The Stag's-horn Sumach (Rhus typhina)

The Stag's-horn Sumach (Rhus typhina) may also be found widely distributed over London and thriving satisfactorily in many of the East End gardens, as also at Lambeth and Stratford, all of which places have been found by no means conducive to tree or shrub growth. In some of the more open and less smoky districts of the metropolis, as at Kensington and Westbourne, the Sumach has attained to a goodly size, flowers freely, and is charming in Autumn by reason of the varied tints of the ample foliage. It is a tree of small growth, rarely exceeding 20 ft. in height, and of somewhat free and straggling habit of growth. Few soils come amiss to it, and, sending out suckers freely, it is readily reproduced.

Than the Common Hawthorn and the Tansy-leaved form (Cratcegus tanaceti-folia) few small growing trees are more suitable for planting in our smoky towns. In London it is surprising at what a number of smoke-infested, dirty districts, the Common Hawthorn is to be found growing in what, at least, must be described as a fairly satisfactory condition. Even amongst the tanneries at Bermondsey and the factories at Stratford, places hard to beat for smoke and smell, the Thorn thrives well, and each Spring dons a wealth of foliage that is quite surprising. The Tansy-leaved Thorn is equally suitable for smoky localities, and the Cockspur Thorn seems healthy and happy at the Tower of London.

The Sycamore (Acer Pseudo-Platanus)

This is an excellent tree for planting in smoky localities, and may be found in a flourishing condition in almost every part of the metropolis. Even where the noxious emanations from alkali and other chemical works are most disastrous in their effects on vegetation generally, the Sycamore, but particularly the variegated leaved variety, is one of the few trees that will grow satisfactorily. At Bermondsey, Lambeth, and other equally confined and smoky parts of London, the Sycamore can be seen in a thriving condition, and, what is equally valuable, it reproduces itself freely from self-sown seed. In a dry, confined corner near Camden Town, where the sulphurous emanations from the railway cause even the hardy Elder to wince and seem unhappy, the Sycamore does well, and seedlings grow with a rapidity that is quite surprising. Few soils would seem to come amiss to the Sycamore, for even on rubbish heaps self-sown trees may be found in the perfection of health and growing freely. In Warrington, too (one of the most chemically impure of town atmospheres), Sheffield, and Liverpool, the Sycamore is a favourite tree and planted extensively.

In the Maidenhair Tree (Ginkgo biloba)

In the Maidenhair Tree (Ginkgo biloba) we have a tree of distinct advantage for planting in London. It is, however, not generally recognized as a suitable subject for planting in smoky towns, but the several well-developed specimens that may be seen at various parts of the metropolis point out how well suited this tree is for town gardening. That the thick leathery leaves and strong constitution play an important part in keeping the tree free from disease is pretty evident, while the fact of the leaves being renewed annually must go a long way towards casting off the sooty nodules which work such havoc on the foliage of evergreens in general. It is a tree of rare beauty, and, being readily cultivated and adapted for planting in smoky districts, should be used more freely than at present in the decorating of our London squares and gardens. There is a healthy specimen growing by the side of the Commercial Road in the East End.