norway maple (_Acer platanoides_) similar to the hard or sugar maple, has been imported and is used to a considerable extent. The hard maple in New York state and the east is a rapid growing tree; when transplanted to the plains region its growth is very slow. The Norway maple seems to be more rapid, but that too, is slow in those regions. Hard maples grow to 70 or 100 or more feet in height with a spread of nearly the same. When allowed to grow individually and branch from the ground, they form an oval top nearly as wide as high. The shade is dense and the numerous branches in winter and heavy foliage in summer give to the tree a very fine appearance. The leaves turn yellow and scarlet in the fall giving to the woods a most fascinatingly gorgeous aspect. What has been said about the hard maple is true in a lesser extent of soft maples. In the western part of the Mississippi Valley the soft maple is a much more rapid grower. The height attained is not quite so great, 40 to 90 feet. They have when allowed room a fine shape sometimes suggesting elm. The leaves are silvery white beneath, which is why they are sometimes called silver maple. They do not turn so yellow or so red in autumn as the hard maple. On the whole a road tree that may be recommended. The red maple has been mentioned under the name box elder. The Oregon maple (_Acer macrophyllum_) about the same size as the soft maple is one of the most ornamental broad-leaved trees on the Pacific Coast. _Mulberry._--Red and white, named from the color of the ripe fruit, under good conditions attain a height of 40 to 60 feet, and are quite ornamental. The fruit is sweet, lacking in acid, but is liked by the birds and by some people. A Russian shrub variety is used for low hedges and stands trimming remarkably well. _Oak._--The oaks not only furnish the finest of building lumber but are practically all good ornamental trees. The principal reasons they are not used more are the difficulty of transplanting them and their slow growth. However, they are well worth the trouble and wait. The oaks, of which there are some 300 species, are found native in most of the Northern Hemisphere and in a few places south of the equator. They are usually classified as white oaks, red oaks and live oaks. They are quite easily distinguished by the foliage, bark, and general appearance of the trees, but not easily, always, by the wood. In all cases the fruit is an acorn, an oval or oblongly lanceolate smooth nut having a thin shell and partly enclosed in a scaly woody cup. A dozen or more species could be described as good road and park trees, but a few will suffice. White oak (_Quercus alba_) is widespread throughout the north central and eastern United States. It rises to 75 or 100 feet in height and spreads nearly as much. It is truly a magnificent tree when grown. The cow oak (_Q. michauxii_) grows best in a slightly more southern region, is nearly the same size. The chestnut oak (_Q. prinus_) is slightly smaller, is found along the eastern border, has leaves somewhat resembling a chestnut, and reaches 75 to 80 feet in height. Post oak (_Q. minor_), still smaller, inhabits the Gulf states. Bur oak (_Q. macrocarpa_), one of the largest of the oaks, extends farthest west and northwest of the eastern oaks. It is recommended for prairie planting. The red oak, (_Q. rubea_) best in the Northeastern states, is found native as far west as Nebraska. It is 90 to 100 feet in height, is rather more upright than the white oaks, the spread not so great. The pin oak (_Q. palustris_) has proven itself well adapted for transplanting. Since it has a straight upright trunk and symmetrical body is a good street and road tree, at least as far west as Nebraska. The live oaks (_Q. virginiana_), (_Q. agrifolia_), (_Q. chrysotepis_) do well in the Southern states and in California. They grow from 50 to 80 feet in height and are evergreen. _Q. bicolor_, and the scarlet oak, _Q. coccinea_, are also recommended for landscape gardening. _Orange._--See Citrus Fruit. _Osage Orange._--Used extensively for hedges, hence the name sometimes given to it, “hedge.” Fruit resembles an orange. Long thorns. Wood hard, but checks badly in drying; heart, a beautiful orange, sapwood yellow. Makes very durable fence posts. _Palm._--Palms come under the division Endogenous, or those that increase from within. Yuccas, cornstalks, sugar cane, bamboos are other examples of endogens. There are 1000 or more species of palms. Some of them are very decorative and in regions where they grow, such as Southern California and Florida, may be used very effectively for road and park embellishment. The Washington palm (_Washingtonia filifera_) grows to a height of 30 to 60 feet, with a tuft of fan-shaped leaves at the top. Old leaves die and hang down the tree like a thatched roof. Sometimes these are trimmed off, leaving a smooth stem nearly the same size all the way up. They are very effective in producing rows or avenues. Cabbage palmetto (_Sabal palmetto_) also has a long stem with a tuft of leaves at the top. The date palm (_Phoenix dactylifera_) has been grown quite successfully in Arizona. Several other species are available. _Pecan._--See Hickory. _Pepper._--Snow[217] states that the California pepper tree or Peruvian mastic (_Schinus molle_) was introduced into California from Peru by the early Spanish missions. It is now a very popular street and road tree. In general appearance