The Black Ash. Fra.einus ply ra, is a lover of the marshes, and is found from Newfoundland to Manitoba. and from Virginia to Arkansas. It is a handsome slender tree, which does not grow as large as the white ash. Its Hu -black winter buds distinguish it from all its kin. Added to them, the somber green of its foliage and the dark hues of its bark and wood have strengthened the claims of this tree to bear the name "Black Ash." The leaflets, all but the terminal ones, are without stalks. The main leaf stalk is hairy beneath. The samara is oblong. nut slender. its broad notched wing attached all around the body of the seed.
The Iled Ash, Fo•ein?rs Pciinsilirmiim, is a large tinder tree that grows with the white ash throughout its wide range. It bears the slenderest, longest key of them all. The hark of this tree is reddish on the branches. The distinguishim• mark of the Red Ash is tho velvety coat ing of leaves and twigs, a sure guide to the observer ill winter or summer.
The Green Ash, f'otrinus Penn sylr«picq, var. binccotattJ, is so called from the bright ;Teen color of its foliage, which is smooth, in contrast with that of the red ash, to winch it is closely related. As far west as
rtali this tree flourishes, enduring drought as no other of the genus can do. Its luxuriant foliage makes it a favorite shade tree, particularly in the \Vest.
The Blue Ash. paid rmnrortlgtu, is a graceful tree of ample proportions that grows sparingly in the Mississippi valley. Its flowers. contrary to the rule among ashes, are perfect, having Loth stamens and pistils. The broad samaras are much like those of the black The foliage is smooth and yellowish green. The bark contains a sub stance which gives a blue tinge to water. This peculiarity has given the tree its name. The distinguishing mark of the Blue Ash is its fourL angled, often winged. twigs.
The wood of ash trees is tough, straight grained, and springy. It is especially desirable fur the making of frames for farm implements and other machinery. It takes a good polish, and is much used in the manu facture of furniture. Black ash ltunlier parts readily into its annual lay ers, and is used for all kinds of splint basket work, and various other articles made by coopers. Ash trees do not form pure forests, but grow scattered among other trees.