FOREST TREES. 121 
P. Orientalis, the Asiatic Plane, much resembles 
the American species, but is not very common in 
this country. It is said to be free from disease. 
POPULUS—POPLAR, ASPEN. 
Natural Order, Salicacee. 
Bracts of the catkins irregularly cut, lobed at the 
apex; flowers, from a cup-shaped disk, which is 
obliquely lengthened in front; stamens, eight to 
thirty, or more; filaments, distinct; stigmas, elon- 
gated; buds covered with a resinous varnish; aments 
long and drooping, appearing before the leaves. 
There are many species of the Poplar, most of them 
growing to a large size. A strong family likeness 
exists among them in general appearance, foliage, and 
quality of their wood. In Europe, the wood of some 
kinds of Poplar is used for a variety of purposes, and 
is considerably esteemed, butin America, where many 
better kinds of timber are found, it is considered of 
less value. Most species of the Poplar grow rapidly, 
a quality which appears to be their principal recom- 
mendation; but in this respect they are equalled by 
more valuabletrees. As fuel, their wood ranks among 
the poorest, although, when properly dried, it answers 
very well for kindling wood and for summer use. 
Some species are planted for shade, but for this pur- 
pose the female tree should be always avoided, as the 
cottony-down with- which the seeds are winged 
becomes a great annoyance. The Poplars grow 
readily from cuttings, and are seldom propagated in 
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