it suggests the drooping foliage of the weeping willow. It is very irregular and grows to 30 or 50 feet high with a spread nearly as great. The fine fern-like foliage and the long sprays of rose tinted berries make it very ornamental. It gives off a pleasant pungent peppery odor, and it is claimed to have the property of stopping dust, something greatly needed during the summer season in California. _Pignut._--One of the Hickories, q. v. _Pine._--Nearly forty species of pine are found in the United States. They have high ornamental qualities and are used extensively in nearly every part of the country. Except on the great plains, one or more species are to be found. The different species grow from mere dwarfs to immense trees. For park purposes the white pine (_Pinus strobus_), an imported Scotch pine, an imported Norway pine, and the dwarf mugho have been very popular. (The sugar pine (_P. lambertiana_) grows in the high regions of California, is a fine tree and has cones 16 to 18 inches long). _Plane Tree._--See Sycamore. _Plum._--Is used in thickets for screening and for its flowers and fruit. Pissard’s plum has been largely used for ornamental planting. The American plum (_Prunus americana_) works well in a general composition and is very thrifty. _Poplar._--The aspen, cottonwood, and balm of Gilead, have already been mentioned, one more needs attention, whitewood or tulip tree (_Liriodendron tulipifera_), found native in the eastern part of the United States. It is the tree from which the whitewood of commerce is mostly obtained. It grows to a height of 90 to 150 feet, and to a diameter of 6 to 12 feet, with a corresponding wide spread. It has been cut out until it is not particularly common any more. On account of the wood being soft, without knots, and free from season checks, the logs were utilized by the Indians for “dugout” boats. Hough states some were large enough to carry twenty or thirty persons. This, one of the most useful of American deciduous trees, deserves more liberal planting. _Quercus._--See Oak. _Redwood._--These trees are native to California. There are two species--the mammoth trees (_Sequoia washingtonia_) of which a comparatively few large specimens remain, and the common redwood (_S. sempervirens_) which is now being rapidly cleared off by lumber companies. “Big or mammoth trees have been measured up to 320 feet in height and 35 feet in diameter” (Snow). These trees on account of the thick bark, on the large trees some 2 feet, resist fires very well. This is shown by ring counting and investigations on a fallen tree by Professor Dudley.[218] This tree dated back to 271 years before the Christian Era and showed that fires had occurred during the years A.D. 245, 1441, 1580, and 1797. The last fire charred a space 30 feet high and 18 feet broad, but full recovery had been made. The tree grows rapidly. Snow states that trees have been known to develop a height of 80 feet and a diameter of 16 inches in thirty years. In the Mariposa grove, at least partially under U.S. Forest Reserve, the roads wind about through the great natural avenues formed by these trees. On account of the great commercial value of redwood the trees might, in places where they will grow, be utilized for road planting to encourage their growth by others, and assist the government in its long-time forest plans. _Sassafras._--Native to the eastern part of the country is a good looking tree of small size, rising to a height of 30 to 50 feet with a spread one-third as great. It has the characteristic sassafras odor, the bark of the roots being used for medicine. Will mass well. The leaves being some lobed and some not lobed lend a pleasing variety. Is best in naturalistic planting. _Sequoia._--See Redwood. _Shagbark._--See Hickory. _Spruce._--Perhaps the most important evergreen used in landscape gardening, sharing that position with the pines. They seem to enjoy long winters and short summers, hence are well adapted to the Northern states. As they have a very trim symmetrical shape they can be utilized exceptionally well in formal planting. They go well also with informal planting, lending a splotch of green on an otherwise gray winter landscape. When planted at uniform spacing along an avenue they outline it exceedingly well without very much obstruction to clear vision if they are not set close together. The black (_Picea nigra_) and white (_Picea alba_) spruces rise from 40 to 100 feet in height with a compact symmetric conical shape. The black spruce has the darker foliage. The Colorado blue spruce (_P. parryana_) has been much in vogue as an ornamental tree, the new foliage having a blue tinge. Norway spruce (_P. abies_) has been used very largely in ornamental cultivation. The cones are large, 5 to 7 inches, nearly cylindrical, and the branches droop in artistic fashion. The Sitka Spruce (_P. sichensis_) of the Pacific coast region from Alaska to Northern California is a large tree of great commercial importance, and will grow well on low grounds. _Sugar Tree._--See Maple. _Sycamore._--The plane tree or buttonwood (_Platanus occidentalis_) is found in the central and eastern portion of the United States, best in the Ohio and Mississippi River basins. It attains a height of 90 to 100 feet, and a spread of half as much. The outer bark peels off, leaving the inner exposed in white patches. Its straight, upright trunk and symmetrical form when allowed free