THE SOFTWOODS IgI 
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. a/ba) 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 
