THE POPLARS 



331 



These uplifted spires of the Lomliartly 

 Poplars, especially when growing in a 

 line, are notable and imj^ressive. They 

 give a distincti\-e character to the landscape 

 in which they are found, suggestive of 

 aspiration, but with none of the sombre- 

 ness which seems to belong to the Roman 

 Cypress, the only other tree with us that 

 takes this form. The Lombardy Poplar 

 is full of strong life, surging upwards like 

 a jet from a water-main, or like a flame. 

 Flame-like it is, in very truth, when 

 autumn has turned its greenery to shin- 

 ing gold, and autumn winds make it 

 quiver, and sway from base to tip, in 

 sweeping curves, deflected, recovering ; 

 whilst autumn sunshine makes it glow 

 " as with fire." 



THE B.\LS.\M POPL.\R. 



This tree also conforms closely to the 

 habit of the Black Poplar. The main 

 distinction is in respect of the leaves and 

 twigs. The leaves are coarser in texture, 

 darker green above and very light preen, 

 almost grey, below. The leaf-stalks are 

 not flattened. In consequence the leaves 

 are upheld stiffly, and stand out more or 

 less horizontally, while there is no side- 

 swing. The twigs arc t bicker and stronger, 

 as is needful, to bear the increased weight, 

 together with the greater wind-strain due 

 to the comparative immobility of the 

 leaves. The branches also are more 

 sturdy, and less straggling. The whole 

 aspect, indeed, of the tree is heavier than 

 that of the Black Poplar. 



Henry Irving. 



TRUNK A.ND li.^RK Or LOMBARDY POPLAR 



-'5 



1 