growth ought to commend it for road planting. The fruit are rough balls about an inch in diameter which dangle in the air like ornaments on a Christmas tree. The California sycamore (_P. racemosa_) is a smaller tree with a poorer quality of wood, but in general appearance somewhat the same. _Tamarack._--See Larch. _Teak._--A tree of great commercial importance in India and Africa. Has been transplanted to some extent in the Southern states but not yet sufficiently numerous to be considered a road tree. _Thorn._--Several members of the Cratægus family are suitable for landscape planting. _Crataegus crus-galli_, _C. tomentosa_, and _C. coccinea_, native plants, and the English hawthorn, _C. oxyacantha_, are all recommended where small trees are desired. _Tulip Tree._--See Poplar. _Tupelo._--Same as Black or Sour Gum. _Ulmus._--See Elm. _Walnut._--Three species of walnut are used for road trees--black walnut, butternut, and English (Persian) walnut. The black walnut (_Juglans nigra_) makes a handsome tree when allowed to develop individually, from 90 to 125 feet high, and 3 to 8 feet in diameter with a normal spread about one-half the height of the tree. The edible nuts are the delight of the small boy and as they are usually gathered up from the ground after they fall their collection will not injure the tree. The foliage is not very dense and it will not take away greatly the fertility of neighboring ground hence, makes an almost ideal road tree. Since the World War, according to Reed[219] it has been considered a favorite as a memorial tree. Its native habitat is the eastern half of the United States intermittently from the Atlantic to Nebraska and Texas, but it thrives when transplanted to the states of Oregon and Washington and is being used extensively by the State of California as a road tree. The trees grow well from the nut or they may be transplanted from a nursery by cutting the tap root one year ahead of transplanting as is necessary for most nut trees. The butternut (_J. cinerea_), sometimes called white walnut, is a very similar tree, a little smaller and has not quite so extensive a native range. The nuts are not round like the black walnut, but lanceolate in shape. On the whole the black walnut is the better road tree. The English walnut (_J. regia_) is a native of Persia, but is grown very largely in orchards in California where the annual crop of nuts is more than 20,000,000 pounds. Hardy varieties suitable for more severe climates are advertised but it is not here recommended that they be planted where experience has not shown them to thrive. The tree itself is of fine appearance, and in the warmer climates makes a good road tree. _White Wood._--A name given to trees of various genera. See Basswood, Poplar. _Willow._--Willows may be used in decorative planting to a considerable extent, especially along banks to keep them from washing and other low places. The black willow (_Salix nigra_) grows into an interesting tree with a rough trunk and long pendulous limbs and narrow lance-shaped leaves. It resembles in general appearance the pepper trees of California. It should be used more as a road tree across low bottoms. It grows only 40 to 50 feet high, but its spread is fully as much, giving it a rounded, ball-shaped top. _Salix regatis_, _S. alba_, _S. vitillina aurea_, and _S. laurifolia_ are all recommended for decorative effects. _Yucca._--Many of the yuccas are merely herbaceous plants with beautiful flowers, but the Joshua tree (_Yucca arborescens_) grows to be 25 to 40 feet in height, and two feet in diameter; it is so very ungainly that it is picturesque. =Shrubs.=--Any nursery catalogue will give a wilderness of shrubs from which a good selection may be made. But the discerning road gardener will take advantage of the native plants and not only preserve them but so arrange them along the roadside as to give unity and variety to a complete stretch of road. We notice the large trees because their size thrust them upon us, but we are likely to overlook the smaller plants or think of them simply as weeds to be got rid of. The native wild plants are all too fast disappearing. Practically the only places where they may now be found are along the highways and the railways, and in the farther forests where the cattle have not yet trampled them out. The road man who has a love for nature in his heart will take interest in preserving for future generations, that they may know what this land looked like before the hand of man changed it for better or for worse, these narrow strips of natural loveliness. Then let the graceful wild flowers and the sturdy shrubs be a connecting link between the sordid interests of man, symbolized by the hard, hard pavement and the boundless breadth of God’s goodness exemplified by the abundance in the vast outspread of fertile fields and the deep and reverent dignity of the mighty forest. If nature’s wild flowers and shrubs are selected there will be no need of artificial fences and pergolas for support or straw and hay covering in the winter thus losing to the passerby at least one-half the pleasure that Nature herself can furnish. Nature is liberal and will furnish artistic pleasure the year around if given a reasonable opportunity to do so. _Alder._--The green or mountain alder (_Alnus virdis_), 3 to 8 feet tall. Also _A. incana_, a little larger--8 to 20 feet. Adapted to damp soils. _Barberry._--Plant only the Japanese barberry (_Berberis thunbergii_) as the common variety has been convicted of carrying the spores of wheat rust. The barberry has slender graceful branches with fine bright green foliage. Small yellow flowers in June with berries turning scarlet and remaining on bushes all winter. Colors up nicely after frost. Three to 5 feet high. _Button Bush_, _Cephalanthus occidentalis_.