44 OX THE PRESENT STATE AND PROSPECTS OF 



pleasure grounds. When the trees attain a large size, they are 

 invariably hollow in the centre ; bnt even when the timber is 

 sound, it is short-grained and of little value. It is curious that 

 the two poplars best known and most cultivated in the south, are 

 those of least value for timber. The Abele tree, or great white 

 poplar, produces timber superior to either of the preceding, grows 

 rapidly, and is more ornamental, but like the black poplar it is 

 practically unknown in Hants. It makes a tall and graceful 

 specimen, with smooth, silvery bark, spreading head, and beautiful 

 white woolly leaves. Its silvery appearance, especially when 

 agitated by the wind, contrasts well with trees of a glossy green 

 or sombre hue. It woidd prove a great acquisition to English 

 parks and pleasure grounds, and yet it rarely occurs in our most 

 picturesque landscape scenes. It delights in a moist loam and 

 sheltered situation, but does not succeed if exposed to prevailing 

 winds. The timber is of good quality, makes excellent flooring, 

 and, in common with all varieties of poplars, has the commendable 

 advantage of being peculiarly uninflammable. 



In treating of mixed hardwood plantations, I give precedence 

 to the oak, because it is more extensively cultivated than any 

 other tree. The oak is indeed the " monarch of the forest," and 

 stands unrivalled for majestic grandeur and picturesque effect. 

 Its principal characteristics are the great firmness, power, and 

 strength with which it takes a secure hold of the ground, stout- 

 ness of limbs, twisting of branches, short elbows, abrupt twigs, 

 horizontal arms, expansive head, and bold irregularly swelling out- 

 line. Other remarkable characteristics might be mentioned, such 

 as extreme longevity, extraordinary dimensions, hardness, and 

 durability (what Shakespeare terms the unwedgeable and gnarled 

 oak). It has been termed the bidwark of Old England, the key- 

 stone of her " wooden walls," and the mainstay of her navy. The 

 bark also is extolled as a useful article of commerce, and an un- 

 failing source of profit. In regard, however, to the li wooden 

 walls" alluded to, and the large profits from bark, these are things 

 of the past. Iron ships are rapidly superseding those wooden 

 walls, and there is no longer the great demand for oak timber of 

 large dimensions. Those knees and elbows that foresters were 

 once so careful to preserve intact, have not the fictitious value 

 which once prevailed. The time has passed for reserving low, 

 crooked, staghorned oaks for Government contractors, and strip- 

 ping Spanish chestnut of large dimensions to send to the dock- 



