ASl'KX. 31 



they struggle to escape from the wicked wood on which 

 they grow. 



The tree is of speedy growth, but impoverishes the 

 land, and destroys the grass in its immediate neighbour- 

 hood. The wood is light, smooth, soft, and durable in 

 the air. It is used for hoops, milk-pails, clogs, pack- 

 saddles, &c., and for fire-wood. Spenser calls it, " the 

 Aspen good for staves." The bark is the favourite food 

 of beavers. In some countries the bark of the younger 

 trees serves for torch-wood. Evelyn, comparing this 

 tree with the Black Poplar, says, it " thrusts down a 

 more searching foot, and in this, likewise, differs, that 

 he takes it ill to have his head cut off." 



It has been maliciously affirmed that of the leaves of 

 the Aspen were made women's tongues, " which seldom 

 cease wagging*."" 



Sir Walter Scott describes its appearance in comparing 

 it to a countenance of varying expression : 



" With every change his features played, 

 As Aspens show the light and shade." 



Again, speaking of superstition, he says, 



" Hearts firm as steel, as marble hard, 

 'Gainst faith, and love, and pity barred, 

 Have quaked like Aspen leaves in May, 

 Beneatb its universal sway." 



Spenser compares it to a person under the influence of 

 fear: 



-" His hand did quake, 



And tremble like a leaf of Aspen green." 

 * See Gerarde's Herbal. 