--Hardy native shrub, 4 to 8 feet high. Globular heads of white flowers in the spring. Foliage good. _Bush Honeysuckle_, _Lonicera tartarica_.--Four to 10 feet. Upright somewhat spreading branches; bright green foliage. Flowers freely in May and June. A good background for smaller shrubs. _Buck Brush_, _Ceanothus_.--North American species of the buckthorn family. Yellow or blue flowers in terminal clusters, small shrub. _Butterfly Bush_, _Buddleia Variabilis Magnifica_.--This is advertised highly as an ever bloomer, beginning in early spring and continuing until frost. Hardy except in extreme Northern states. _Cinque Foil_, _Potentilla fruticosa_.--Three to 4 feet. Hardy native shrub. Bright yellow flowers. _Cherries_, _Prunus_.--The native plums and cherries are nearly all so small as to be called shrubs. They are worthy of planting for ornamental purpose. The sand cherries are natives of the western sandhill regions; _P. besseyi_, and _P. pumila_ are excellent. For massing the common chokecherry is one of the best small trees known, the flowers are beautiful and the fruit is excellent food for the birds. _Coral Berry, Indian Currant_, _Symphoricarpus vulgaris_.--Common native shrub, graceful, and holds through the winter bright little red berries. Two to 3 feet high. _Currant._--See Ribes. _Dogwood_, _Cornus_, _several species_.--About thirty species distributed over the Northern Hemisphere. Chiefly shrubs, all hardy and ornamental, handsome foliage, stems, flowers, and fruits. The unfortunate name “dogwood” seems to have been fastened upon these beautiful plants because a decoction of the astringent bark was used to wash mangy dogs.[220] The dogwoods are mostly shrubs, except three or four species in the Southern states. Some of the smaller ones were called Kinnikinick[221] by the Indians, applied to at least the red osier (_C. stolonifera_) and the silky cornel (_C. amomum_). The highly colored red and purple stems give them a striking appearance in the winter. In the summer the foliage bright green in some, grayish green in others, the white flowers and white berries changing to blue, always prominent even after the foliage has taken on gorgeous coloring in autumn, makes them stand out prominently from other bushes in their neighborhood. By all means let the dog-woods be preserved by planting along not too dry places in our roadways. The species especially desirable are, in addition to the two mentioned, _C. baileyi_, _C. sericea_, _C. mas_, _C. sanguinea_, and _C. horida_. _Daphne._--_D. mezereum_, a low shrub, 1 to 3 feet, with rose-colored flowers. _D. cneorum_, a hardy evergreen shrub from Europe. _Deutzia._--Not quite hardy in the North. There are several species. _Elder._--The common elder, _Sambucus canadensis_, is a rapid-growing plant with ornamental qualities of high rank. Its pinnately compound leaves, its beautiful little lacy flowers which combine into broad compound cymes giving them a very showy appearance, and its fruit--small berries in the same showy cyme bunches--make it worthy the notice of road gardeners. The golden elders give bright color but are probably freaky. In the South the Mexican elder (_S. mexicana_) grows into a tree 30 feet high. Likewise the pale elder (_S. glanca_) on the Pacific coast; it is said to grow 50 feet tall in Oregon. The fruit of the elder is edible; is used for wine and pies. _Exochorda grandiflora._--A shrub bearing white blossoms in spring. _Evergreens._--A number of the evergreens are dwarf or so slow growing that they may be very effectively used for shrubbing. The arbor vitæ has been used in hedges. Pines, cedars and spruces are commonly used to heighten architectural effects. _Fringe Tree_, _Chionanthus virginica_.--A shrub or small tree blossoming profusely about lilac flowering time. Foliage not particularly good. _Flowering Almond_, _Amygdalus nana_.--A dwarf almond cultivated for its flowers, imported from Russia. Grows 4 or 5 feet high and in the spring the slender stems are almost wholly covered with the blossoms. _Flowering Crab._--Nearly every state has the wild crab-apple, which is hardy and a most beautiful flowering plant when in bloom. The fruit is usually small and sour, but the early settlers found it fine for jelly, and the wild tang is delightful. Crab trees have been domesticated so that now nursery men claim a double flowering crab, extremely beautiful with fragrant double flowers of delicate pink. The tree is of medium height. _Golden Bell_, _Forsythia viridissima_, and _F. Fortunei_ bear great quantities of yellow flowers in early spring. At their best in the Eastern states. _F. syspensa_ is a weeping or semi-prostrate form. _Hercules Club_, _Aralia spinosa_.--Six to 18 feet high. Its large leaves give it a somewhat tropical effect. _Hydrangia paniculata grandiflora._--The shrub hydrangeas furnish large showy white flowers in the autumn after most flowers have gone. Very effective between the greens of the shrubs and trees and of the grass. _Indian Currant._--See Coral Berry. _Japan Quince_, _Pyrus japonica_.