286 The Poplars : The Cottonwoods. 



formerly quite prevalent, but the tree is short-lived, and most of 

 these monotonous lines of trees have disappeared. When planted 

 here and there, so as to be seen rising behind and among round- 

 headed and coniferous trees, it has a pleasing effect. The wood is 

 soft, brittle, and of little value except for summer fuel. 



1159. This tree bears no pistilate flowers in our country, and it 

 can only be propagated from cuttings and sprouts from the roots. 

 It* chief value is for screens and wind-breaks, and in rich humid 

 soils it grows with great rapidity. 



1160. THE LARGE-TOOTHED POPLAR (Populus grand identata). 

 This tree grows to a large size, and its wood is valuable for framing 

 and lumber for inside work. It works smoothly, takes a good pol- 

 ish, and is not liable to shrink. When cut and peeled in summer 

 it is durable in the open air, if not in contact with the ground. 

 This tree is very well suited for inside planting in groves. It can 

 be readily propagated from seeds and cuttings. 



1161. For cultivation in the great open country east of the Cas- 

 cade Mountains, in Washington Territory, the poplars become es- 

 pecially important timber trees, both as fuel and for fencing. 

 The common aspen, as grown there, when peeled and seasoned, may 

 be used for almost any purpose, if kept from the ground. A tree 

 24 years old, has been known to measure two feet across the stump, 

 and to yield two cords of wood. 



THE COTTONWOODS. 



1162. Various species of the genus Populus are comprised under 

 this name, the principal one being the P. monillfera. The common 

 name is derived from the cotton-like tuft attached to the seeds, by 



which they are borne to great distances by the winds, 

 and the specific name " monilifera " signifies " neck- 

 lace-bearing," from the seeds being formed in a ser- 

 ies of little balls, like a string of beads. This spe- 



147. Tuft and seed cies occcurs native throughout the Atlantic States 

 lar from New England to Nebraska and Dakota, and 



southward to Louisiana. It is not seen in Utah, is less frequent in 



Nevada, but occurs in California and Oregon. 



1163. It is extremely easy to cultivate in soils that are not to arid, 

 and may be propagated from the seed, from cuttings, layers, or grafts. 

 The most convenient way is perhaps from cuttings, but the best is 



