THE SOFTWOODS 191 



there are Black Poplars, Aspens, and Balsam 

 Poplars ; but the only kinds that in addition to 

 the aspen, Common or Trembling Poplar, already 

 treated of, can be considered as true trees of our 

 woodlands are the Common Black Poplar (P. 

 nigra) and the Canadian Poplar (P. Canadensis)^ 

 belonging to the first group, and the Abele or 

 White Poplar (P. alba) among the aspens. 



On the whole the willows deserve more atten- 

 tion than the poplars, even though some of the 

 latter are quicker in growth, because willow- 

 timber is the superior in quality. Taken as a 

 class the tree-willows show a decided tendency to 

 run into branches, although, curiously enough, it 

 is just the opposite quality which make osiers of 

 special value. Light and rather tough willow 

 wood is suitable not only for packing-cases and 

 framework for veneering, but also for match- 

 wood, and for wood-pulp on the Continent, wher- 

 ever large supplies are available. The crack 

 willow yields the best wood of all, suitable 

 for flooring planks, railway trucks, and similar 

 purposes. 



The willows require a good, deep, and rather 

 moist soil in order to prove a commercial success 



