CHAP, xiv SYLVA 133 



flourishing near the old Eridanus (so celebrated by 

 the poets) in which the temerarious Phaeton is said 

 to have been precipitated, doubtless gave argument to 

 that fiction of his sad sister's metamorphosis, and the 

 amber of their precious tears. It was whiles I was 

 passing down that river towards Ferrara, that I di- 

 verted my self with this story of the ingenious poet. 

 I am told there is a mountain-poplar much propa- 

 gated in Germany about Vienna, and in Bohemia, of 

 which some trees have yielded planks of a yard in 

 breadth ; why do we procure none of them ? 



8. The best use of the poplar, and abele (which 

 are all of them hospitable trees, for any thing thrives 

 under their shades) is for walks and avenues about 

 grounds which are situated low, and near the water, 

 till coming to be very old, they are apt to grow 

 knurry, and out of proportion. The timber is incom- 

 parable for all sorts of white wooden vessels, as trays, 

 bowls and other turners ware ; and of especial use 

 for the bellows-maker, because it is almost of the 

 nature of cork, and for ship-pumps, though not very 

 solid, yet very close, and yet light ; so as it may be 

 us'd for the soles, as well as wooden-heels of shooes, 

 G?c. Vitruvius /. de Materia Ccedenda, reckons it among 

 the building-timbers, quce maxime in oedificiis sunt 

 idonece. Likewise to make carts, because it is exceed- 

 ing light ; for vine, and hop-props, and divers vi- 

 mineous works. The loppings in January are for the 

 fire ; and therefore such as have proper grounds, may 

 with ease, and in short time, store themselves for a 

 considerable family, where fuel is dear : but the truth 

 is, it burns untowardly, and rather moulders away, 

 than maintains any solid heat. Of the twigs (with 

 the leaves on) are made brooms. The brya^ or catkins 



