[ 189] 



Observations on the Italian Mulberry and Lombardy 

 Poplar Trees. By the late Joseph Cooper of Neio 

 Jersey. 



Read December 21st, 1824. 



In travelling in different places, but more especially 

 between Philadelphia and Trenton, I have observed with 

 regret, great numbers of lombardy poplars in places 

 where they will undoubtedly be found extremely inju- 

 rious, they being more subject to suckers from the roots 

 than almost any other tree. From my own experience, 

 I believe moreover the wood to be of little value ; and 

 from their spiral form they are not calculated to afford 

 shade. 



On the contrary, the cultivation of the Italian mul- 

 berry appears to be almost totally neglected, although pos- 

 sessed of superior qualities, which render them the most 

 proper to be planted in waste ground, by the sides of 

 fences, and of roads, or in any place where shade is de- 

 sirable, (except in streets of cities or towns) for the fol- 

 lowing reasons. 



1st. For Shade : — the leaves put out as soon as neces- 

 sary for that purpose, and are more glossy, clean, and of 

 a more beautiful green than the leaves of any other trees, 

 (evergreens excepted) to which our climate is favourable. 

 The tree too, forms a beautiful top, makes a close shade, 

 drops few leaves, twigs, and little or no bark during sum- 

 mer ; and never suckers from the roots : the leaves con- 

 tinue green, until hard frost, then suddenly fall, and are 

 eaten greedily by horses, cattle and sheep. 



2d. The trees produce fruit in great abundance, which 



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