--Cultivated for its brilliant scarlet flowers in early spring. _Judas Tree._--See Red Bud. _June Berry_, _Amalanchier canadensis_.--Also called service berry (in the Black Hills, sarvice berry) or shad bush. A slender tree, 6 to 20 feet, with pretty flowers forming early before the leaves. Fruit, berries, one-third of an inch in diameter, edible, extremely well liked by the birds. Two other species, _A. oboralis_ and _A. alnifolia_, are equally useful as ornamental trees. The first and second species native in Canada and North Central states; the third west of the mountains from Alaska to Oregon. _Kerria japonica._--Three to 8 feet. A pretty shrub with slender twigs and yellow flowers. _Lilac._--The common cultivated lilacs, an important gardening shrub, belongs to the genus _Syringa_. They may be used in clumps or in hedges, and require very little care except to cut them back occasionally and clean out dead wood. Several fine varieties are now on the market. _Mock Orange._--See Syringa. _Oleaster_, _Elaeagnus Longipes_, _E. argentia_ and _E. hortensis_.--Sometimes called wild Olive. Said to have edible fruits. _Pea-Tree_, _Caragana frutescens_, a low shrub bearing yellow pea-like flowers in spring. _C. arborescens_, similar, larger. _Plums._--A number of wild plums are very suitable for road planting. In fact they plant themselves if given an opportunity. Good for massing and screening. _Prunus americana_ and _P. maritima_ are especially recommended. _Privet._--Hardy shrubby hedge plants. Best adapted for carefully trimmed low hedges 2 to 3 feet high. _Ligustrum vulgare_ and _L. ovalifolium_ are both used. For the North Central states it is recommended that “Amoor River” privet be used as the “California” privet is not altogether hardy. May also be used for massing. _Raspberry_, _Rubus odoratus_.--The flowering raspberry grows from 3 to 5 feet tall and may be used in clumps for small massing wherever brambles may be desired. _Red Bud, Judas Tree_, _Cercis canadensis_.--A very striking small tree, from 10 to 30 feet high, in the early spring when its bright red-purple flowers appear before the leaves. Very noticeable in the bluffs along the large rivers where it dots the gray and greening hillsides with splotches of color. The foliage and bark are also good, so that it is well worthy of note for roadside planting. _Ribes aureum._--Sometimes called the flowering currant. A very hardy native, useful for massing. It bears bright yellow flowers, whose spicy fragrance soon call attention to it when in bloom. Grows from 4 to 7 feet high and spreads rapidly by suckers. Other species of currant and gooseberries are valuable for massing. _Rhododendrons._--In the Eastern states as far north as Massachusetts these ornamental plants are very popular. As a road shrub it could hardly be used on account of the thieving propensities of some people. _Roses._--The hardy flowering roses in massed groups will give color and interest to the roadside. The sweet-brier and single prairie rose grow profusely in the Central West. The ramblers may be used to cover old fences. The difficulty with most roses is a lack of artistic beauty after they have ceased flowering. A few have good foliage for massing. In Oregon and other Coast states the perpetual blooming roses may be utilized. _Shad Bush._--See June Berry. _Snowball._--There are several species and varieties. _Viburnum opulus_ and its varieties are probably best. Very hardy, good foliage, from 4 to 10 feet high, and when in bloom in the spring a most impressive sight with each bunch of blossoms looking like a truly big snowball. _Snowberry._--Similar to the Indian currant, but has white berries. A very hardy native; blooming in the late summer its berries remain on the bush-like small pearls until late into the winter. _Symphoricarpus racemosus_ is the native shrub well worthy of cultivation. Will make its way wild along the roads if given a chance. _Spice Bush_, _Calycanthus floridus_.--A small shrub bearing spicy flowers. _Spirea._--The several species are all very artistic shrubs and worthy of the popularity which they bear. Can be used as a single bush, in hedges or in masses. The long graceful bends of the slender stems, reminding one of the streams of water from a fountain, their beautiful foliage and above all the foaming flowers in the spring time make them the horticulturist’s favorite. _Spirea van houttei_, bridal wreath, is considered to be the best, although _S. prunifolia_, and _S. Thunbergii_ have their admirers. _S. anthony waterer_ bears crimson flowers. _Squawberry._--A local name sometimes given to Indian currant and snowberry, q. v. _St. Johnswort._--A number of small shrubs of the family _Hypericum_. _H. aureum_ has a height of 3 feet and flourishes in the Southern and Western states. Wild it prefers rocky situations and shady spots. Yellow flowers. _Strawberry Tree_, _Euonymus atropurpureus_.