THE ITALIAN POPLAR. 



Ill 



bardy^ it is used for the vessels in which grapes 

 are carried and squeezed : and, while growings 

 the tree serves as a support for vines. This 

 is said to be the only spiry tree that sheds its 

 leaves. 



" How many there are/^ said Mr. Long- 

 hurst^ who have not taste enough to admire 

 ' the leafy colonnade/ formed by this tall and 

 beautiful structure of nature. Many regard 

 it as an unsightly incumbrance^ worthy only of 

 the axe and the flame." 



I confess/' said Mrs. Longhurst^ I never 

 think much of their taste for ornamental cul- , 

 ture^ who speak of, and criticise the works of 

 nature, as they would those of man. When 

 the Creator gave that singular form to the 

 Poplar, it was a variety, upon which, amongst 

 an infinite number of others. He pronounced 

 the incontrovertible judgment — ^ Very good / 



