DESCEIPTIVB ENOMEEATION OF TREES. 11 



form as a deciduous tree, is peculiar. Among 

 evergreens we find tlie same character in tlie 

 Cypress, and botli trees, in many situations, have 

 a good effect. Tlie Cypress often, among tlie 

 ruins of ancient Rome, breaks tlie regularity of a 

 wall or a pediment by its conic form ; and tlio 

 Poplar on tlie banks of the Po no doubt lias the 

 same effect among its deciduous brethren, by 

 forming the apex of a clump, though I have been 

 told that, in its age, it loses its shape in some 

 degree, and spreads more into a head. The 

 oldest Poplars of this kind I have seen are at 

 Blenheim. Tliey are not old trees, but are very 

 tall, and I believe still preserve their spiry form.* 

 One beauty the Italian Poplar possesses, which 

 is almost peculiar to itself, and that is the 

 waving line it forms when pressed by wind. 

 Most trees in this circumstance are partially 

 agitated. One side is at rest, while the other is 

 in motion. But the Italian Poplar waves in one 

 simple sweep from the top to the bottom, like 

 an ostrich-feather on a lady's head. All the 



* Three of tliem are still living, — Ed. 

 ir 2 



