Poplars

Perhaps next to the Plane the trees that are found in greatest numbers throughout London are several species of Poplar, notably the Black Italian, the Lom-bardy, and the Balsam. Go where one will throughout the metropolis - both in urban and suburban districts, even in the most smoky parts - good examples of all these species are to be found. The Black Italian would seem to be a special favourite and widely recognised as a tree to plant where doubts exist as to the chances of other kinds being able to survive. Even in the sulphurous air of the Lambeth potteries, or where constantly subjected to the noxious fumes from the manufactories which surround the disused churchyard of St. Giles-in-the-Fields, this tree grows freely and has attained to large dimensions. Though valuable as a town tree, yet the Italian Poplar has its drawbacks in that the weighty branches are apt to get broken over in stormy weather or to snap across without warning during the growing season, thus proving a source of danger to the public or the neighbouring property. The Fastigiate Poplar, too, is one of the most popular of town trees, withstanding smoke well, growing rapidly, and soon forming a valuable screen fence at a moderate cost. There is no need to specify instances of where this upright-habited Poplar may be seen in London, it being one of the commonest trees and readily recognized by its compact growth. Being quite hardy, of moderate size, and deliriously fragrant, the Balsam Poplar is particularly suitable for planting in the town garden or square, and healthy, thriving examples may be seen at many points along the Commercial Road and other parts of the East End; while at Lambeth, Stratford, and in several of our more fashionable City squares it would seem to do well. Probably a drawback is the sticky leaves and buds, which are apt to collect dust.

The Ailanthus (A. glandulosa)

The Ailanthus (A. glandulosa) is another tree that is very widely planted throughout London, where it succeeds in a truly praiseworthy manner. In almost every district one meets with specimens of this tree, and, even in the chemically impure atmosphere of Lambeth and in close and confined areas where it is smothered with dust and soot and often exposed to excessive heat in Summer, the Ailanthus appears in all its glory and produces its ample bright green foliage in abundance. This tree should certainly be placed third on the list of such as are able to successfully battle with the impurities of our great city. To what a size it attains when planted in fairly good soil and allowed room for root and branch development may be seen in several of the squares in the north and west end of the metropolis-specimens fully 70 ft. high and as much in spread of branches being not uncommon. It reproduces itself freely from suckers.

The Indian Bean (Catalpa bignonioides)

The Indian Bean (Catalpa bignonioides) is another excellent tree for planting in London, and visitors know it well by the goodly specimens which may be seen at Westminster and other parts of the city. But wherever one travels in the great metropolis the Catalpa is to be seen, and many old specimens of large size are to be found in the East End and in some of our disused burying-grounds. At Lambeth it does well in company with the Ailanthus, and at Chelsea, where the air is by no means pure, excellent examples of the tree may be seen. When the atmosphere was not so foul as at present, the Elm was recognized as a suitable tree for every part of London, and the fine old examples in the grounds of Fulham Palace and at Aldgate testify to the size to which it attained. The Fulham trees were planted, as before stated, when the atmosphere was comparatively free from impurities, and it is questionable whether nowadays specimens of equal size could be produced. There are, however, many good examples of both the English and Wych Elm in the outskirts of London. The Weeping Dutch Elm would appear to be more suitable for town planting than the species, and is much used in cemeteries and small grounds throughout the metropolis. One of the largest specimens is growing in the grounds of the Royal Botanical Society of London, while several of smaller size, but in robust health, may be seen in the flower garden at Regent's Park. Other good examples may be seen at the Mint entrance to the gardens of the Tower of London, at Holborn, and in Bloomsbury Square. It forms a useful arbour tree, and, being of neat, confined growth, and bearing pruning well, is to be recommended for positions where space is confined and where larger-growing trees would be out of place. Than the Weeping Ash few trees would appear better suited for planting in London. Almost everywhere one meets with it: within a stone's throw of Liverpool Street Railway Station, where hemmed in by bricks and mortar, at Holborn Viaduct, in the foul air of old Paddington Cemetery, or in the equally tainted atmosphere of Mark Lane and Billingsgate; and in every position its healthy appearance would indicate that it is one of the best trees for withstanding the combined effects of heat, dust, and smoke. In connexion with the Weeping Ash, it is a somewhat curious fact that distinct varieties of certain trees are decidedly better suited than the species for planting as town trees, and as instances we may point out the London Plane, which is a well-marked and distinct variety of the Eastern Plane, the Weeping or Dutch Elm, and the Weeping Ash, all of which are preferable to the parent plants for withstanding the effects of an impure town atmosphere. Being of not too rampant growth and an excellent bower tree, this Weeping Ash has been largely planted in the squares and gardens of London, while its graceful weeping habit has made it a favourite tree for the graveyard or cemetery.