YELLOW POPLAR 285 



It was claimed a few years ago that the tree could be 

 propagated from cuttings the same as the Poplars and 

 Willows. Repeated and varied efforts to grow it in that 

 way have proved complete failures. Except such few as 

 may come from sprouts, growing the trees from the seed 

 must be the only method of propagation. The seed ripens 

 in the early fall, but the cones do not open until the leaves 

 are shed. As soon as the leaves turn yellow, the cones may 

 be gathered, and when dry the seeds will fall from the 

 cone stem. They would best be sown in the fall ; but if not 

 they should be stratified in sand and kept in a cool place, 

 one dry enough to prevent moulding, yet damp enough to 

 prevent drying-out, and then be sown in the spring as soon 

 as the grpund will permit. It frequently requires two years 

 for the seed to germinate. 



Yellov* Poplar is remarkably free from insect enemies 

 or disease of any kind. Decay of the stem from dead limbs 

 is about the only malady affecting it. It should be added 

 that great care has to be taken "in felling large trees, be- 

 cause of their liability to break when they strike the ground. 

 It will grow in almost any fertile soil, if .not too wet, and 

 even in one so sterile as to be of little use for agriculture. 

 Some fine specimens were found on the mountains of Penn- 

 sylvania, where the ground was ill fitted for cultivation 

 because of lack of fertility ; yet the tree will show high 

 appreciation of a generous soil to grow in. Seedlings attain 

 a height of about six inches the first year ; after that, the 

 tree is a rapid grower until it reaches maturity. In order 

 to secure fibrous roots, the seedlings would best be trans- 

 planted into the transplant nursery when one year old and 

 remain there two years, when they will be strong enough 

 to hold their own against their surroundings in the forest. 



Lumber cut from good trees stands among the Soft- 

 woods next in value to White Pine, and no effort should 

 be spared to assist natural reproduction, which is fairly 

 good, if permitted, and artificial cultivation should be 

 undertaken notwithstanding the drawbacks. 



