THE POPLAR.

THERE are many kinds of Poplar, but the beautiful tree which springs up so tall and slender, in a spiral form, and waves so gracefully with the wind, is called the Italian Poplar. Though its timber be poor, it has the advantage of growing rapidly. It is a great ornament to grounds and habitations, and has much the same effect as the fir when seen at a distance among other trees; for, possessing a different character to them, it greatly relieves the scene by the contrast it affords. It thrives in marshy places, so that ground of little value may be rendered productive by planting it with poplars. The Abele is a beautiful kind of poplar, with a silvery down on the under side of its leaves; and the Aspen is remarkable for its quivering leaves, which, hanging on long slender stalks, are set trembling by the slightest breeze. The Black Poplar differs but little from the white, though its colour is darker.

THE WILLOW.

THIS tree is too peculiar and graceful not to attract the attention of all who gaze upon it. There are different kinds. The Osier supplies us with twigs for wicker-work. The White Willow loves

the water, and if you have ever noticed its leaves when the passing wind turned up their silvery under sides, glistening in the sun, you must have been delighted. But of all kinds of willow, the Weeping Willow is the most lovely and arresting: it bends over the smooth surface of the shining lake; it shows itself in the winding brooks, and its long, slender, perpendicular branches hang down to the edge of the water. A cascade, a fountain, and a rural seat, all have an air of elegance when this tree is bending over them. As the willow gently bends its graceful boughs, so may we show a humble and unassuming behaviour.

THE TEAK TREE.

THE Oak of old England supplies the best timber for building ships; but as so many of the ancient forests have been cut down, making way for the spread of population and husbandry, it has been necessary to look around to find a substitute for oak timber; for the construction of a ship consumes an amazing number of trees. Now, this country has large possessions in India, and Teak trees grow there in immense forests. The timber of these trees is very strong and durable, and supplies the place of oak. The number of ships now built of teak timber is great, and most likely will increase. The teak tree has often been called the East Indian Oak, on account of its strength and durability; but it is very different in appearance to the oak, for its leaves are nearly two feet long, and it has a beautiful flower on its branches,

resembling the flower of the mahogany tree. If you were once to see the forests of teak trees on the banks of the river Irrawaddy, which is situated in the Birman country, you would be perfectly astonished. So high do the teak trees rise above the impenetrable jungles of that country, that they look like one forest growing above another. Whether we turn our attention to the animal, the mineral, or the vegetable world, we see so many wonders, that we may say with grateful admiration," How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders!" Dan. iv. 3. "Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord," Psa. cl. 6.

THE APPLE TREE.

THE Apple tree is by far the most useful of all fruit trees that grow in England ; for it not only produces a plentiful supply of delicious fruit for puddings, pies, and the dessert table, but also furnishes us with the pleasant beverage called cider, which is in some counties more in use than malt liquor. The timber of this tree is not much in request; and, if it were, the tree is too valuable on account of its fruit, to be felled for the advantage of the joiner and carpenter. This tree will bear to a good old age; nor is it an uncommon sight to see it laden with fruit, when its trunk is almost decayed away. It is of all sizes, from three to twenty feet high; its leaves, of a yellowish green, are broad in proportion to their length, and its blossom a beautiful white tinged with red.