364 THE PLANE TREE. 
if it can be considered a single tree, is probably the largest in 
the world; and it possesses additional interest, from the cir- 
cumstance that, as De Candolle conjectures, it must be upwards 
of two thousand years old. 
In Britain the tree is sometimes grown from seeds, that are 
produced in round balls, which should be broken and the seeds 
sifted, to separate them from the cottony substance with which 
they are mixed. They should be sown in March. They 
require scarcely any cover of soil, but should be pressed into 
the surface of the ground, and kept moist by being covered 
with leaves or spray of trees. But the most speedy method 
of propagation is to grow the plants by layers, in a similar 
manner to that recommended for the Lime TREE, 
The plane is of rapid growth, and young plants are fre- 
quently four feet high when only one year transplanted from 
layers, when they may either be planted out or nursed another 
year or two, and then removed. 
It requires a deep, rich, soft soil; and it is generally found 
that in all places where the tree has become of a remarkable 
size, its roots have had access to water. The tree also requires 
shelter, without being crushed or confined. It will not 
luxuriate at a great altitude; but in alluvial soil, along the 
valleys, and near the banks of streams, the beauty and stateli- 
ness of the tree are worthy of every care. 
As a tree for bordering and shading public walks, streets, or 
promenades, where the soil and climate are favourable, it has 
no equal. Its branches range horizontally, and contain im- 
bricated masses of large foliage, which, from their construction, 
are favourable to the admission of air, and exclude both sun- 
shine and rain ; its canopy of foliage is of a finer green than 
the foliage of any other large tree; and from the motion of 
its large leaves, which are easily moved by the passing breeze, 
it often displays during sunshine what are called “flickering 
lights” throughout its excursive top. In Britain, the tree 
attains the height of from seventy to ninety feet, and generally 
is of rapid growth, according to the soil and climate. 
At Mount Grove, Hampstead, a plane about 100 years old 
