THE GREY POPLAR. 



679 



THE CATKINS. 



The round silver-grey catkins burst out from dark bulging scales, 

 and are practically indistinguishable from those of the Aspen. They 

 have the same downy texture, and gradually curve round Irom their 

 first erect position till they become pendent. The female flowers have 

 four stigmas, opening into four branches at the tips. The construction 

 of these catkins can be understood by reference to the description 

 already given of those of the Aspen. 



THE BARK. 



The bark is smooth and stone-coloured, with shades ol green 

 and yellow. It is marked with scars similar to those on the trunk 

 of the White Poplar. The knots on the twigs are caused by the 

 projecting scars of the leaf-bases. 



