DENDROLOGY. 257 



Virginian poplar are much smaller and less distinctly heart-shaped ; 

 the young shoots are smaller and less angular, and on high grounds 

 those of the third year are even cylindrical ; the limbs also 

 diverge less widely from the trunk. 



The wood of this tree is softer than that of the cotton wood, 

 but its growth is more rapid and it prospers in a less humid soil. 

 It is appropriated to no particular use in the arts. 



American Aspen. Populus tremuloicles. 



This species of Poplar is common in the Northern and Middle 

 sections of the United States, and is profusely multiplied in 

 Lower Canada : in the vicinity of New York and Philadelphia, it 

 prefers open lands of a middling quality. 



The American aspen is ordinarily about 30 feet in height and 

 five or six inches in diameter. The bark of the trunk is greenish 

 and smooth, except on the base of the oldest trees, where it 

 becomes furrowed. The leaves are about two inches broad, 

 narrowed at the summit, and supported by long petioles ; they 

 are of a dark green color, and in the spring, their nerves are 

 reddish : on stocks seven or eight feet in height, they are nearly 

 round, and are bordered with obtuse, irregular teeth; on young 

 shoots, they *are of twice this size, heart-shaped, and acuminate 

 at the summit. Of all the American poplars, this species has 

 the most tremulous leaves, the gentlest air suffices to throw them 

 into agitation. This tree blooms about the middle of April, 

 about a fortnight before the birth of the leaves. The aments, 

 which spring from the extremity of the branches, are composed 

 of silky plumes, and are of an oval form and about two inches 

 in length. 



The wood of this tree is light, soft, destitute of strength and 

 utility for timber or fuel. The wood is sometimes divided into 

 lamina for the* fabrication of hats, which are much worn in the 

 summer season. 



33 



