The Abele Poplar (Populus alba)

The Abele Poplar (Populus alba) grows with great freedom where subjected to smoke and foul air. In the very heart of our largest towns, it may be seen flourishing in a manner that is almost incredible. It is a pretty tree, the distinctly cut, ample leaves, with their cottony under-surface, being at all times, but especially when agitated by the wind, most interesting, and causing the tree to rank amongst the most ornamental of its kind. It is readily propagated, transplants freely, grows rapidly, and is neither subject to disease nor particular as to the soil in which it is planted.

The Lombardy Poplar (Populus fasti-giata)

The Lombardy Poplar (Populus fasti-giata) is probably, next to the Plane, the most common of our London trees. It succeeds admirably even in the foulest atmosphere, while it is about the least particular, as regards soil, of any tree that could be mentioned. Whether the Lombardy Poplar is a distinct species or only a form of P. nigra opinions differ, but with a wide knowledge of the tree as planted in our London streets and squares I am inclined to think that it is only a well-marked upright habited variety of the Black Italian Poplar. In any case, it is an excellent tree for smoky localities, thriving well even where chemical fumes are present in the atmosphere, while its strict habit of growth renders it peculiarly suitable for confined positions or for using as a screen or hedge tree. In and around the great metropolis, wherever a screen fence is required, this Poplar is called into request, and the number annually planted in London probably exceeds that of any other species. Rarely does it show signs of distress, nor is it subject to disease or insect attack, while the pea-green foliage is always fresh and pleasing. Its thriving well in the poorest quality of soil is another great recommendation, and it is readily propagated and grows quickly.

The Balsam Poplar (P. balsamifera)

The Balsam Poplar (P. balsamifera) is far more commonly cultivated throughout London than is generally supposed, and the numerous specimens that are found even in the most dusty and smoky districts show how suitable it is for town planting. Objection has been offered to the Balsam Poplar for dusty localities owing to the leaves, and particularly the buds, being covered with a sticky, resinous exudation to which dirt becomes readily attached; but we think that this fault can well be overlooked when the suitability of the tree for withstanding the deleterious effects of an impure atmosphere is taken into account. The leaves, too, are deliriously fragrant. Good examples of the Balsam Poplar may be seen by the Commercial Road, in Soho Square, and in many other parts of London.

The Indian Bean (Catalpa Bignonloides)

For various reasons this fast-growing tree is to be recommended for planting in smoky localities. It grows with vigour in many smoky centres, as in the Middle Temple Gardens, near the Houses of Parliament, in Manchester Square, and at Chiswick and Camden Town, is a tree of handsome proportions, and when fully established, flowers freely. The violet-white of the petals of the flowers is well set off by the purple and yellow of the throat. A valuable trait in the character of the Indian Bean is that, should accident befall it, and the stem get injured, numerous strong suckers are produced, which, as they grow with great rapidity, soon take the place of the original. Few soils come amiss to it.

Amongst remarkable trees of this kind in London is that known as Bacon's Catalpa.

This fine old tree, which is said to have been planted by Bacon, is growing near the centre of Gray's Inn Gardens. It is of unusual appearance owing to having been partially uprooted many years ago. The stem, which is about 18 in. in diameter, rests on the ground for about 9 ft. of its length, and has, fortunately, been well preserved by filling up the hollow portions with cement, while the far-spreading heavy branches have been supported by props and thus prevented from breaking away from the main stem. Though there are many dead and dying branches on the tree, yet its general health is good, and, should no accident befall it, it will live for many years to perpetuate the memory of the great writer. It produced flowers freely in 1909. Perhaps it may be of interest to state that the Gray's Inn Gardens were laid out under the direction of Bacon towards the close of the sixteenth century.