The Poplars. 



285 



renders it troublesome in culti'5'ated ground, but is a valuable qual- 

 ity in woodlands. When grown in dense groves it runs up in slen- 

 der form, aud in a short time it becomes large enough for poles 

 good for fencing, corn-cribs, and other farm uses. If cut early 

 in summer it peels very easily, and it is then light but durable and 

 strong, if not placed in contact with the ground. Michaux recom- 

 mended it for extensive cultivation as a substitute for the tulip-tree, 

 and Bryant regards it as superior to any of the native poplars. 



1157. It may be propagated by cuttings of the young wood or the 

 roots, and from layers and grafts, and grows with great certainty in 



146. Popvlus aJ6a.— White Poplar. 



a moderately damp soil. The durability of the wood is increased 

 by painting with coal-tar, which is best applied hot. The stronger 

 contrasts between the upper and lower sides of the leaf are found 

 in the tender varieties, while the kind with leaves lobed like the 

 maple are found to be more hardy. 



1158. The Lombakdy Poplae (Popvlus dUatata). This tree, 

 from its tall columnar growth, furnishes an admirable wind-break, 

 and it is still in France a favprite tree for planting along the road- 

 side. The fashion in our New England and Northern States was 



