1 66 



Forests and Trees 



of a necklace, and falling to the ground about the tree, are very 



noticeable. 

 The cottonwood is found in moist sandy locations along lake 



shores and the banks of streams across the prairie, fusing in the 

 western part of its range with the next 

 species, which differs from it so slightly 

 that it is often regarded as merely a 

 variety. These two species were for- 

 merly included in one under the name 

 populus monilifera, Aiton. 



The wood has not proved valuable as 

 a timber, although used locally for fuel 

 and building logs. It has been freely 

 used for planting and is very satisfac- 

 tory, except that it is more liable to in- 

 sect pests than any other poplar. When 

 the native tree is planted the leaves 



turn yellow and fall early, but the eastern form, which is often 



sold under the name Carolina poplar, retains its leaves until 



the frost comes. The latter, however, is 



not altogether hardy on the prairie, as the 



new growth usually kills back. 

 It grows readily from cuttings, and its 



rapid growth makes it a desirable tree with 



which to secure quick results either fc.r 



street or park planting. It is too large 



for planting in small grounds. 



FIG. 30. Cottonwood. 



WESTERN COTTONWOOD. Populus Sargentii. 

 Dode. 



FIG. 31. Long-leaved 

 Cottonwood. 



The distinction between this and the last 

 species is not very marked. It is the 

 western cottonwood and formerly was not regarded as distinct 

 from the preceding. On the whole it is taller and has a greater 



