Characteristics of Common Forest Trees 67 



This species, although of small sylvicultural value, is of such 

 importance for town planting that it deserves notice. Its suitability 

 for this purpose lies in its graceful appearance and immunity to 

 the ill-effects of smoke. 



It may be propagated by seed (in hot summers), layers and 

 cuttings. 



10. Black Poplar (Populus nigra}. 



Fig. 22. 

 BLACK POPLAR 

 (Populus nigra). 



Distribution. This species is of Canadian origin, whence it 

 was introduced into this country, via Italy; hence its name, black 

 " Italian " poplar. 



Soil. Eminently adapted for wet spots where, with the 

 exception of the alder, no other species will grow. 



Nursery treatment. This species is propagated by means of 

 cuttings planted in the woods. The growth is extremely rapid. 



ii. Sycamore or Maple {Acer pseudo-platonus). 



General. In Scotland this species is commonly known as the 

 " plane tree," and this is apt to cause confusion to the southerner, 

 who only knows the name in connection with the genus Platanns. 



Distribution. The chief home of the sycamore is Central Europe 

 and Western Asia ; it is probably not indigenous in this country. 



