APPENDIX. 379 



any location in the northern part of New England. In New 

 Jersey it has bloomed finely; but in Washington, D. C., this 

 winter (1855-6), I understand the flower-buds have been all 

 killed by the severe cold. 



PLATANUS. 



The American Plane Tree, or Buttonwood (A. occidentals), 

 was formerly considered one of the most important shade trees ; 

 but the mysterious disease, which has prevailed throughout the 

 country for a number of past years, has so disfigured them that 

 they are not desirable at the present time. No cause or remedy 

 for the disease has yet been discovered, but it is said to be pass- 

 ing away, or, in some places, nearly gone, so that it is hoped this 

 majestic tree will resume its importance in the public square, or 

 by the roadside. 



P. orientalis, or the Oriental Plane, is a tree of smaller growth 

 than the American species. Its general height is about fifty feet. 

 ' It has beautiful foliage, and well deserves a place among other 

 trees. 



POPULUS. 



Poplar. In ancient times, the public places of Rome were 

 decorated with rows of this tree, whence it came to be called 

 Arbor populi, as being a tree peculiarly appropriated to the peo- 

 ple. But Bullet asserts that the Poplar has obtained its name 

 from the constant motion of the leaves, which " are in a perpetual 

 state of agitation, like the populace." Populus alba, the Silver- 

 leafed Abele, is a tree well adapted for shade, in barren soils, 

 where other trees will not succeed. The tree is very objectionable 

 on rich and valuable land, as it is very exhausting to the soil, 

 throwing up numerous suckers, and making itself quite too com- 

 mon. For a protective belt of trees, on the barren shores of 

 Cape Cod, and other similar locations, it is highly valuable. On 

 an avenue like the Mill Dam leading from Boston ^ Brookline, 



