104 SYLVA FLORIFERA. 



The aspen-tree may be planted so as to or- 

 nament large grounds, but its effect is lost 

 when crowded. When it meets the eye as a 

 fore-ground to plantations of firs, it has both 

 a pleasing and singular appearance, as its fo- 

 liage changes with the wind from a silver grey 

 to a bright green ; for when the sight goes 

 with the wind, it catches only the under side 

 of the leaves, which are covered with a pale 

 floss; but when it meets the current of air, 

 the tree presents the upper surface of its foli- 

 age to the view ; thus its tints are as change- 

 able as its nature is tremulous. 



Like its relative poplar, this tree is of speedy 

 growth, and will thrive in any situation or 

 soil, but worst in clay. It is accused of im- 

 poverishing the land, and its leaves are 

 charged with destroying the grass, whilst its nu- 

 merous roots, which spread near the surface, 

 will not, it is said, permit any thing else to 

 grow. The wood is extremely light, white, 

 soft and smooth, but durable in the air. It 

 is used for making milk-pails, wooden-shoes, 

 clogs and pattens, &c. The bark is the fa- 

 vourite food of beavers, whilst the leaves 

 and the stalks form the nourishment and birth- 

 place of the tipula juniperina, a species of 

 long-legged fly. 



