158 The Forest Trees of Wilishire. 
perfuming the air to a great distance. It is a long-lived tree and 
attains a great size, sometimes more than twenty feet in circum- 
ference. Of this size one, quite a historic tree, is, or recently was 
growing at Brunswick, in the Square where the Cathedral stands. 
It is said to have been planted by Henry, the Lion, in the year 
1194, on his return from the Holy Land. When the writer saw 
it a few years ago, it appeared to be perfectly sound. The lime is 
everywhere to be met with, and is a favorite tree for avenues, for 
which it is well suited. There is said to be one of great beauty 
and nearly four miles long, at Cobham, in Surrey. The Tux 
TREE which also bears a handsome cup-shaped blossom, and is re- 
» markable for its leaves, which in shape, much resemble a man’s 
saddle, may be mentioned with the above. It attains a considerable 
size, and is frequently to be met with. There are very fine speci- 
mens at Longleat and Bowood; large timber trees of fifty to sixty 
feet in height, and from eight to ten feet, if not more, in cireum- 
ference. The Poprar well deserves notice. It has got a bad 
name, and has the misfortune to be somewhat despised, but not by 
those who are well acquainted with it. Of all the sorts, perhaps 
the ABELE, or Great White Poplar; and the Brack Iranian Popiar, 
are the best. There are some remarkably fine specimens of the 
first-named at Longleat, above a hundred feet in height, and from 
ten to twelve, and up to fifteen feet in circumference at three or 
four feet from the ground. The wood is considered by many to be 
worthless; but it is not so. It is excellent for almost every purpose 
where lightness and toughness are required, and it stands wet and 
dry remarkably well. It grows more rapidly than any other tree, 
having been known to grow ten or twelve feet in height in one 
year from a cutting. In some parts of the kingdom it is the wood 
most sought after by the carpenter for the sides of wagons and 
carts, on account of its being so light and tough. It is the best 
wood, too, for packing cases and large boxes for travelling. The 
French are well aware of its value, almost all their wine-cases 
being made of it. There is much truth in the old adage relative 
to this tree :— 
“‘ Though heart of oak be e’er so stout, 
Keep me dry, and I’ll see him out.” 
