42 A MANUAL OF FORESTRY 



BASSWOOD (Tilia Americana). 



The natural range of the basswood is practically the same as 

 that of the white ash. In New England it is found chiefly in 

 the northern hardwoods region. It is also similar to ash in its 

 requirements as to a good moist loam soil and plenty of light, 

 but will survive in comparatively dry situations. It grows 

 rapidly but seldom reaches advanced age without becoming 

 decayed in the center. 



The seed has a wing which helps to carry it some distance. 

 It germinates best on moist mineral soil rich in humus and 

 seedling reproduction in the north woods is usually fair. The 

 tree has the further advantage of being a prolific sprouter, by 

 which it reproduces almost entirely in Connecticut and Massa- 

 chusetts. Clumps of basswoods are common wherever the tree 

 occurs. 



It is little troubled by insects, but is easily damaged by fire. 

 Its wood being light, straight-grained, and easily worked, gives 

 it a demand for many purposes, as for lumber, clapboards, 

 excelsior, etc. 



The high value of the lumber, its rapid growth, and ability 

 to reproduce by seed and sprouts, make the basswood second 

 only to ash in the forester's estimation, especially in northern 

 New England. 



POPLAR (Populus tremuloides, P. grandidentata, P. balsamea). 



Since the characteristics of these three species are very similar, 

 thrv will be considered together. The trembling aspen is the 

 most widely distributed tree in America, 1 being found from Hud- 

 son Bay to Mexico. In New England, P. tremuloides is more 

 common in the northern, and P. grandidentata in the soul In in 

 portion. These true poplars should not be confused with the 

 tulip tree which is called in some sections yellow poplar and is 

 common in the southern hardwood forest, but has a different 

 character from the real poplars. 



1 Weigle and Frothingham, The Aspens, Forest Service Bui. 93 (1911). 



