THE CULTIVATED POPLARS. 



217 



foliage, and is worth attention in the composition of groups. 

 May be confounded with Populusbalsamifera, var. viminalis, which 

 see. The slender, cylindrical winter twigs with small buds (e, fig.i) 

 are very different from the heavier and angled shoots, with coarse 

 buds, of the other (k, fig. i). 



2. Populus balsamifera (Linnaeus, Sp. PI. 1034 ( 1 753)- 

 BALSAM POPLAR, TACMAHAC. Fig. 3. A tall upright tree, with 

 a nairow straight top, growing in woods and along streams in the 

 Northernmost States, and also in Northern Europe and Asia. 

 Leaves thick and firm, 

 erect, whitened beneath, 

 usually smaller than in 

 most other poplars of this 

 Group : in shape ovate- 

 lanceolate or oval, taper- 

 ing towards the top and 

 sometimes at the base, 

 finely and obtusely 

 toothed. Young branches 

 nearly or quite cylindri- 

 cal. 



The native form is 

 occasionally seen about 

 farm buildings and road- 

 sides, where it makes a 

 durable and pleasant 



tree ; but it is most too stiff for the pleasantest effects and too 

 narrow for the best shade. The dull whiteness of the under 

 side of the leaves affords a pleasant variety and contrast in its 

 foliage, and the fragrance of the resinous buds in spring is pleas- 

 ant to most persons. It is a desirable tree for occasional plant- 

 ing, but, like the Lombardy, it generally appears to best advant- 

 age when placed amongst other trees. It is a hardier tree than 

 the Lombardy, and does not run quickly to such extravagant 

 heights. In cultivation from Russian sources, it is known as 

 Nos. 1 6 and 26 Voronesh and 32 Riga. Fig. 3 shows ordinary 

 foliage (16 Voronesh) about half size. 



The balsam poplar is probably the most variable of poplars. 



j. Fopulus balsamifera (16 Voronesh.} 

 nat. size.} 