--Also called burning bush. Hardy in the South. Bright ornamental fruit persists into the winter. _Sumach._--Several species of the family _Rhus_. They are native over a wide range and very hardy. The leaves are pinnately compound and hang down from the top of the stem something like a palm leaf, giving a suggestion of the tropics. Of about 120 species of _Rhus_ some sixteen are found in North America; all but four are shrubs. The poison sumach, _Rhus vernix_, should never be allowed to grow along the roads as touching the plant is said to be far worse than handling poison ivy. It grows in wet or swampy ground and the white berries are in drooping clusters. The ornamental sumach, _R. glabra_, is the ordinary common roadway plant, with its upright fruit clusters persisting late into the winter showing deep red against a gray or snowy white background. Its foliage is bright and clean during the summer and turns to rich colors in the autumn. Many ugly spots can with very little trouble be covered with this harmless roadside friend. _Sweet Gale_, _Myrica gale_, and sweet fern, _M. asplenifolia_, are native small shrubs that can be well used in shrubbery border. _Syringa._--Sometimes called mock orange. This shrub grows to about 8 or 12 feet high and on account of its many white flowers in late spring or early summer is a favorite garden shrub. In shape and fragrance the flowers resemble orange blossoms. It may be used in clumps, masses or in hedges. It is very satisfactory because it seldom fails to bloom and has good appearance afterward. Old wood should be cut out. The best species to plant are _Philadelphus coronarius_, _P. grandiflorus_, and _P. gordonianus_. _Tamarix_ or _Tamarisk_.--A shrub of the genus _Tamarix_, which has been imported from the Mediterranean regions. The feathery foliage reminds one of the cypress vine. The species best adapted to the United States is _T. gallica_. It bears pink flowers in late summer. Is good for covering unsightly banks. May be propagated from cuttings. It will kill out in extreme winters. _Wegelia_, _Diervilla florida_.--Several varieties. Good blooming plants and usually hardy. Rather poor foliage. _White Alder_, _Clethra alnifolia_.--Native shrub 3 to 10 feet high. _Willow._--Many of the _Salix_ family are shrubby and can be used well in low places. As they come into foliage early in the spring they are often used by the landscape artist. The shining twigs and leaves lend variety. _Yucca._--The yuccas may be used effectively with formal plantings, or to lend variety to naturalesque schemes. =Climbing Plants.=--A few climbing plants, perhaps, will be needed to complete the plan, but they can readily be found in such plants as: _The Wild Grape._--It will grow 50 feet in a season and cover the nakedness of an old fence or stump with lovely foliage and furnish quantities of fruit for bird or human consumption. _Ampelopsis quinquefolia._--Another rapid grower, also furnishing beauty and bird food. _A. veitchii_ and _A. englemanii_ are fine for covering brick and stone work. _Bittersweet._--Another native climber showing beautiful red berries throughout the winter. _Clematis._--Several varieties, some of them native, perfectly hardy, such as _Clematis virginiana_, not only gives its flowers but extends the pleasure long into the winter with the “old man’s beard.” _C. paniculata_ is a favorite, flowering profusely late in the fall. _Honeysuckle_, _Lonicera_.--White, red and yellow are found. _L. sempervirens_ will be satisfactory for roadside work. _Trumpet Creeper._--A hardy rapidly growing vine with large trumpet-shaped red flowers. _Wistaria._--A rapid growing favorite with large spike like flowers, violently purple. There are a number of other climbers available. The hop vine is a good grower, coming up year after year from the root. The several morning glories, from the old fashioned white that was the bane of the corn cultivator and the purple glory our grandmothers loved to the Japanese variety and the moon flower, are all good in place. There is not time to go into the wealth of hardy perennial flowers, and the annuals which seed themselves, nor the grasses that may be utilized. The author would refer those who are interested to works on landscape gardening and horticulture. For a brief discussion of “the principles governing outdoor art with sundry suggestions for their application in the commoner problems of gardening,” see “Landscape Gardening,” by F. A. Waugh, Orange Judd Company, New York. =Semi-Formal Style.=--In what precedes much has been said about beautifying the highway by proper planting. Perhaps one of the nicest and most ornamental pieces of road is that with a single row of trees, uniformly set and of uniform size, down each side; the grass from the roadway out neatly clipped; and the edge of the roadway where it joins the ditch a distinct line parallel to the road center line. This is the geometrical or formal style fully carried out. Hard maples set, say, 75 feet apart will give satisfactory results. For long level stretches the Lombardy poplar will give a pleasing variety to the landscape. Careful attention to the small details of keeping the road surface well smoothed, the side lines straight and the grass and weeds mowed, will add wonderfully to the pleasure of traveling on any highway. It is not the intention to have the grass smoothed with a lawn mower--however, with the horse-drawn and motor driven mowers now available that would not be impossible, and the road would look all the better for such clipping--but to have it mowed two or three times a season to give the grass a chance to overcome ugly weeds. For this reason the side ditches should be as wide and shallow as possible in order that they might grow grass on their bottoms and the mowing be done with a machine. =Telephone and Other Poles.