THE BEST TREES TO PLANT 63 



the number annually planted in London pro- 

 bably exceeds that of any other species. 

 Rarely does it show signs of distress, nor is 

 it subject to disease or insect attack, while 

 the pea-green foliage is always fresh and 

 pleasing. Its thriving well in the poorest 

 quality of soil is another great recommend- 

 ation, and it is readily propagated and grows 

 quickly. 



THE BALSAM POPLAR (P. balsamifera) is 

 far more commonly cultivated throughout 

 London than is generally supposed, and the 

 numerous specimens that are found even in 

 the most dusty and smoky districts show how 

 suitable it is for town planting. Objection 

 has been offered to the Balsam Poplar for 

 dusty localities owing to the leaves, and par- 

 ticularly the buds, being covered with a 

 sticky, resinous exudation to which dirt 

 becomes readily attached; but we think that 

 this fault can well be overlooked when the 

 suitability of the tree for withstanding the 

 deleterious effects of an impure atmosphere 

 is taken into account. The leaves, too, are 



