The Canada or Balm of Gilead Poplar is more frequent by our waysides
than any other species. It is a tree of the first magnitude, attaining a
great size in the bole as well as a superior height. It is distinguished
by its large leaves, of a bright glossy verdure, and its long branches,
always subordinate to the central shaft, which may be traced nearly to
the summit of the tree. Before the leaves begin to expand, the buds are
covered with a yellow glutinous balsam, that diffuses a peculiar and
very penetrating but agreeable odor, unlike any other. Sir John Franklin
remarks that this tree constitutes “the greatest part of the drift
timber observed on the shores of the Arctic Sea.” It has a very wide
geographical range, extending from Canada to the Missouri River, and is
in many places called the Ontario Poplar. It is abundant in the northern
woods, but is found in the southern parts of New England only by the
roadsides and in the enclosures of dwelling-houses. The balsam is
gathered in all parts of the country as a healing anodyne, and for many
ailments it is a favorite remedy in domestic medicine; but no place has
yet been assigned to it in the pharmacopœias. All the poplars produce
more or less of this substance. It is very different from turpentine,
more agreeable when perceived in the air, but pungent and disagreeable
to the taste.