=--The matter of telephone, telegraph, electric light, and other poles is one that will bother. Telephone companies pay no more and not as much directly for the use of the highway as do trucks, but upon the theory that telephone communication is necessary for the transaction of community business and for the general dissemination of information, and from the further fact that any charge made for the use of the right of way would be passed on to the public as a sort of indirect tax, they are in most states allowed to set their poles along the roadside. The poles are more or less unsightly and as far as the beauty of the highway is concerned it would be better if they could be removed. In cities and villages the wires are being carried in cables and in many places under ground. =“The Ideal Section.”=--The so-called ideal section of pavement being sponsored by the Lincoln Highway Association, located about 40 miles south of Chicago, between Dyer and Schererville, Lake County, Indiana, is to have all pole lines and other unsightly features removed, that the natural beauty of the right of way may be enhanced. A prominent landscape gardener has made extensive studies of the land and natural features, it being in a wooded country, and has developed a plan of beautification which will be worked out along the roadside. The general specifications of the “Ideal Section” calls for 40 feet of concrete paving, 10 inches thick and reinforced with steel in such a manner that it is hoped to prevent cracking. Shoulders of 5 feet on each side will make the used roadway 50 feet wide. It is to be placed in the middle of a 100-foot right of way, allowing 25 feet each side for landscape gardening. The plans for the “Ideal Section” follow the advice of a highly trained technical committee of road engineers and road enthusiasts, and while they do not claim this represents the ultimate in highways, the Association believes an attempt should be made to crystallize the ideas of the foremost highway authorities of the country into a tangible expression of the ideal, even though the expression must lack perfection. Of course, it is not possible that all roads in the country can be made “ideal sections.” Nor even can telephone poles be banished from the right of way. To do this, no matter how desirable it might be from an esthetic standpoint, is impracticable at the present time. It would not only be a very great hardship to the pole-using companies but the expense of removal and the cost of new right of way, or, if they be forced under ground, the cost of conduits, cables, and installation would become a part of the capital investment on which dividends must be earned. Since this would not bring extra business it would be passed on to the public by increased rates. As “it is a condition and not a theory that confronts us,” we must make the best of it and design the roadside treatment with the poles and wires as a part of it. =Location of Poles.=--In prairie district where there are no trees to interfere it is customary to set the poles either on the fence line or half the length of the cross-arms into the right of way. In case there are high hedges, trees or other obstructions, the poles are set near the side ditch, and trolley poles often on the very edge of the traveled roadway. On the whole it would seem best in most places to set the poles just outside of the ditch, leaving if possible the extreme edge for the planting of trees and shrubs. Neither poles nor trees should be set on the middle of the space between the edge of the ditch and the right-of-way boundary. In either case the limbs of the trees and the wires will interfere and the wiremen will hack the trees and leave them unsightly. In some states an attempt is made to prevent this and other vandalism by legal enactment, making it unlawful to cut any trees on the right of way without express permission of the highway commissioner. No definite fixed rule can be made for the position of the poles. It is a problem to make the best of them. Also having once been set the pole owners may refuse to reset them, and it might be difficult to get courts to see the necessity of doing so. Therefore the landscape gardener will have to make his design with reference to them or, in cooperation with the pole users, get them changed. In the design natural condition should be preserved as far as possible. It might be wanted rightly to preserve large trees standing near the roadway; this would force poles to the fence line. When the poles are thus placed on the right-of-way boundary it may be necessary for the company to secure an easement from the owner of adjacent property. The highway officials, no doubt, under such circumstances would coöperate with the company in securing it. By considering the poles as a part of the formal or semi-formal treatment of the roadside, having them arranged uniformly as to setting, distance, height, and length of cross-arms, they will not appear very ugly and even may unite interestingly, at least, with the landscape. Trees may be trained and pruned so that their branches will be above the wires, and shrubs may be grown below them. Anyway, the wires look like business. =Legislation.