In a message dated 7/19/00 10:49:48 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [log in to unmask]
writes:

<< I find that poplar that is available today is very prone to decay, not at
all the
 same as old growth. >>

 Unfortunately most poplar sold today is from re-growth timber and has a high
volume of sapwood. The local Amish sawyers call it "Hickry" poplar and are
likely not to mention it don't hold a candle to good ol' yeller. As with
white oak (if it includes sapwood), it's useless outdoors if untreated.

Some beech!