ASPEN. 



31 



they struggle to escape from the wicked wood on which 

 they grow. 



The tree is of speedy growth, but impoverishes the 

 land, and destroys the grass in its immediate neighbour- 

 hood. The wood is hght, smooth, soft, and durable in 

 the air. It is used for hoops, milk-pails, clogs, pack- 

 saddles, &c., and for fire- wood. Spenser calls it, " the 

 Aspen good for staves." The bark is the favourite food 

 of beavers. In some countries the bark of the younger 

 trees serves for torch-wood. Evelyn, comparing this 

 tree with the Black Poplar, says, it " thrusts down a 

 more searching foot, and in this, likewise, differs, that 

 he takes it ill to have his head cut off.'^ 



It has been maliciously affirmed that of the leaves of 

 the Aspen were made women's tongues, " which seldom 

 cease wagging*." 



Sir Walter Scott describes its appearance in comparing 

 it to a countenance of varying expression : 



" With every change his features played. 

 As Aspens show the light and shade." 



Again, speaking of superstition, he says, 



" Hearts firm as steel, as marble hard, 

 'Gainst faith, and love, and pity barred. 

 Have quaked like Aspen leaves in May, 

 Beneath its universal sway." 



Spenser compares it to a person under the influence of 

 fear : 



— " His hand did quake. 



And tremble like a leaf of Aspen green." 



* See Gerarde's Herbal. 



