The False Acacia (Robinia Pseud-Acacia)

Probably no other tree can compare with the False Acacia for withstanding the prolonged heat and drought of our larger centres of industry - a fact that has been brought forcibly home to us by the behaviour of these both in France and England during unusually warm summers. When the whole of the ordinary vegetation is burnt up, the Lime and Elm looking seared and sickly, and the holly dying out in quantity by the long-continued drought and heat, the Acacia stands nobly out in all its freshness of branch and leaf, and, if anything, blooms all the more freely for the scorching and want of moisture to which it is subjected. Almost by the hundred can the False Acacia be seen in London and many other English towns, thus proving that it is one of the most valuable trees that we possess for withstanding the injurious effects of an impure atmosphere. It is likewise one of the most ornamental of trees, the great wealth of pure white flowers and beautiful pea-green foliage being of the richest description. What renders this Acacia of greatest value as a town tree is that it retains its rich verdure till well on in autumn. It grows freely in almost any soil, reproducing itself in suitable positions, and soon forms a handsome tree of almost giant proportions. The most suitable for town-planting are the upright-growing and free-flowering kinds. The varieties known as Decaisneana, microphylla, macrophylla, sophoraefolia, inermis, and the upright-habited are most to be desired.

The Lime (Tilia Europcea)

Where the situation is not too confined, and where soot and smoke do not abound, the Lime may and does succeed; but when used in the worst parts of the metropolis, it soon shows signs of distress, the tips of the branches dying off, and the whole tree sooner or later showing the fierce struggle it has to endure with smoke and fumes. As an avenue tree, in the more airy and pure parts of a town, the Lime has certainly few equals, its general contour and the pleasing shade it affords being points of special recommendation.

Prunus Mollis (or, more correctly, P. Americana mollis)

Prunus Mollis (or, more correctly, P. Americana mollis) has few equals for planting in smoky towns and is a black fruited variety of the species. It grows to about 20ft. in height, with serrated leaves and whitish flowers, the bark having a mottled appearance by reason of the small scale-like growths. It is of wonderfully stout and rapid growth and seems to defy heated impure air with impunity. Both in Edinburgh and London this variety does well and is to be strongly recommended for general town planting.

The Bird Cherry (Prunus Padus)

The Bird Cherry (Prunus Padus) may be classed amongst the most valuable of our town trees. It is a robust-growing and bright flowering small tree. Few soils come amiss to it, and, even where it is hemmed in by taller-growing trees and constantly subjected to their drip, it grows and blooms with the greatest of freedom. In many of the back streets and slums of London may be seen well grown specimens, which clearly demonstrate how well suited it is for withstanding smoke and dust.