134 SYLVA FLORIFERA. 



and waste lands, where neither corn or grass 

 will prosper ; but it seems a fashion rather 

 to let these plots of ground lie waste, than 

 to plant them with trees to which the soil is 

 suitable, although, if their speedy growth and 

 small expense in planting be taken into con- 

 sideration, it would be found perhaps more 

 profitable by making quick return, than the 

 oak or elm, which require good soil and ages 

 to render them advantageous. Poplars have 

 been known to drain moist ground so effectu- 

 ally, and to manure it by the fall of their 

 leaves, so as to render it fit for meadow or 

 pasture land. 



These trees are propagated by cuttings, 

 which should be planted in the spring ; they 

 should be taken from the most vigorous 

 shoots of the last year, or at most, not above 

 two years' growth ; these should be planted 

 about a foot deep in the earth, and it is 

 advisable to rub off all the side shoots for 

 the first year or two which gives strength to 

 the young plants. 



All the kinds of poplar are alike bad wood 

 for fuel, as it rather roasts away than burns, 

 giving a great deal of smoke, but no flame. 

 On this account it is desirable for building 

 of cottages and stables, &c, as the boards are 

 so slow in taking fire, that the flames are said 



