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, 
