62 SYLVAN ONTARIO. 



761. Sdlix myrtilloides (L.). Bog Willow. Myrtle Willow. 



Our smallest species and found only in cold bogs. The smooth, slender 

 stems are commonly about two feet high or less, with small entire 

 leaves, which are quite smooth, and pale or glaucous beneath. 



NOTE. Many specimens of willows are 'plainly the result of crosses between distinct 

 species, and are then known as hybrids ; e.g., S.-humilis x discolor. Owing to this fact and 

 the very variable leaf-forms this Genus is one of the most difficult for beginners. 



77a. Populus tremuloides (Michx.). American Aspen. Poplar. 



Perhaps the commonest of the Poplars, and especially abundant where 

 fire has destroyed the original forest. In such places it serves a valu- 

 able purpose by furnishing shade to the seedlings of Pine and other 

 valuable trees, which in time again displace their protectors. The 

 wood is little valued except for pulp or fuel. The bitter leaves and 

 bark form a favorite food of the Porcupine, who seems to be almost 

 the only friend of the much despised " Popple." 



77b. Populus grandidentdta (Michx.). Large-toothed Aspen. Poplar. 



A common tree, especially in the north, with soft wood, as in the last 

 species. The leaves are smooth in summer, but densely woolly when 

 first unfolded a week or more after those of the last species. 



77c. Populus bdlsamifera (L.). Balm of Gilead. Balsam poplar. 



A large tree, well known for its resinous sticky coating on the buds and 

 young leaves. It is distinguished from the other native poplars by 

 the rounded petioles of the leaves (which for this reason do not tremble 

 like the others), and is much less common in most parts. A variety 

 with the upper surfaces and the petioles of the leaves somewhat 

 downy and cordate at the base (var. c&ndicans Gray), is commonly 

 cultivated under the name Balm of Gilead, and is also found wild. 



77d. Popi dus monol if era (Ait.). Cotton wood. Necklace Poplar. 



A large tree found along our southern borders. The leaves are larger 

 than in any of our native species, and with petioles comparatively 

 stout. 



78a. Pinus strdbus (L.). White Pine. 



Our most important timber tree, and originally as abundant as valu- 

 able, although, like the other Conifers, it was never plentiful in the 

 extreme south-western peninsula. As a forest tree it has largely dis- 

 appeared before the lumberman and the fires throughout older Ontario. 

 This need not to be regretted where agriculture has been rendered 

 possible, but the bare rocks of the unproductive Laurentian districts, 

 once covered by a magnificent forest, form now a most complete 

 picture of desolation. It is to be hoped that the efforts being made" to 

 encourage the reforesting of these wildernesses will be crowned with 

 success, and that the districts farther north will be carefully protected 

 from such a future. 



