Scratched
out by E C Koch
ITITY
Horticultural Commentator
Ithaca,
NY
The renowned
America Tree, long-standing symbol of the balance of powers dating back to the
colonial era, saw a sudden deterioration this week.
Entrusted
to the council of the city of Ithaca, New York, by congressional delegate, William
Floyd, in 1791, the young oak, pared down by Floyd to represent the three branches
of government, came to be known as the America Tree, and has stood in Floyd
Square outside City Hall for more than two centuries.
Yesterday,
visitors to the popular tourist attraction noted with concern that two of the oak’s
three branches appeared to have considerably withered, prompting some to
speculate that it may need to be cut down.
During
a phone interview this morning, Ed Alsop, Ithaca’s head gardener, stated, “those
folks that saw it said it looked like all the life drained out of them two
branches. So, looks like we’ll have to lop them off if they don’t pick back up
soon. It’s a shame and all, but I guess the thing was always going to die
eventually.”
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