=--Michigan, California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington, and possibly other states have legislation covering some or all features that have been mentioned for improving and making attractive the appearance of the highway. Other states require property owners to mow the roadside abutting their land each year before weed seeds ripen, but this is not for the purpose of beautifying the roadway. The laws of Michigan provide for the planting and care of trees along state trunk line roads and national aid roads and allow counties and smaller political divisions to appropriate funds for this purpose. The injury or cutting of trees without authority from proper road officials is made a misdemeanor. Arrangements are also made for the Agricultural College to furnish trees and advice for roadside planting. The laws of Michigan contemplate first a formal application by the counties for roadside improvement, then the plans are made by the staff of the Agricultural College. The necessary trees and shrubs will be obtained from the Agricultural College, or from local sources; nearby groves often furnishing all that are necessary, and the owners are willing to donate them for thinning often betters their own property. In other cases automobile clubs and other local organizations pay for them. =Local Conditions Determine Planning.=--It cannot be too much emphasized that local conditions must determine the planning. The soil and topography, the future development of the roadway for the probable amount of traffic it is to carry, are all factors that should be considered. Neither must the planting be so profuse that the roadway is hemmed in with no lookout. Vision of the interesting points of view as well as vision along the highway itself must not be obstructed. Long vistas of fields, of hills and valleys, of mountain peaks and ranges, of lakes and rivers, are more interesting usually than all the planting that could be made on the right of way. Long, straight rows of trees uniformly spaced, while excellent in some places, might if continued too far become monotonous. Fit the planting to the landscape; possibly a clump here a clump there, or a small grove leading up a draw on land unfit for farming may be arranged in coöperation with the owner. Woodland should be purchased and parks prepared for picnics and outings. Massachusetts has done much in this way. The Government invites the public to make use of the National Parks and National Forest Reserves, but they are too far away from most people to fill an every-day want, therefore a need of local road beautification and roadside parks. “Cover up ugliness and leave beauty,” is a good slogan, and it must not be thought to be inapplicable upon our home roads. But season everything with reason. A bold rock jutting out may be more interesting than the same rock covered with ivy. Appropriateness and fitness are fully as essential as beauty alone. So a bold line setting out clearly the safe boundary of the road may be more fitting than any attempt to harmonize the road with its surroundings. Good judgment and a sense of artistic fitness are the key to road esthetics. SELECTED REFERENCES BOEHLER, C. F., “The Appearance of our Highways,” _Good Roads_, Vol. LXII, p. 205; “Selection, Arrangement and Planting of Roadside Trees,” _Engineering and Contracting_, Vo. LVIII, pp. 233-234. BRYANT, RALPH C., “Logging,” John Wiley & Sons, New York. DAME, L. L. AND BROOKS, HENRY, “Trees of New England,” Ginn & Company, New York. DUDLEY, WM. R. Report to the U. S. Senate through Senator O. H. Platt, of the record obtained by counting concentric rings of a felled sequoia tree, Senate Document 156, Vol. V, 58th Congress. FERNOW, B. E., “The Care of Tree in Lawn, Street and Park,” Henry Holt & Co., New York. GOING, MAUD, “Our Field and Forest Trees.” A. C. McClurg & Co., Chicago. HOUGH, ROMEYN B., “Handbook of the Trees of the Northern U. S. and Canada, East of the Rocky Mountains.” Hough, Romeyn B., Lowville, N. Y. KELLOGG, R. S., “The Lumber Industry.” Ronald Press Company, New York. Lincoln Highway, Ideal Section of, _Engineering and Contracting_, Vol. LVI, pp. 537-538. MUIR, JOHN, “Our National Parks.” Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston. PARKHURST, H. E., “Trees, Shrubs and Vines of the Northeastern United States.” Charles Scribner’s Sons, New York. REED, C. A., “Useful Trees for Roadside Planting,” A paper before the Michigan Good Roads Association, 1921, _Good Roads_, Vol. LXI, pp. 173-176. ROGERS, JULIA, E., “The Tree Book,” in “New Nature Library,” Doubleday, Page & Co., New York, 1914. SARGENT, CHARLES SPRAGUE, “Trees and Shrubs.” Vols. I and II, 4 Parts to a Volume. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston. SNOW, C. H., “The Principal Species of Wood,” John Wiley & Sons, New York. SOLOTAROFF, WILLIAM, “Shade Trees in Towns and Cities.” John Wiley & Sons, New York. “Trees for City Streets,” _Public Works_, Vol. LIII, p. 63. WAUGH, F. A., “Landscape Gardening,” Orange Judd Company, New York. FOOTNOTES [212] In a paper presented, 1921, at the meeting of the Michigan State Good Roads Association. [213] “The Principal Species of Wood,” by C. H. Snow, Wiley & Sons, New York. [214] “Useful Trees for Roadside Planting,” a paper before the Michigan State Good Roads Association, 1921. [215] “Forestry and Irrigation,” August, 1903. [216] Snow: “The Principal Species of Wood.” 2d Ed., Wiley & Sons, N. Y. [217] Op. cit. [218] Congressional Record, Senate Doc. 156, Vol. V, 58th Cong. [219] Op. cit. [220] New Nature Library, Vol. III, p. 411, “The Tree Book,” by Julia E. Rogers. Doubleday, Page & Co., New York, 1914. [221] This Indian word seems to have been applied to many plants the leaves or bark of which was used for smoking.