GETTING ACQUAINTED WITH THE TREES 



form, that is a distinct botanical species; but 

 I have never been able to separate it, where- 

 fore I do not try to tell of it here, lest I fall 

 under condemnation as a blind leader, not of 

 the blind, but of those who would see ! 



In many cities, especially in cities that have 

 experienced real -estate booms, and have had 

 "extensions" laid out "complete with all im- 

 provements," there is to be seen a poplar that 

 has the merit of quick and pleasing growth 

 and considerable elegance as well. Alas, it is 

 like the children of the tropics in quick beauty 

 and quick decadence ! The Carolina poplar, it 

 is called, being a variety of the widespread 

 Cottonwood. Grow? All that is needed is to 

 cut a lusty branch of it, point it, and drive it 

 into the earth — it will do the rest! 



This means cheap trees and quick growth, 

 and that is why whole new streets in West 

 Philadelphia, for instance, are given up to the 

 Carolina poplar. Its clear, green, shining leaves, 

 of good size, coming early in spring; its easily 

 guided habit, either upright or spreading; its 

 very rapid growth, all commend it. But its 

 coarseness and lack of real strength, and its 



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