Rensselaer Union, Volume 1, Number 41, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 July 1869 — A Curiosity. [ARTICLE]

A Curiosity.

The Augusta (Me.) Journal has the following: “Twente years ago, or in the spring of 1849, the superintendent of the burial ground in Hallowell—Capt. John Beeman, who is still one of tbe business men of that city—purchased a number of silver poplar trees, averaging about two inches in diameter at the ground, and five feet in height, and transplanted them in the cemetery. They flourished finely, and have become large trees, adding very much to the beauty of the cemetery. A few days ago one of these trees was cut down by direction of the present superintendent, Colonel W. 8. Haines, for the reason that Its branohes were broken off by the great ice-storm of last winter, and the tree ruined. The fallen tree measured 21 inches in diameter at the stump, and was about 40 feet in length. “ Imbedded in the centre of the trunk was found the original tree, of the same size as when transplanted 20 years ago, but minus the bark. All the growth of the tree had been outside of, and apparently detached from the original. The core or original tree waa loose, and fell from its sepulchre when the trunk was being split, though it was as full of life as when transplanted. Upon the original tree, which is about five feet long, and two inches in diameter at the largest end, were ten knots, showing that number of limbs to have been sawed off when the sappling was set out. The marks of the saw are distinot as if made yesterday. This curious freak of nature may be seen at the store of Capt. Beeman, in Hallowell. It is a genuine curiosity, and worthy of a place in the State’s cabinet. We doubt if a similar specimen can be produced.