This section is from the book "Trees And Tree-Planting", by James S. Brisbin. Also available from Amazon: Trees and Tree Planting.
This tree is one of the most common throughout our country, and has been planted as an ornamental tree from time to time, but in a little while, instead of being a thing of beauty and a joy forever, it becomes a nuisance, from the number of suckers it throws out. It is best for large cities, as it stands the smoke and dust better than most trees. It is the chief of its family, both for fineness, whiteness, and strength; it is not liable to either split or warp, and affords a good firm hold to nails; it is chiefly used for bowls, trays, etc. It reaches the height of from ninety to one hundred feet, with a diameter of six feet. It is propagated by suckers, slips, branches, etc. Its disposition to sucker would be no drawback in forest culture.
 
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