REMARKS ON TI1E TULIP TREE. 127 



ARTICLE V. 



REMARKS ON THE TULIP TREE. 



BY FLORA. 



The Tulip Tree (Liriodenclron Tulipifera), being one of the most 

 magnificent and ornamental trees for the pleasure ground, and not 

 noticing any remarks upon it in the Cabinet, induces me to transmit 

 the following : — 



This superb forest tree is named Liriodendron from Atp8pbv } and 

 Xtipiov, lily. As it is a tree bearing liliaceous flowers, it is also 

 called Tulipifera, tulip tree, from the resemblance which the blossoms 

 bear to that flower. The word tulip is of Turkish extraction, and 

 given to the flower on account of its resembling a turban. 



The vegetable world cannot present us with a more interesting ob- 

 ject than a tree of such exalted stature, covered with a fuliage so 

 singular and beautiful, as is the tulip-tree of North America. Its 

 spreading branches give an extensive shade, whilst they are covered 

 with an immensity of large and variegated flowers, that appear placed 

 on the boughs like so many porcelain vases, to catch the dews of 

 heaven. 



It is hardly possible to contemplate this noble tree, without havin°- 

 all sordid and angry passions driven from the breast, and exchanged 

 for those of peace and philanthropy. We wonder, therefore, that the 

 poets, who are naturally lovers of trees, and have awakened our in- 

 terest so much in favour of most others, should so long have ne- 

 glected to sing the praise of this sylvan wonder of the new world, as 

 to leave us without a head to our chapter. 



Michaux tells us, in his work on the Forest Trees of North Ame- 

 rica, that the middle and western states abound with the Liriodendron 

 tulipifera, some of which he measured, that were 22 L feet in circum- 

 ference, five feet from the ground, and from 120 to 140 feet in height. 

 He tells us, that the timber is one of the most useful species of wood, 

 being smooth and fine grained, eaeily wrought, and not liable to 

 split, therefore desirable for the turner, as also for carving ornaments, 

 paimels of coaches, chaise bodies, &c. It is also used for forming 

 canoes ; and frequently the trees are of sufficient size to hollow into 

 the shape of those boats, so that they are of one piece of timber. 



