IN EXTRA-TROPICAL COUNTRIES. 263 



Populus alba, Linne. 



The Abele or White Poplar of Europe and Middle Asia, growing 

 in the Himalayas up to 10,000 feet, ceasing at 4,000 feet. Height 

 90 feet. It proved an excellent avenue-tree, even in comparatively 

 waterless situations, and gives by the partial whiteness of its 

 foliage a pleasing effect in any plantation. The wood is pale, 

 with a reddish tinge, brown near the centre, soft and light. 

 It can be used for flooring ; it is particularly sought for trays, 

 bowls, bellows, and shoe-soles ; also according to Porcher, 

 for wooden structures under water. " Sparterie " for plaiting 

 is obtained from the wood-shavings. The wood of this and 

 some other poplars is easily converted into paper-pulp, which again 

 is cheaply bleached. Lines of poplars along forest streams prevent 

 the progress of wood conflagrations. The roots of Poplar spread 

 widely. P. canescens (Sm.), the Grey Poplar, is either a variety of 

 the Abele or its hybrid with the Aspen, and yields a better timber 

 for carpenters and millwrights. 



Populus angustifolia, James. 



North America, A rather large tree of vigorous and rapid growth 

 (Yasey) ; adapted for shelter-plantations, particularly in wet 

 localities. 



Populus balsamifera, Linne. 



The Tacamahae or Balsam Poplar of the colder, but not the coldest 

 parts of North America ; also in Siberia and on the Himalaya 

 Mountains, where it ranges from 8,000 to 14,000 feet. It attains 

 a height of 80 feet. The tree may be lopped for cattle- fodder 

 (Stewart and Brandis). Mr. Meehan says that it will grow near 

 the ocean's brink. Its variety is P. candicans (Ait.). 



Populus ciliata, Wallich. 



Himalaya, from 4,000 to 10,000 feet. Height up to 70 feet with 

 a straight trunk, which attains 10 feet in girth. 



Populus Euphratica, Olivier. 



From Algeria, dispersed to the Himalayas and Songaria, up to 

 13,500 feet. Height up to 50 feet. Wood harder than that of 

 most Poplars, the inner wood turning black in old trees. It is used 

 for planking and boat-building (Stewart and Brandis), also for 

 beams, rafters, boxes, panelling, turnery. Cattle will browse on the 

 leaves. This is the Willow of the 137th Psalm. 



Populus grandidentata, Michaux. 



North America. 80 feet high. The Soft Aspen. Wood whitish, 

 soft, very light ; can be ground into pulp for paper. P. angulata 

 (Ait.) is another large Poplar of North-Eastern America. 



