106 THE POPLAR. 



Among the varieties of our native Poplars, perhaps 

 the most beautiful and the most familiar is the Aspen. 

 The leaves of this tree are hung on long and slender 

 petioles, which are flattened at the base, and attached 

 to the stem in such a manner, as to cause them to 

 rock backward and forward, with the least motion 

 of the air. When scarcely the slightest breeze is 

 stirring, and every other tree seems lulled into com- 

 plete repose, the foliage of the Aspen may often be 

 seen quivering as though shaken by force.. 



The Lombardy Poplar, once so abundant about our 

 farm and country houses, and which shoots above its 

 surroundings, like some tall church-spire, was ori- 

 ginally brought from Italy, where it abounds on the 

 banks of the river Po. Its cultivation is now be- 

 coming much neglected, partly in consequence of the 

 climate or soil not being adapted to its growth, as 

 its beautiful and pleasing outlines are often marred 

 in a single season by parts of the tree being killed, 

 either by the severe cold or other causes. It is much 

 to be regretted that this is the case, as it certainly 

 forms a very conspicuous object, and occupies a posi- 

 tion in our rural scenery which no other tree can 



supply. 



In Europe, it attains to a great size and beauty, 

 often measuring over 100 feet in height, and 3 to 5 

 feet in diameter at the base. 



The tree, commonly known as the Tulip Poplar, 

 belongs to a very different genera, and is altogether 

 misnamed, as it bears no resemblance whatever to 

 the Poplars. It is, however, one of the most useful, 



