The American Poplar (Anglicej Tulip Tree) 

 Lriiodendron tulipifera. 



This is by far the finest tree in our forest. Nowhere does the poplar 

 attain greater dimensions than in West Virginia. It often reaches the 

 height of 120 to 140 feet, and the diameter of seven to eight and nine 

 feet, with a distance of 80 feet from the first Ihiib. Several trees are 

 reported as 10 and 11 feet in diameter in this State. It delights in deep 

 loamy and extremely fertile soils, such as are found in rich bottoms fsnd 

 on rivers or swamps. It will grow, however, on soil of different kinds, 

 but has its timber affected accordingly. A deep sandy loam seems best 

 for it. To attain the greatest size it must be sheltered from the high 

 winds, and at the same time have light and air enough to ripen its wood. 

 It is generally propagated by the seeds. The tim])er, though classed 

 among the light woods, is yet much heavier than the true poplar, for this 

 tree is properly called tulip tree, and not poplar. Its grain is fine, rather 

 compact, polishes well, and is easily wrought. When dry a cubic foot 

 weighs 25 lbs. It affords excellent charcoal, yielding 22 per cent. The 

 heartwood, perfectly seasoned, long resists the action of the weather, and 

 is rarely attacked by insects. When not perfectly seasoned, however, it is 

 apt to warp under alternations of dryness and moisture. The nature of 

 the soil on which it grows has a striking effect on the colour and quality 

 of the wood. Mechanics distinguish three kinds, white, blue and 

 yellow. No external marks will distinguish them positively. In 

 general, the white poplar grows on dry, gravelly, elevated ground, and has 

 a branchy summit, with a small amount cf heartwood. The grain is 

 coarser and harder, and the wood decays more rapidly. The blue has the 

 same general character. The yellow poplar is by far the finest kind, and 

 has all the qualities required for a great variety of uses. It would take 

 too much space merely to enumerate all of these. It is used extensively 

 in the interior of houses, for shingles and for weather boarding. Large 

 quantities are used in making trunks covered with cloth or skins ; for 

 tables, bedsteads, seats of chairs, &c. ; for the supports of veneers, inner 

 work of bureaus, &c. ; in winnowing machines ; for bowls, broom handles, 

 rails, and planking for fences; for the backing of picture frames, looking- 

 glasses, &c., it is employed. The bark of the tree is considered by some 

 hardy inferior as an antiseptic and tonic to the cinchona. The aromatic 

 principle resides in a resinous matter in the bark, and when used stimu- 

 lates the intestinal canal and acts as a gentle cathartic. In many 

 instances the stomach cannot support it unless accompanied with a few 

 drops of laudanum. The bark, mixed with an equal amount of dogwood 

 and steeped in whisky, forms a tincture used as a remedy for intermit- 

 tent fever. The bark reduced to powder and given to horses is a pretty 



