362 
DECIDUOUS TREES, 
The Balsam-bearing Poplar or Tacamahac. P. halsami- 
-Curiously enough, though we have lived in the States where 
this tree is said to be indigenous, we do not know that we have 
ever seen it. Loudon thus describes it : “ The balsam poplar, in 
the climate of London, is the very first tree that comes into leaf; 
its foliage is of a rich gamboge yellow, and so fragrant as in moist 
evenings to perfume the surrounding air. The tree is remarkably 
hardy, but, unless in the vicinity of water, it seldom attains a large 
size in England, or is of great duration.’" 
It is very distinct from the Balm of Gilead poplar — having 
smaller and much narrower leaves, of ovate-acuminate form. It 
grows from fifty to eighty feet in height. 
The White or Silver Poplar, or Silver Abele Tree. P. 
alba, P. alba caitescetis . — This European or Asiatic species has 
been deservedly the most popular tree of the poplar family for 
the past twenty years. Contrary to our early impressions of it, it 
improves on acquaintance. It is the most spreading of poplars, 
of the largest size, exceedingly rapid growth, and, as far as we have 
observed, quite healthy. Its leaves are of a deep bright-green 
color on the upper surface, and have a white down on the under 
side, which, instead of disappearing as the season advances, as is 
the case on most leaves of this kind, seems to grow whiter, and in 
the summer and autumn breezes the tree glows as with myriads of 
great quivering white blossoms. 
The silver poplar comes into leaf later than the maples and 
earlier than the oaks, and holds its leaves later than any of the 
other poplars. In fact, it is in its glory in September and early in 
October, It has but one serious fault to prevent its being one of 
the most desirable wide-street or large-lawn trees, viz., its tendency 
to sucker or sprout from the root. On a lawn kept properly 
mowed, this tendency would not be very annoying, but in or near 
cultivated ground, or where the sprouts are once allowed to get a 
good start, they are quite troublesome. The dead leaves, too, are 
disposed to absorb dampness from the ground and rot where they 
lie. They should, therefore, be raked and put on the compost heap 
as soon as they have fallen. 
