100 TRANSACTIONS OF RoYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



growth or foliage, of our luuJy trees. It is indigenous to 

 North America, from whence it was sent to this country more 

 than 200 years ago, and is now very widely distributed over the 

 three kingdoms. In some districts, particularly in the southern 

 counties of England, and in Ireland, it grows to an enormous 

 size, and there jiroduces its beautiful flowers, resembling those of 

 a tulip, from year to year in great profusion. It is perfectly 

 hardy, and will grow in any loamy soil, if well drained. 



The varieties are by no means many, and the finest of all is 

 that with golden variegated foliage. 



The Poplar [PojyvJus). 



The generic name, Popuhis, is said to have been conferred upon 

 this family from one of the species being used in ancient times to 

 decorate the public places in Rome, where it was commonly called 

 " arbor jjopuli," or " Tree of the People." The various species and 

 varieties are found in a wild state in almost every country in 

 Europe, in the colder regions of Asia, and very abundantly over 

 a wide area in North America. They are all deciduous, and, in 

 many cases, lofty trees, closely allied to the willows, with which 

 they are associated in the natural order Salicacece. 



Nearly all the species are sufficiently hardy for cultivation in 

 Britain, and have long been employed by landscape gardeners 

 in the formation of ornamental plantations. Of trees so well 

 known, it is unnecessary to do more than call attention to the 

 varieties with coloured foliage, all of which are specially adapted 

 for producing a beautiful effect. 



The Plum (Prunus). 



Although best known as fruit trees, and as such, widely cul- 

 tivated, the Plums have a representative of recent introdiiction, 

 which well deserves a place among the choicest selections of orna- 

 mental trees. This is known as Frunus Pissardi, a perfectly 

 hardy species, with neatly-formed purjjle foliage, and of a free 

 graceful habit of growth. It seems to thrive best in open sunny 

 exposures, and in rich, but dry, soils. 



The Apple and Pear [Pyrus). 



Apart altogether from the various uses of the fruit-bearers 

 which are included in this group of trees, comprising, as it does. 



